09/16/2010
Date: 9/17/2010
The Access Fund is proud to support three projects with over $13,000 towards stewardship and start-up costs to complete the second round of the Access Fund Climbing Preservation Grant Program in 2010.
Southern Colorado CRAG – Organizational Start-up
A grant was awarded to Southern Colorado CRAG (SoCo CRAG) to help cover start-up costs to become a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The Southern Colorado front range features numerous crags on private property. In their first year, SoCo CRAG has been highly active, improving and establishing positive relationships with landowners to protect threatened areas and to open new access. The organization’s 501(c)(3) status will help with fundraising and future land conservation projects.
Muir Valley Nature Preserve – Emergency Access and Maintenance Road Improvements
A grant was awarded to Muir Valley Nature Preserve to improve the emergency access and maintenance road, which was washed out by flash floods in recent years. The landowners, Rick and Liz Weber, invest substantial time and funding towards stewarding and maintaining this private preserve for public climbing access year after year. Road repairs are critical for ongoing public access and for providing rapid emergency response if a climber is injured. Friends of Muir Valley are matching funds with rescue equipment and volunteer labor.
Yosemite Climbing Association – 2010 Yosemite Facelift
The Yosemite Climbing Association (YCA) was awarded a grant to support stewardship efforts at the 2010 Yosemite Facelift. The 7th Annual Yosemite Facelift is scheduled September 22-26, attracting climbers from around California, the nation, and the world to pitch in during this important park-wide cleanup.