Risk Management & Landowner Support
Securing climbing access on private land.
Risk. Liability. Lawsuits. The fear associated with these three little words prevents many landowners from opening their property to climbing. But the perception of risk associated with climbing is largely overstated and misunderstood. And risk can be easily managed when climbers and landowners work together.
Pinnacle Boulders, New York. Ancestral lands of Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga and Kanienʼkehá:ka. © Joe Sambataro
At Access Fund, we partner with private and public landowners on strategies to mitigate both real and perceived risks of climbing—giving them the confidence and protections they need to open their land to public access.
How We Make a Difference
When it comes to managing the risk associated with climbing, we help navigate the layers of liability protections for landowners, including state recreational use statutes, case law, waiver systems, and other basic strategies.
Access agreements like recreational leases are another great tool for landowners who are considering opening their property to climbing. A typical access agreement sets up a temporary (but renewable) partnership between the landowner and a local climbing organization and incorporates risk management strategies, stewardship support, and basic climbing management practices.
Access Fund can help landowners and managers with viable options for public access that mitigate risk and liability. Contact us at landownersupport@accessfund.org to discuss partnership opportunities.
None of the information on this site should be considered legal advice. The above information was not drafted by an attorney. This information is, in our experience, a set of best practices. However, it is not a substitute for qualified legal counsel. It is always advisable to consult a licensed attorney when developing your own risk management strategy.
