Backcountry announced it formed a new partnership with the not-for-profit rock climbing advocacy organization, Access Fund, to sponsor its Climbing Conservation Grant Program in support of local climbing areas.

“Backcountry recognizes the critical importance of conserving climbing environments, and the Access Fund’s Climbing Conservation Grant program is supporting the direct, imminent action at a local level,” said Backcountry CMO, Sarah Crockett.

The Climbing Conservation Grant Program “invests money directly into local climbing communities in the U.S. by funding projects that preserve or enhance climbing opportunities and conserve the climbing environment. The program funds a range of projects, including climbing area stewardship, climber education, acquisition of new climbing areas, research projects, and the organization and capacity-building of local climbing organizations.”

In place since the non-profit was founded in 1991, the Climbing Conservation Grants program has awarded “over $1.3 million to 411 projects that have helped local climbing communities and land managers protect and improve climbing areas.”

“We are proud to be working with Backcountry to fund local conservation and stewardship efforts around the country,” said Chris Winter, executive director, Access Fund. “Together, we will send even more money directly to local climbing communities to build sustainable trails, to buy new climbing areas and to educate and inspire climbing advocates to protect the places we love.”

Photo courtesy Access Fund