FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 05, 2007
Contact:
Robb Shurr, Access Fund
robb@accessfund.org
303.545.6772 x100
Access Fund Awards 100% of Applicants in 2nd 2007 Climbing Preservation Grant Round
The Access Fund continues its support of grassroots climbing advocacy and conservation projects by awarding 100% of the applicants in its second Climbing Preservation Grants cycle of 2007 for trail improvements, clean-up supplies, and Affiliate educational initiatives. Presented three times annually, these grants provide financial assistance for local climber activism and protection of the climbing environment in the United States.
The following grants were awarded this round:
Ely’s Peak Climbers Parking Lot, Trail & Kiosk, Duluth, MN
A grant was awarded to Access Fund Affiliate, Minnesota Climbers Association, for an access trail, parking lot, and kiosk construction at Ely’s Peak. A local Duluth crag, Ely’s Peak, has been a regional climbing destination for over 30 years. The new trail and parking lot will provide great access to the crags and cut the approach time in half. The kiosk will provide information about the natural and cultural history of the area and about minimum impact practices for climbers.
Yosemite Facelift 2007, CA
Access Fund Affiliate, Yosemite Climbers Association was awarded a grant to purchase materials for its fourth annual Yosemite Facelift September 26th-September 30th , 2007. This highly successful cleanup has doubled in size every year and has become the largest Adopt-a-Crag in the country. Last year’s cleanup had 1,157 volunteers that gathered over 25,000 pounds of trash. Climbers worked alongside other Park user groups creating friendships and respect outside the climbing community. The National Park Service recognized the event by awarding Ken Yager the prestigious Yosemite Award for his efforts in organizing the Facelift. Ken was also awarded the Access Fund Bebie Leadership Award for his work.