John Miller is the president of Upper Peninsula Climber’s Coalition (UPCC) and a leading figure in Michigan’s climbing advocacy scene. Equally stoked to clip bolts, plug gear, and swing an ice tool, John’s advocacy efforts extend to all climbing opportunities in the UP.
John climbing on Preque Isle, Upper Peninsula, Michigan. Ancestral lands of Oma͞eqnomenew-ahkew (Menominee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ. © Angela Miller
Most recently, John led the efforts to permanently protect Slugg’s Bluff, Michigan’s first climber-owned property. The 10 acres of undeveloped land host a range of climbing on an 80-foot tall cliffline, along with other recreational opportunities. John’s efforts to protect and conserve the land in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are a credit to climbers everywhere and a benefit to Michigan’s recreation community.
Five Questions for John
What’s your favorite cause in climbing advocacy right now?
Climbing has grown in popularity in recent years, which is rad. My favorite aspect of climbing advocacy right now is that while increased usage creates new challenges, it also creates new opportunities. The ones keeping me engaged right now are keeping our crags accessible and well maintained, helping new climbers (who often come from the gym scene) learn how to be responsible stewards for the environment and our crags, and leveraging the increased volume of climbers to fundraise and do cool things.
What does it mean to you to be a climbing advocate?
For the first 15+ years I climbed, I was largely focused on myself (which is hard to admit). I took for granted all the work folks did to keep climbing areas maintained, opened, safe, and inclusive for others to use. It finally hit me that I had been coasting and needed to give back. So, for me, being an advocate is a way to give back to a community, landowners, partners, and a sport that has been an integral part of my life.
What’s your advice to new advocates?
Get involved! Go to your LCO’s meetings; go to your local adopt-a-crag events; reach out to your LCO and ask how you can help. Without volunteers and advocates, rad things would not happen. Advocacy is very multi-faceted, and many different skill sets are needed. We all have something to contribute.
What excited you the most about getting into the advocacy world?
As a lawyer, I enjoy the legal aspects of the work—such as acquiring Slugg’s Bluff or working with landowners to manage legal exposure.
Who is another climbing advocate whose work is really inspiring you right now?
I am bad at following directions at times, so I would like to include two.
First—Bill Thompson. Bill is one of the founders of UPCC and currently serves as treasurer. He is also the organizer of Michigan Ice Fest, the oldest ice climbing festival in the US. He is also one of the owners of a local outfitter and guide company. Through all these organizations, he has grown and supported climbing in the UP in an extraordinary way.
Second—Sam Elias. Sam is a Michigander originally. He has continued to give back to the UP climbing scene. His City-to-Crag Tour spent a lot of time here, and he is a fixture at the Michigan Ice Fest—where he teachers many clinics and gives back to the community. He works really hard to make this sport more accessible and inclusive.