The SLCA, in partnership with the Salt Lake Ranger District (SLRD) of the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Wasatch Legacy Project, has reached a major milestone with the release of the scoping notice  for the Grit Mill and Climbing Master Plan Project in lower Little Cottonwood Canyon. This project affects the majority of the bouldering and roped climbing on Forest Service lands north of State Highway 210 between the Little Cottonwood Park and Ride lot and the Grit Mill.

The SLCA’s vision for the outcome of this project is the development of sustainable access to the crags and boulders that takes into account the needs for centralized, transit-friendly trail-heads, traffic safety, and watershed protection. We support the removal of the Grit Mill and the rehabilitation of the surrounding area as it has become an attractive nuisance and target for vandalism.
Please refer to the scoping notice for more details of the draft proposed action.

For the past decade, the SLCA has been, and will continue to be a proponent in the planning and implementation of this project on behalf of climbers, but we need your help. During this initial scoping period, from now until June 14^th, it is important that YOU, as a member of the climbing community, contribute scoping comments to the USFS. They are looking to the public to help shape the proposed action and additional alternatives for analysis as part of an Environmental Assessment (EA) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It is important to understand that this is step one in a process that will include another 30-day scoping period later this summer where a preferred action will be proposed.

The SLCA will be posting our comments to the Forest Service during this scoping period which you can use to help formulate your own responses. In the meantime, please let us know your thoughts and opinions on the proposed action. After all, the SLCA is here to represent the climbing community. Please send comments to SLCA Execuitive Director, Julia Geisler, or to the USFS. The SLCA woud be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Come out to our 4th Annual Black Diamond Sponsored Fundraiser May 30th 6-10pm to give comment as well. Thank you.

Give your 2cents.

Fill out the SLCA Input Survey .

Give your name and contact info at the end of the survey for a chance to win some cool gear.

Salt Lake Climbers Alliance, Joe’s Valley Latrine Project:

Joe’s Valley is an increasingly popular bouldering destination with hundreds of established routes; currently, no human waste management program exists at the area. The Salt Lake Climbers Alliance plans to use its Cornerstone funds to install two seasonal latrines to help alleviate environmental impacts from human waste.

Support your favorite non-profits November 16th for Live PC Give PC. This is a community day of giving all conducted online. Click here for the SLCA. The SLCA welcomes you to join them November 16th from 7pm-midnight at High West Distillery in Park City as well for FREE food, live music, and the chance to donate to your local non-profits.

A group of University of Utah students are giving back to their climbing community by organizing Send to Defend . All proceeds will go towards the SLCA and Access Fund.

When: Saturday December 1st

Time: 4-9pm

Where: The Front Climbing Club 1450 South 400 West, Salt Lake City, UT

Details:  LYNN HILL Guest Speaker, Climbing, Free food, Live music, Gear giveaway, and much more!

Cost: Front Members: $10, College Students: $15, NonMembers: $18

Tickets: FrontSLC.com

Thanks to the American Alpine Club for awarding the SLCA $2,500 of Cornerstone Conservation Grant money to help pay for four more seasons of latrines at JOES VALLEY. If you use Joes, please help pay for these latrines by donating to the SLCA. The SLCA will match the AAC to cover the cost of these latrines.

The SLCA in partnership with Alpine Trails and the Draper Parks Department will be working Phase Two of the trail re-route this Saturday at the Red Rocks crag in Draper. We need your help. Under the direction of Alpine Trails, we will be bench cutting the re-routed trail.

When: Saturday, October 20^th, 2012. 10am

Where: Red Rock Trail Head, 14625 South 1100 East (Mike Weir Dr.)

Details: Bring water and gloves. Alpine Trails will supply tools. Please contact benblitch@gmail.com if you can come help with this project.