Take Action

Ask Your Senators To Promote Arctic Wilderness

Momentum has changed in Washington. There is optimism. There is hope. We finally have an opportunity to begin protecting America's Arctic instead of merely fending off the twin attacks of exploitation and destruction.

Some famous opponents of America's Arctic were removed from Washington in the last election. There are many new decision-makers from across the country - many who don't know how vital Arctic wilderness is. They need to know about your passion for protection if they are going to make the right decisions.

This is an opportunity - take advantage of it. Send a letter TODAY

Learn more at www.alaskawild.org

SUCCESS STORIES

Save Skaha

Access to Skaha Bluffs—a rare desert eco-system but also one of Canada’s premiere climbing destinations—is was guaranteed with an announcement on January 19, 2008 by The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC), the Government of British Columbia and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) that the deal to purchase a 304-hectare property adjacent to the Bluffs has been finalized.

"This is a great day for the climbing community and for conservation in Canada," said MEC CEO David Labistour. "We extend our gratitude to TLC for their hard work to pull the deal together and to all parties who contributed to the land purchase, including the federal and provincial governments, NCC, the Climbers’ Access Society of BC and the hundreds of MEC members who donated to the campaign."

Local climber and guidebook author Howie Richardson said, "This is truly a landmark deal, the culmination of 20 years of effort that came to fruition because of the shared vision and generosity of many individuals and organizations. Climbers and conservationists will be elated that they and their children are now assured of enjoying this jewel of the Okanagan in the future."

Read more about this at Alpinist.com

Laurel Knob

Laurel Knob is a a chunk of granite in North Carolina. It's 1200 feet tall and if it was stripped of its surrounding deciduous trees, would look right at home among the domes of Tuolumne Meadows. It is the tallest crag east of the Mississippi, and for 30 years has attracted climbers drawn to the unusual water grooves that streak the face of the escarpment.

A mini-guide produced by Carolina Climbers Coalition describes routes from 5.8 to 5.11b (and a 5.11bX for those who like a bit more spice.) Nearly every route refers to climbing grooves, stepping over grooves, traversing grooves, or just plain groovin’, in reference to the rock’s most prominent features.

For much of the past 30 years, willingness to trespass has been an important skill for Laurel Knob climbers. The rock and 50 acres of forest at its base were in private hands. With the nearby mountain communities of Western North Carolina booming as they attract retirees and second-home owners, volunteers with the Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC) recognized a train wreck on the horizon. In 2005, CCC volunteer John Myers approached the property’s owner about selling Laurel Knob. Myers surely braced himself for an unrealistic asking price, or a flat rejection. But the stars aligned for Myers and the CCC. The owner needed cash, and said he’d accept $250,000 for Laurel Knob and the 50-acre forest at its base.

In 2007, the CCC cobbled together enough funding for a down payment, and raising the remaining purchase price through private and industry donations as well as help from the Access Fund.

Learn more at CarolinaClimbersCoalition.org

The Castleton Preservation Initiative

The Castleton Preservation Initiative was created to stop the sale and development of land in Castle Valley, Utah, with the goal of preserving Castleton Tower and surrounding areas. Black Diamond was the first company in the outdoor industry to back this effort. Our catalog has featured a story encouraging others to get involved, while employees have acted as advisors and strategists to the group. BD has contributed cash to the organization and helped the group in fund raising efforts to protect Castle Valley.

www.castlerockcollaboration.org

(801) 463-6156

Red Mountain Project

Working with the Trust for Public Land (TPL), the goal of the Red Mountain Project is to purchase and protect 11,000 acres of private mining claims and other public land holdings in the Telluride, Ouray and Silverton triangle. In fall 2002, Black Diamond featured a piece in our ice climbing catalog encouraging readers to get involved. BD contributes financially to the Red Mountain Project.

www.tpl.org

(303) 837-1414