I just got a shot of motivation listening to The Climbing Advocate Podcast with Ashlee Milanich, executive director of the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition. One of her insights: "Use your community. Communicate with other local climbing organizations, and with larger organizations, to figure out how we can make all of our small priorities a big priority." That gets to the heart of Access Fund’s local support work. Whether it’s this newsletter, a webinar, one of our regional or national summits, or one-on-one work with you on a project, we aim to unite and inspire a national network of local climbing advocates. That’s what this past spring’s regional summit in Wisconsin was all about. And it’s why we’re already looking forward to our National Climbing Advocacy Summit in Seattle this October. We’ve got the agenda up, and we hope to see you there! Until then, have a great summer.

Zachary Lesch-Huie
National Affiliate Director

Tickets on Sale: Seattle Climbing Advocacy Summit

We are two and a half months out from our next Climbing Advocacy Summit in Seattle. On October 11 and 12, Access Fund will convene climbing advocates from across the country for a day and a half of workshops and networking. Join the largest national gathering of climbing advocates to discuss the future of climbing and what we can do to protect our favorite crags. Our last National Climbing Advocacy Summit sold out quickly, so please purchase your tickets ASAP. Early bird-tickets are only $25 through August 26 and then $35 after that. Check out more information at accessfund.org/2019annualsummit.

Ghiselli Scholarship Opportunity

Jim Ghiselli was an early Access Fund advocate who felt strongly that being a climber meant being part of a community—sharing friendship, passion, and knowledge with new and seasoned climbers alike. That’s why when Jim passed away in 2015, those closest to him helped Access Fund to establish a scholarship fund that provides assistance for climbing advocates who need help to attend climbing advocacy summits. The Jim Ghiselli Scholarship Fund is currently open for applications to assist with travel to Access Fund’s National Climbing Advocacy Summit in Seattle this October. We especially encourage people who will contribute to the diversity of the climbing advocacy movement to apply. For more details and the application, visit accessfund.org/2019annualsummit.

Midwest Summit a Big Success

We’re still flying high from meeting and reconnecting with LCOs and advocates this past May at our Midwest Regional Climbing Advocacy Summit in Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin. Midwestern LCOs and climbing advocates are going strong, and doing amazing work! If you missed the regional summit, not to worry. You can still take it all in. A write-up, event podcast, photos, and slide decks from all workshops are here. Big thanks again to Wisconsin Climbers Association and all supporting sponsors, partners, and presenters.

Top BLM-Managed Climbing Areas

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently partnered with Access Fund and Mountain Project to create an interactive map of the best climbing areas on BLM land. We're psyched to see a federal land management agency embrace and promote climbing in this way, and create such a cool resource for the community. This map can help climbers plan for trips, and offers great information including BLM office contact information, toilet details, and much more. Pick out your next climbing destination here.

Movers & Shakers

Friends of Joshua Tree
Friends of Joshua Tree (FOJT) is the newest addition to our joint member program, making it easier for members to support both Access Fund and FOJT with one membership. FOJT has been advocating for climbers in Joshua Tree National Park since 1991 and acts as the liaison between climbers and the NPS.
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Helena Climber's Coalition
Helena Climber’s Coalition (HCC) signed on as an affiliate LCO, formalizing their partnership with Access Fund. This group focuses on caring for climbing areas within an hour of downtown Helena, Montana, and works to unite climbers to promote stewardship, maintain access, and create positive outdoor experiences.
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Rumney Climbers' Association
We've kicked off the Restore Rumney stewardship initiative at this world-class destination in New Hampshire. Throughout the planning and implementation process, Rumney Climbers’ Association has worked to identify areas in need, raise funds, and recruit volunteers.
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New in the Resource Center

• Get the latest update on Texas policy in the new Climbing Advocate Podcast.
• Check out our newly released webinar on how land managers and climbers can work together on climbing management.
• Climbers are a growing economic force. Take a look at the proof in these economic surveys.