2003

APRIL# 51

Letter from Steve MatousRecently I met with the Executive

Directors from American Whitewater,

the International Mountain Bike

Association, and American Hiking to dis-

cuss the issues and concerns facing

each of our organizations. Though we

focus on different sports, each of us

represented some form of human pow-

ered recreation, and it was interesting

to note similarities in our perspectives

on access, fees, overcrowding, steward-

ship, environmental issues, and the

needs of our communities in pursuit of

our respective missions. The Access

Fund represents the nearly one million

active rock, ice, and mountain climbers

in the USA, but human powered recre-

ation involves closer to 90 million peo-

ple. Together, we have shared vision of

open access and freedom to pursue our

respective activities. We have joint

responsibility for our shared public lands

and waterways, and need to provide

stewardship of those resources.

We do this for you — climbers who

support our grassroots work, our relation-

ships with decision makers, and our mis-

sion. We want you to be involved, to take

responsibility for your precious resources,

to volunteer, and to go climbing!

2

EDITORIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 2

POLICY UPDATE . . . . . . . p. 3-4, 9

AREA REPORTS Regional accessnews across the nation . . . . . p. 5-9

MEET THE ACCESS FUND . . . p. 10

LETTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 12

KICKIN ACCESS 2002 THANKS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 13

CORPORATE PARTNERS . . . . p. 14

EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 15

www.accessfund.org

phone: 303-545-6772

address: P.O. Box 17010

Boulder, CO 80308

The Access Fund is a national, nonprofitorganization dedicated to keeping climbingareas open & conserving the climbing envi-ronment. Since its incorporation in 1990,the Access Fund has provided more than$1 million for climbing conservation andeducation across the US. We’ve paid forland purchases, climbers’ campgrounds,educational brochures, toilets, signs, andscientific research on climbers’ impact onbirds of prey and cliff-dwelling plants. Formore information, please contact us:

Vertical Times is the membership newslet-ter of the Access Fund published six timesa year in February, April, June, August,October, and December. Authorizing organi-zation: The Access Fund, 2475 Broadway,Boulder, CO 80304.

This issue date: April 1, 2003. Volume#51. Price: $35/year.

Editorial Director: John HeiselEditors: Kate Cavicchio, Kerry Cowan,and Steve Matous

Cover: Unknown climber experiences “Fearand Loathing” at Red Rocks, one of thenation’s most endangered climbing areas.The AF is advocating at Red Rocks tooppose a potential housing development.

Photo courtesy of Mark Kroese.

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2003 TOP 10ENDANGERED

CLIMBING AREAS

The Access Fund isworking to preserve or restoreaccess to each of these impor-tant climbing areas. Suchefforts require time andexpense. We need your sup-port and activism to succeed.

Criteria for “Endangered” Areas:• Area has regional or national signifi-cance.• Area where increased climber aware-ness, education, stewardship, andinvolvement can make a positive differ-ence in preserving access.• Area where increased dialogue andcooperation with land manager canmake a positive difference in preservingaccess.• Area faces unreasonable restrictionsor closures due to:

-Land use planning and policy changes-Presence of cultural resources and endangered species

-Overuse and impacts to natural resources

-Development pressure

Endangered” Areas1. Cave Rock, NV. POSSIBLE CLO-SURE. Working to prevent discriminato-ry closure of Lake Tahoe's premier sportclimbing crag.

2. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site,

TX. RESTRICTIONS. Improving accessthrough conservation grants and directadvocacy.

3. Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT.

POSSIBLE CLOSURES. Supporting SaltLake Climbers’ Alliance in negotiationswith the LDS church to ensure contin-ued access to Gate Buttress and otherchurch owned land.

4. Little River Canyon, AL. POSSIBLECLOSURE. Supporting SoutheasternClimbers’ Coalition efforts to address

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Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, Texas

Flatirons, Colorado

Twin Sisters, Idaho

•List continued on next page

JOHN

BAR

STOW

JOHN

HEI

SEL

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ENDANGERED CLIMBING AREAS

4

Access Fund BoardPresident

Dave Rosenstein, NJVice President

Mark Kroese, WASecretary

Andy Carson, WYTreasurer

Leslie Brown, WA

Board of DirectorsLance Brock, TNMary Cablk, NV

Tommy Caldwell, COKen Cline, CO

Keith Cole, Washington, DCMalcolm Daly, CO

Andy Fitz, WAJeff Holt, NJ

Pat Jodice, ORGene Kistler, WV

Sam Lightner, Jr.,WYMarte Lightstone, NM

Bob Margulis, WAChris McNamara, CA

John Myers, NYDan Nordstrom, WA

Kurt Smith, TXShannon Stuart Smith, KY

Jeff Widen, CO

Honorary Board MembersMichael Kennedy, CO

Armando Menocal, WYBill Supple, VT

A c c e s s F u n d S t a f fExecutive Director

Steve Matous . . . steve@accessfund.org

Development DirectorHeather Clark. .heather@accessfund.org

Access & Acquisitions DirectorShawn Tierney. . shawn@accessfund.org

Policy DirectorJason Keith. . . . .jason@accessfund.org

Publications DirectorJohn Heisel. . . . . .john@accessfund.org

Membership DirectorKerry Cowan. . . . .kerry@accessfund.org

Event CoordinatorKate Cavicchio. . . . .kate@accessfund.org

Office ManagerCindy Trotter. . . . cindy@accessfund.org

5. The Flatirons, CO. POSSIBLERESTRICTIONS / CLOSURES. Workingclosely with Boulder Open Space andMountain Parks Department to identifya reasonable fixed anchor policy andbouldering access.

6. Skytop Cliff, the Gunks, NY.

CLOSED. Efforts to open this area havenot been successful due to insuranceconstraints and liability concerns of thelandowner.

7. Red River Gorge, KY. POSSIBLECLOSURES. Working closely with theRed River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition toaddress cultural and natural resourceimpact issues.

8. Red Rocks, NV. POSSIBLE FIXEDANCHOR BAN

Red Rocks, Nevada

JOHN

HEI

SEL

•continued on page 9

SOUTHEAST

North CarolinaClimbers Honor Veteran

Friend and Advocate

The Carolina Climbers'Coalition (CCC) is teaming upwith the Boone Climbers'Coalition, the Pisgah

Climbers' Association, and the AccessFund to honor Tommy Wagoner, a 30year veteran of the North Carolina ParkService. During his career asSuperintendent of Hanging Rock StatePark, Mr. Wagoner developed positiverelationships between climbers and parkofficials, developed the first ClimbingManagement Plan in the Carolinas, andcontinually advocated on behalf ofclimbers. Mr. Wagoner listened toclimbers' suggestions and concerns, ledtrail building and conservation activities,and hosted, with the CCC, an Adopt-a-Crag Day event in the park.

Always a friend to climbers, "Mr.Wagoner is a model for all park superin-tendents," said Mr. Michael Pinkston,CCC president, "It has been a greatpleasure to work with Tommy."

MIDWEST

Mount Rushmore, SD — "CodeOrange" alert affects access toclimbing (Report submitted by Duane Martenson, AFRegional Coordinator)

Climbers should park at the WrinkledRock and Chopping Block areas, and notalong the road or the South Seas area.The main mass of Rushmore is off lim-its, including the EmancipationRockphormation. Routes that are offlimits include Garfield Goes toWashington, Read my Clips, PB & J,The Engagement, Five Card Draw, andothers. Marker area and west is open.

If in doubt as to whether you can parkor climb in a certain area, go to a differ-ent area where you are sure.

WEST

Access Fund Receives Award fromCity of Boulder Open Space

In December, City of Boulder OpenSpace and Mountain Parks awarded theAF a certificate for outstanding work inthe Open Space and Mountain ParksStewardship Program during 2002. TheAF received the award for our involve-ment during the past few years withclimbing management and conservationprojects in the Flatirons, including thePebble Rock Restoration project inNovember, 2002.

5

Access Fund Treasurer Leslie Brown

breaks from business to sample some

Texas syenite. The AF held its winter

Board Meeting at Hueco Tanks in

February. During the weekend, staff and

board members met with local climbers

and Park Ranger John Moses concerning

climbing at Hueco Tanks. A complete

report will follow in Vertical Times #52.

•continued on next page

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Gross Reservoir, CO -- PopularFront Range Bouldering AreaClosed

Denver Water (DW) officially closedGross Reservoir (a.k.a., Damnation) inthe last week of January. The boulderingarea was located on Boulder CountyOpen Space property, which was beingleased from the BLM. DW, Colorado'slargest water utility company recentlyacquired the property. According to DWofficials, the property was acquired toconsolidate management of the utilitycompany's holdings in the vicinity of thedam. The officials also cited "heightenedsecurity concerns" near the dam as areason for the acquisition. The AccessFund has not been able to reach anagreement with the utility company toallow bouldering.

Climbers should refrain from usingthis area, as Denver Water plans toaggressively ticket trespassers.

South Platte, CO — Forest ServiceExtends Closure in Hayman Burn Area

The Forest Service has extended theclosure of the Hayman Fire Burn area foran "indefinite" period, although it isexpected that some areas will re-openby mid-March. Because the closureaffects access to many popular climbinglocations in the South Platte, the AccessFund and Regional Coordinator JeffAchey have urged the Forest Service tore-open areas that were the least affect-ed by the burn, such as Turkey Rocks.Further information about the closurecan be obtained by contacting the PikeNational Forest Supervisors office at719-553-1400.

Bear Lake Road ReconstructionProject, RMNP, Colorado(Report submitted by Greg Sievers)

From May 1 to October 31, 2003 andMay 1 to October 31, 2004 the roadfrom Sprague Lake to Bear Lake will beaccessible by shuttle bus only. Visitorsmay drive to Sprague Lake, however,there is no shuttle bus stop at SpragueLake. Starting on May 1, the shuttle busfrom the Park-and-Ride to Bear Lake willrun from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every30 minutes, daily. The bus that makes

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the roundtrip between the Park-and-Rideand the Fern Lake bus stop will runfrom 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every 20minutes daily.

There are options for alpine-startclimbers who feel that 5:00 a.m. is notearly enough. There is a trail that leadsfrom Sprague Lake to Glacier GorgeJunction. It is approximately 3 miles.Climbers could park at the Sprague LakeParking Area and hike in. The otheroption would be to get a backcountrypermit or bivy permit and camp thenight before the climb. The backcountryoffice can provide more information(970-586-1242) about how to obtainthese permits.

Lost Rocks Bouldering, CA — How can we keep it alive?(Report submitted by Bennett Barthelemy)

A HIGH PROFILE AREA: Lost Rocks,once a little-known bouldering destina-tion, has suddenly become mainstream.The boulders have appeared in theMetolius gear catalog, on a Metolius t-shirt, in a Vbouldering spread, inRampage, on the cover of HumboldtState University's Newspaper, and inWild Humboldt Quarterly. Sadly, thepopularity of this beautiful, world-classbouldering area is threatening its

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Lost Rocks, California is located on

sacred land of the Yurok tribe and could

potentially be closed to climbing.

PHOT

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Y BE

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BART

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•continued on next page

access. Lost Rocks borders state andfederal lands, but lies entirely on YurokTribal land. With its recent fame, LostRocks is host to as many as 30 boulder-ers a day.

WHY IS IT THREATENED? The Yurokceremonial dance grounds are at thenorth end of the beach, at the mouth ofthe Wild and Scenic Klamath River, andnear a stunning pinnacle known asOragos, the guardian of the Salmon.Climbers have been asked not to boul-der on Oragos. Split Rocks, 3 milessouth, is also considered sacred and hasthus far been avoided by the majority ofclimbers in Northern California. It ispossible, though, that visiting and newclimbers may be unaware of the situa-tion. To help alleviate this concern,there is a locally available guide, whichexplains that Lost Rocks is on Yurokland, that boulderers must treadextremely lightly, and that certain forma-tions are off limits to climbing. TheYuroks have been extremely accommo-dating. They allow their children to boul-der with local climbers, they permit parkalong the road, and have granted camp-ing space those who have asked. Thetribe has been generous in allowingwide-open access to the boulderingarea, but is surely aware of the increas-

ing impacts of chalk, people, noise, cars,and trash.

WHAT CAN WE DO? Presently, theclimbing community has not yetapproached the Yurok Tribe regardingaccess and the appropriateness of boul-dering in certain areas. The past modelhas been to keep the area secret,which, because of Lost Rocks’ growingpopularity, is not a long-term solution.Climbers must be pro-active andapproach the Yurok before accessissues arise. Climbers should also workwith the state and federal land man-agers responsible for the bordering land.An Adopt-A-Crag-Day co-sponsored bythe Access Fund, local businesses, theYurok Tribe, and climbing gear manufac-turers, will be positive step towardseducational outreach, both to the com-munity and to those outside the area.

WHEN? July is prime bouldering sea-son at Lost Rocks, and would be aneffective time to bring the Yurok Tribe,the land agencies, and the climbingcommunity together. Ideally, discussionsregarding a climbing management planand signage in sensitive areas will beginimmediately.

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Volunteers work at the McConnells Mill Restoration Project in Pennsylvania. The

Access Fund supplied $7500 in materials for the event, organized by AF Regional

Coordinator Bob Value.

BOB

VALU

E

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Hollywood Hans Speeds toSports Basement Benefit

On April 9th, the Access Fund willteam up with Sports Basement andCLIF Bar to host a members-onlyevening. Access Fund members andone guest are invited to share food andbeer, receive a 10% discount on all pur-chases, and watch an entertaining slideshow by the worlds fastest climber,Hans Florine. A portion of the proceedsfrom the evening's sales will benefitthe Access Fund.

The private party begins at 6:30pmon April 9th at Sports Basement, 13016th St. San Francisco, CA 94107. Logonto www.sportsbasement.com fordirections. Free parking is available.

For more information about this excit-ing event please contact Heather Clark303-545-6772 x.100 or SophiaSteinaecker 415-437-0100 x.41. PleaseRSVP to sophia@sportsbasement.com.

Flatirons Climbing Council SeeksVolunteers

The Flatirons Climbing Council (FCC) andCity of Boulder Open Space & MountainParks have entered into an agreement thatpermits a pilot project for the placement ofnew fixed anchors on certain cliffs atDinosaur Mountain. The new routesshould be approved by the fall.

The FCC is forming a Fixed HardwareReview Committee, similar to that ofthe Action Committee for Eldorado. TheFCC intends to fill four positions.Interested parties should call DaveTurner at 303-860-9844.

•POLICY UPDATE continued from page 4•Area Reports continued from page 4

Correctional Institution:• Vertical Times #50 erroneouslythanked Steve Messina as the ownerof the Boston Rock Gym. Steve actual-ly owns the Prime Climb Rock Gym inWallingford, CT which sponsored aKickin Access event that raised $1300and brought in 28 members for the AF.

• Black Diamond was incompletely listedon the Corporate Partners page inVertical Times #50. Their correct title isBlack Diamond Equipment/Bibler-Scarpa.

AND ENCROACHMENT OF PRIVATEDEVELOPMENT. Working inWashington D.C. to develop a reason-able BLM fixed anchor policy; advocat-ing at the county level to oppose privatehousing development.

9. Twin Sisters, City of Rocks

National Reserve, ID. CLOSED.Working to restore access through legal,political, and administrative channels.

10. Volcanic Tableland, CA. POSSIBLECLOSURES / RESTRICTIONS. Workingclosely with the BLM to address camp-ing, trails, and archeological site protec-tion at this popular bouldering area.

Access Fund to Host “Climbers for

Political Action”

On May 15, the Access Fund willhost the first ever Climbers for PoliticalAction (CPA) media event at Great FallsPark, outside Washington, DC. Thisgroundbreaking occasion is intended toimprove relations between climbers andgovernment, and galvanize climberactivism in support of legislation andregulatory initiatives that benefit climb-ing in the United States.

The event will attempt to educatemembers of Congress, Congressionalstaff, officials from federal resourcemanagement agencies, and leadingenvironmental organizations about recre-ation issues and values, as well asefforts by the climbing community tosupport important conservation causes.

CPA will strive accomplish thesegoals: (1) Provide a forum for legisla-tors and agency officials to speak onpublic lands policies; (2) Help theAccess Fund expand its network ofcontacts and relations in Washington;and (3) Raise awareness about climb-ing and climber-supported legislation.For more information, contact AccessFund Policy Director Jason Keith atjason@accessfund.org.

Steve Matous - Executive DirectorProvides leadership and manages theoperations of the Access Fund. Specificfocus includes: working with the board tofulfill our mission; budgeting, auditing andall financial matters; personnel policies andemployment; marketing and external com-munications; development; and workingwith all of our supporters. (With the AFsince 2002).

Heather Clark - Development DirectorRuns the Access Fund's Developmentdepartment. She writes grants, and man-ages our corporate program, organizes ourinvolvement with trade shows, managesour stock and planned giving program andmajor gifts solicitation. (1998)

Shawn Tierney - Access and AcquisitionsDirectorWorks on land acquisitions, responds toclimbing area closures and accessissues, handles insurance and liabilityissues, coordinates the grants program,helps with grassroots organizing and theformation of local climber organizations,and is the contact for our ActionNetwork of Regional Coordinators. (2000)

Jason Keith - Policy DirectorWorks on climbing policy/regulations, legislative/

regulatory analysis issues, climbing manage-ment policy, raptor/climbing issues, and fixedanchor replacement. He is the contact for landmanagers and environmental groups. (2001)

John Heisel - Publications Director Coordinates the Vertical Times, AF E-News, member publications, advertising,website, logo requests, and print produc-tion. (2000)

Kerry Cowan - Membership DirectorHandles membership issues, the renewal pro-gram, direct mail / member education cam-paigns, member benefits, and memorials.(1998)

Kate Cavicchio - Event CoordinatorOrganizes Access Fund events, coordi-nates Adopt-a-Crag Day, and manages theCommunity Partners Program. (2001)

Cindy Trotter - Office ManagerHandles membership inquiries, addresschanges, retail merchandise orders, mail-ing issues and accounts payable/ receivable. (2002)

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Vertical Times Complemented by PDF Version"Vertical Times," the Access Fund's bimonthly print newsletter, provides up-to-date

news on policy, area reports, events, action alerts, grants, and more. It is a benefit to

members and non-members alike — if you are not a member, please join at

www.accessfund.org. Indeed it is a benefit to the entire climbing community. The AF is

now offering this unique publication electronically to decrease printing and mailing

costs, thus allocating more funds to protect YOUR CLIMBING FUTURE. If you choose to

take part in this effort, and cease shipment of the Vertical Times to your home, please

email your name/address to cindy@accessfund.org with "Remove Vertical Times" as

the subject.

Presently, over 300 members have chosen our online option — a savings to the Access

Fund of $900 per year to be utilized in protecting YOUR CLIMBING FUTURE.

To view back issues of Vertical Times as PDF files, please visit:

www.accessfund.org/vertical_times

Clockwise from upper left: Kerry, Cindy, Shawn,Kate, Steve, Heather, Jason, John.

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Roadless Rule?

Could you giveme informationabout the AccessFund's policy on the

Roadless Area Conservation Rule?

Benjamin SchreiberVia Email

Jason Keith, Policy Director, Responds

The Access Fund does not have a for-mal position on the Roadless Rule perse. However, we have consistentlyadvocated for preserving the diversity ofclimbing experiences including thatfound in Wilderness, de facto or desig-nated. In the past, we have supportedthe establishment of federally designat-ed Wilderness to preserve this uniquetype of climbing experience, especiallywhere Wilderness regulation does notunreasonably interfere with human-pow-ered, low-impact recreational opportuni-ties such as climbing.

Our website says: "Support forWilderness preservation and wildlifehabitat is crucial to the future ofAmerican climbing. The Access Fundcollaborates with some of the country'sforemost environmental organizations,including the National Audubon Society,the Sierra Club, Wilderness Society, TheNature Conservancy, and National Parksand Conservation Association, on issuessuch as the use of fixed anchors inWilderness areas, the preservation oflands threatened by development, therole of local stewardship in protectingpublic lands, and the protection of nest-ing peregrine falcons and other cliff-dwelling wildlife."

Thus, in addition to protecting theunique experiences that can only befound in Wilderness, we can also workwith environmental groups when theyare fighting for Wilderness designation,and in return get their support for ourpositions where appropriate, such assupporting the Access Fund in our workto establish a reasonable policy for man-aging fixed anchors in designatedWilderness. By implementing theRoadless Rule, the US Forest Servicehas essentially established de factoWilderness, and thus for the same rea-sons we support designated Wilderness

we should, and do, support theRoadless Rule.

Open Letter to Climbing Community

We all climb for personal reasons, buthave one thing in common: we enjoythe places where we climb.

I am an ardent supporter of the effortsof the Access Fund and its members tominimize impact. Increasingly, I am sur-prised by what I see as disregard for con-servation among a small segment ofclimbers. Chalk marks left like graffiti,braided trails, and glaciers used aslatrines. Perhaps some are inevitable, butothers are careless expressions of a "mefirst" attitude.

I hope that most climbers will ulti-mately prioritize the conservation ofresources over the siren call of the per-sonal challenges of climbing. The climb-ing community is large enough now tohave a real detrimental impact on loca-tions — and to play an important role intheir management. This is a leadershipchallenge we should embrace.

Adopt-a-Crag Day is a wonderfulevent. Encouraging responsible behavioris a full time job. I think some climbersneed some parenting when it comes to"care and feeding of the climbing area."

Demonstrating superior stewardshipand consideration of all user groups willincrease climbers' ability to secure a placeat the policy table, and promote a goodidea. Here are the values I was taught bymy mentors, and that I try to follow:1. Make every effort to avoid irreparablychanging the character of the significantaspects of climbing locations. 2. Eliminate removable traces - trash,chalk marks, etc. whenever you can.3. Consult with land managers and othergroups on issues that affect impact.Place climbing interests on the samelevel as other user groups - neitherabove nor below. Recognize that climb-ing skill and experience do not translateto a greater right of enjoyment ofshared resources.4. Think about what you'd like the cragto look like in 25 years.

These suggestions could cause posi-tive changes in the climbing community.

Dan SuttonMedford, Mass.

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DIAMOND-$20,000+Black Diamond Equipment/

Bibler-Scarpa – 1991Climbing – 1991Galyan's – 1999

REI – 1991Rock & Ice – 1993

PLATINUM-$10,000+Nike ACG – 2002

Petzl/Charlet Moser – 1992prAna – 1995

The North Face – 1995

GOLD PLUS-$7,500+Cascade Designs/ Therm-a-Rest – 1995

CLIF Bar – 1995W.L. Gore – 1991

GOLD-$5,000+Campmor – 1991

Climb High/Mammut – 1991La Sportiva – 1994

Maxim Ropes – 1992Nalgene – 1992

Omega Pacific Mountaineering – 1992 Patagonia – 1992

The Spot Bouldering Gym – 2003Trango USA & Stonewear Designs – 1992

Weathered Stone – 1999

SILVER-$2,500+BlueWater – 1992

Boulder Rock Club – 1996Dana Designs – 2003

EMS – 2002FalconGuides – 1998

Gregory Mountain Products – 1993Kelty – 2001

Metolius – 1991Misty Mountain Threadworks – 1994

Mountain Gear – 1995Mountain Hardwear – 1996

New Belgium Brewing Co. – 2000Outpost Wilderness Adventure – 2001

Salomon – 2003Sterling Rope – 1994

Touchstone Climbing Inc. – 2002Vasque – 2003

MAJOR-$1,000+American Bouldering Series – 2000

Arc'teryx – 1998Asolo – 2003

Cloudveil Mountain Works – 1998Crazy Creek Products – 1992Lowe Alpine Systems – 1991

Jagged Edge Mountain Gear – 2000Marmot – 1999

Outdoor Research – 1999Phoenix Rock Gym – 1997

PMI – 1991Pusher/Cordless/S7 – 1998

Redpoint, Inc. – 2000Shoreline Mountain Products – 2001

Sports Basement – 2003Torrent Falls Bed & Breakfast – 2002

Yates Gear – 1993

CONTRIBUTING-$500+Advanced Base Camp – 1992

Alpine Ascents International – 1998All Terrain – 2003

Bearing Images – 2000ClimbingBoulder.com – 2001Excalibur DMM/Wild Country/

Red Chili USA – 1995Flannel Design – 2001

GoLite – 2002Montrail – 2002

Mountaineers Books – 1992Mountain Madness – 2000

Mountainsmith – 2003Mountain Tools – 1991

Nicros – 1997Osprey – 2003

Patitucci Photo – 2003Phoenix Bouldering Comp – 1997

Real Cheap Sports – 2003Royal Robbins – 1992

Saltic Climbing/Trekking – 2003Schwartz Communications, Inc. – 2003

Sickle Climbing – 2001Stone Age Climbing – 1997

Tom K. Michael, D.D.S., P.S. – 2000TirelessTrekker.com – 2002

Travel Country Outdoors – 2002 Ultimate Ascents International – 2003

Verve – 1996VooDoo Holds – 2001

MEDIA PARTNERS Alpinist - 2003Blue – 1997

Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine – 1997Camp4.com – 2002

ClimbXMedia.com – 2002Coreyography – 2002

Dan Bailey Photography – 2002Ousley Creative – 2001

Outside Magazine – 2002TexasClimbers.com – 2002

Vbouldering – 2001

A c c e s s F u n d C o r p o r a t e P a r t n e r sThe Access Fund Corporate Partnership program was initiated in 1991 and consists of

over 95 like-minded businesses that are dedicated to America’s climbing resources. Bypartnering with the AF, these companies are helping to conserve the climbing environ-ment. Many of these companies have stood by the Access Fund since the very beginning.After each partner’s name on the list below is the year they began their corporate support.Please endorse these companies for supporting the Access Fund and

Y O U R C L I M B I N G F U T U R E .

• 3/8 Hoover, AL - Chalky DreamsBouldering Competition at Moss RockPreserve - Lee Means (205) 566-7284• 3/8 El Paso, TX - 10th Annual RockRodeo - Rock Ranch (915) 855-0142• 3/28 Mammoth Lakes, CA - AlabamaHills Climbing Festival - Range of LightProductions (760) 935-4488 • 3/29 Carlisle, PA - Governor StableBouldering Competition - PennsylvaniaAlliance of Climbers (717) 241-9634 • 4/3 Greeley, CO - ClimbingCompetition - University of NorthernColorado (970) 371-1162• 4/5 Lincoln, NE - 6th Annual FlatlandClimbing Competition - NU ClimbingClub (402) 436-8955• 4/9 San Francisco, CA – Access FundMember Appreciation Party – SportsBasement (415) 437-0100• 4/10 Bloomington, IL - BoulderingCompetition - Upper Limits (309) 829-8255• 4/25 Tempe, AZ - 20th Annual PhoenixBouldering Contest – (480) 540-3486• 4/26 Towson, MD - Spring Cling -Towson University (410) 704-5361• 5/24 Bar Harbor, ME - 2nd AnnualAcadia Climbing Festival - AtlanticClimbing School (207) 288-2521

The Access Fund is fortunate for ourCommunity Partners and friends whohost fundraising events on our behalf.Special thanks to these generous busi-nesses, organizations, and people whowrapped up 2002 with a bang:

Newenglandbouldering.com - withmuch gratitude to Derek and Joe; Hansand Jacqueline Florine for your endlessenergy; the fabulous Deanne Buck andthe crew at Mountain Sports in Boulder;CLIMBMAX; the Tucson Climbers'Organization; Petzl USA and everyonewho took part in Roctrip in Bishop; thetown of Bishop for its graciousness dur-ing Roctrip; the Gainesville Rock Gym;the Bentgate, WildWalls, and MountainChalet for your support of the AccessFund through Globe Pequot Press;Rock'n &Jam'n; Vertical World; Vinnyand the gang at The Mountaineer;

Upper Limits; Rocknasium; Mike Libeckiand everyone who took part in his Altaextravaganza.

Multitudes of thanks, also, to ErinEddy, Jim Donini, Mountain Gear,Trango, and the town of Ouray, Coloradofor exceptional support of the AccessFund during the 2003 Ouray Ice Festival.Event participants and organizers helpedthe Access Fund raise nearly $5,000 injust a few days. Thanks everyone!

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Thanks

Event Beta

The Access Fund IntroducesAthlete Ambassadors and

RockStarsThe Access Fund proudly announces

the Athlete Ambassador Team, a core ofprofessional climbers who will publiclyrepresent the AF and reinforce our mis-sion of keeping climbing areas open andconserving the climbing environment.

Team members include: ConradAnker, Elaina Arenz-Smith, TommyCaldwell, Malcolm Daly, Jim Donini,Hans Florine, Charlotte Fox, Lynn Hill,Beth Rodden, Randy Leavitt, MikeLibecki, Scott Milton, Jared Ogden,Timmy O'Neil, Lisa Rands, Kurt Smith,Jack Tackle, Pete Takeda, RobbieWilliams, and Jonny Woodward.

In addition to the AthleteAmbassadors, the Access Fund alsoannounces the debut of the RockStars, ateam of young climbers who have madea commitment to the organization. TheRockStars are Megan Emmons, EmilyHarrington, and Adam Stack.

Climbers on both teams will promotethe Access Fund each time they are onthe rocks, at the boulders, and in themountains. They will educate the publicabout the Access Fund’s effective workat their slide shows, competitions, andbook and poster signings.

According to Heather Clark, AccessFund Development Director, “These ath-letes are leaders in the climbing worldand provide a crucial link between theAccess Fund and the greater climbingcommunity. We are delighted to havethem on board!”

The Access Fund PO Box 17010Boulder, CO 80308

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Vertical Times #51 April 2003

NON-PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDENVER, CO

PERMIT NO. 3188