access fund creates unique resource to benefit land managers worldwide

The Access Fund is proud to announce the publication of a unique 96-page handbook providing the first-ever overview of climbing issues and management approaches in the United States. Supported by a grant from Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), Climbing Management: A Guide to Climbing Issues and the Production of a Climbing Management Plan draws from the successful experiences of public land agencies and local climbing organizations.

The goal of this project is to share information and encourage greater consistency in climbing management in the US. Land managers are currently drafting critical management plans at such popular climbing areas as New River Gorge, WV, Indian Creek River Corridor, UT, Devils Tower National Monument, WY, and others. It will also form a valuable resource to groups tackling climbing management issues abroad.

Two years in the making, Climbing Management contains over 50 illustrations and previously unassembled information on topics such as climbing and cultural resource protection, bouldering management issues, practices to mitigate impacts to vegetation, liability, education and outreach. The document also contains 30 pages of appendices and a 10-page bibliography section. A summary and table of contents can be previewed at www.accessfund.org.

Climbing Management was written to meet the tremendous demand from land managers, land owners and climbing organizations in the US and increasingly from overseas who request climbing management information from the Access Fund. Given the growing popularity of climbing and outdoor recreation it is critical that management practices are in place to protect the unique cliff habitats while allowing for diverse climbing experiences. We hope land managers will reach for this before drafting plans affecting the climbing environment.

Copies of Climbing Management will be available to anyone working on climbing issues. A limited number of complimentary copies will be available for Access Fund regional coordinators, land managers, editorial reviewers, educators and local climbing organizations. Copies can be ordered from the Access Fund (303.545.6772) for $20.00 (shipping and handling included). Check or credit card payment methods are acceptable.