Season's Greetings! The Salt Lake Climbers' Alliance would like to wish you all Happy New Year. Please read on for some year-end news and announcements.

Egg Trail mini-project
On November 15 with the help of 13 volunteers, we were able to finish up the massive Egg Trail project that we began in the fall of 2008. This last phase consisted of building steps up the final section of the trail and improving drainage. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who made this happen. When things thaw out, please be sure to check out the improved trail and enjoy the great routes on the Egg, Hong Wall and the Coffin Buttress.

Wasatch Canyons Tomorrow Survey
Thanks to everyone who participated in this critical survey. Your feedback is very important and will help guide county planners in future Wasatch development. For updates on the planning process, please check out the thread on SLCA's "Projects and Feedback" forum.

We'd like to specifically thank the Front and Momentum for allowing us to use their gyms as bases to encourage climbers to participate in the survey (and we're grateful for the laptops the Front loaned us!). The outreach program wouldn't have worked without the help of a few valuable volunteers: Hilary Lufkin, Dave Budge, Rob Candland and George Poulton.

Possible Solitude Mountain Resort expansion into Silver Fork
Besides having great, easily accessible backcountry skiing, Silver Fork is also home to some new rock climbing routes (here and here). It was recently reported that Solitude Mountain Resort is trying to expand into Silver Fork. This potential privatization of public lands puts access to both climbing and backcountry skiing in this area in jeopardy. We will keep you informed as this issue develops.

Proposed Cottonwood Canyon development expansion
While not directly affecting established climbing areas, the undetermined future of the ongoing development at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon will likely diminish the undeveloped foothills of the canyon, increase traffic in and around the canyon and establish new zoning providing for further development. To learn more about the issue, please check out the article in the Salt Lake City Weekly .

There will be a Public Hearing on January 12 (exact time and location TBA). We'll keep you informed. Please take a moment to learn more and sign the petition urging Cottonwoods Heights to protect the foothills on Save Our Canyons' website.

SLCA Financial Data
In case you were curious, we've posted SLCA's financial information for 2007 and 2008.  If you have further questions please contact us. And if after reading and seeing our financial situation, you'd like to help us to continue the work we do, please donate and become a member.

What will it be like to climb in the Wasatch in 10 years?
Will we need permits to climb Pentapitch?
Will we have to take a bus to go bouldering?
A fee to park while climbing Steorts' Ridge?

The Wasatch Canyons Tomorrow survey is going to help set the framework for recreation land use in the Wasatch for the next 20 years. It's important that we as climbers let our voices be heard about issues that will have an impact on the our outdoor experiences. Wanna have a say?

The SLCA is partnering with the Front and Momentum to help spread the word about this important initiative. While taking a break, be sure to stop by one of the computers (thanks to the Front for loaning the computers), take the survey and learn more what the SLCA is doing and how you can get involved and help support us

More about the survey and the SLCA's role

The Wasatch Canyons Tomorrow process is your opportunity to help update Salt Lake County’s 1989 Wasatch Canyons Master Plan. This plan guides land-use policy for City Creek, Emigration, Red Butte, Parleys, Millcreek, Big Cottonwood, and Little Cottonwood Canyons.  Results from the survey may be used as a framework for the update of the Wasatch Canyons Master Plan which, along with the future revision of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest Plan, will guide the management of the Wasatch Canyons for the next thirty years. 

This may well be the most important point in the process for our voices to be heard, so please take some time to fill out a survey. It will be online until November 20, so please don't miss this opportunity!

The Salt Lake Climbers Alliance has been participating in the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings throughout the summer, assisting Envision Utah in preparation for this survey.  The SLCA focused on parking/transportation issues by pointing out climber parking and use patterns.  (The number of access points in Scenario C is an attempt to consolidate climber parking in a way that makes sense relative to the resource, safety, and the potential for future transit stops.  The mileage in the last column of the Dispersed Recreation Focus figures is a rough attempt at designating the number of miles in the canyons, along which climbers could legally park.) 

While filling out the survey, keep in mind that the concepts up for evaluation are not necessarily exclusive to any one scenario.  For example, just because improved climber trails and trailheads are a part of Scenario C does not mean that it can’t be a part of a revised scenario along with improved transit and even parking fees in the final report.  Focus on the concepts that make sense to you, and be sure to write thoughtful comments. Feel free to contact SLCA board members if you have any questions or comments.

Wasatch Canyons Master Plan

It's time for the second round of public participation in the Wasatch Canyons Tomorrow planning process. After months of work along with and many steering and technical advisory committee meetings, Envision Utah has scheduled public open houses for November 4th and 5th with an online survey going live today at http://www.wasatchcanyons.slco.org/. This is another round of public input-through-survey for the Canyons Master Plan.

It is IMPERATIVE that we, as climbers, skiers, dog walkers, nature lovers, etc. get involved and make our voices be heard. It is an extremely political process and numbers really matter. In the last round of surveys, climbers really made an impact, with 10% of respondents stating that they climb. That put climbers on the map as an important user group. We need to amplify our voices even more if we are to have meaningful impact.

Based on the results of the first survey, Envision Utah has formulated several scenarios showcasing different management strategies for recreation, land use, transportation, and the resorts in the Wasatch Canyons. They range from methods designed to curb demand such as requiring permits for climbing and backcountry skiing along with charging for parking, to efforts designed to meet growing demand such as consolidating/improving climbing trails and increasing year-round public transit. The survey asks for comments on scenarios as well as the individual strategies. This public input will then be considered in for inclusion in the draft of the Wasatch Canyons Master Plan.

The WCMP will stand alone, but it will be considered in Salt Lake County's Master Plan, and eventually in the Forest Plan. All of these plans will be revised in the next few years, so it is important that we are able to represent as a user group. Our next chance for the WCMP will be in 2030, so please take some time to review the posters, and fill out the survey.

If you'd like to learn more about the proposals, attend the two open houses next week:

6:30-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4th
Skyline High School Cafeteria
3251 East 3760 South, Salt Lake City 84109
Sandy City Hall
10000 Centennial Parkway, Sandy 84070 (second floor multipurpose room)

6:30-8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 5th
West High School
241 North 300 West, Salt Lake City 84103 (Commons Area)
West Jordan High School
8136 South 2700 West , West Jordan 84088 (Media Center)

SLCA Fall Update

Adopt-a-Crag Day
Ferguson Canyon

On September 26 the Salt Lake Climbers' Alliance hosted the Ferguson Canyon Adopt-A-Crag and the outpouring of support for this project was tremendous. During the day over 100 volunteers accomplished much needed trail maintenance, trail erosion control, social trail elimination, graffiti removal, clean-up of trash, and the creation of belay platforms. All participants enjoyed a tasty lunch from Sage's Cafe, walked away with some amazing raffle giveaways, and most importantly, made a difference for the climbing community and other recreation users in Ferguson Canyon.

Coordinating and hosting the annual Adopt-a-Crag would not be possible without the generous support of our non-profit and land management partners; industry and local sponsors; and certain individuals.

Thanks to our Lead Sponsors: Black Diamond, Liberty Mountain, The Front Climbing Club, Momentum, Rockreation

Thanks to all our other Sponsors: American Alpine Club-Northern Rockies Section, Backcountry.com, Bell Organic Gardens, Beans and Brews, Clif Bar, DMM Climbing, Evolv, IME, Patagonia, Petzl, REI, Redpoint Nutrition, Red Chili, Restop, Rock and Ice, Sage's Cafe, Sterling Rope, Utah Mountain Adventures, Wild Country

Special Thanks to our Partners: Access Fund, American Alpine Club, ASCA, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, HERA Foundation, US Forest Service, The Wasatch Mountain Club

We would also like to thank Tommy Chandler, John Evans and Nathan Smith for photos and Jansen Gunderson for providing the photo and design/layout of our flyer. Thanks to Steve Greene and the Oakley School and Boy Scout Troop 820 from Riverton for their hard work and support, and finally thank you to Chris Budge, Amy Collins and Nita Kofchock for staffing the tent.

Most of all, to our amazing participants, without the generous donation of your time and effort, our projects would not be possible - THANK YOU!

Mini Crag Day
Graffiti removal at the Beer Can Cave

A small group of Salt Lake Climbers Alliance Board members, Liaisons, and climbers tackled the imposing job of removing the notorious graffiti plaguing the Beer Can Cave Boulder in Little Cottonwood Canyon on September 19.

After hauling up hoses, sand, and the blaster, the group removed all of the graffiti that was located on top of the boulder. A small section of graffiti was removed around the actual cave; however the sand ran out before it could be finished. This situation was unavoidable and the group felt that the work, accomplished after eight hours, was acceptable. Unfortunately, the prospect of a clean canvas of rock was too much to pass up for some individual and in less than two days the top of the boulder was re-tagged.

Undaunted, the SLCA will continue working on removing graffiti within LCC and other Salt Lake Valley climbing areas. If you see new graffiti in the canyons you can post the location and pictures on the SLCA Projects Forum and if you see taggers you can contact the Salt Lake County Sheriff at 801-743-7000.

AAC/SLCA Craggin' Classic

Despite the cold temps and a bit of snow, the Craggin' Classic went off without a hitch. The AAC has done a great job summing up the event, so we won't go into great detail here (and there's a report on Black Diamond's site on the International Climbers' Meet) . There is also a short video that shows a little more about what went down over the weekend. It was awesome to see the local old schoolers and hardmen come out for Brian Smoot's historical slideshow of climbing in the Wasatch. Andrew Burr's slideshow brought us in to the present with inspiring images of the people and places we all know and love. Nathan Smith has put together a slideshow of portraits he made during the infamous night of live music with Use As Is and the Tolchok Trio. Thanks to the American Alpine Club (including Brittany Griffiths and Dana Richardson) for bringing the event to Salt Lake and giving us a reason to celebrate and show-off our local climbing resources. Additionally thanks to all the sponsors that supported the event and the SLCA.

But there are some SLCA volunteers, without whom the event would have surely been a fizzle, and we wanted to take a moment to recognize them. First off, Cynthia Levinthal spent long hours planning, organizing and re-organizing for the event. Without her help, there might have been no venue, no alcohol, no food, no fun... Agnes Chiao once again really helped us by organizing the crack team SLCA volunteers that did everything from serve booze to man the doors. And thanks to the rest of the SLCA volunteers (you know who you are), including the local specialists who took visiting climbers out for a taste of Wasatch stone! Finally, on Sunday we able to complete most of the work at Ferguson we began the week earlier. That's huge! Thanks to everyone who moved stones, broke rocks and constructed nice comfy belay platforms - including two guys who drove all the way out from Colorado.

SLCA Adopt-a-Crag, Ferguson Canyon

As an Access Fund affiliate, every year the SLCA organizes an Adopt-a-Crag clean-up. Past events (like the one we did last year in LCC) have really improved our local cliffs. This year, we'll be working on Ferguson Canyon, one of the gems of Salt Lake - quick approach, great granite and shaded, classic routes. We'll be removing spray paint, repairing trails and building belay platforms to reduce erosion and improve the overall experience of climbers and hikers in the canyon. A light breakfast, lunch served by Sage's Cafe and a raffle are also planned.

If you've attended an SLCA Adopt-a-Crag before, you know what to expect: good times, food, product giveaways from our sponsors and hard work. We have an amazing list of sponsors and you will not leave hungry or empty handed. This year's raffle promises to be awesome!

A huge THANK YOU to all the amazing sponsors that have stepped up to support this event and local climbing!

Lead Sponsors:
Liberty Mountain, Black Diamond, The Front, Momentum, Rockreation

Other Sponsors:
Access Fund, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, US Forest Service-Salt Lake Ranger district, Petzl, Evolv, Wild Country, DMM, Red Chili, Restop, IME, Sterling, Backcountry.com, Patagonia, Utah Mountain Adventures, Sage's Cafe, Beans and Brews Coffee House, Rock and Ice, Clif Bar, REI, Northern Rockies Section, American Alpine Club

Please sign-up HERE. As an added bonus, the first 50 people to sign up AND show up at the event will get day passes from The Front, Momentum AND Rockreation!

To be counted among the first 50, you must sign up here, on the SLCA website.

If you have questions, or want to view more information, please visit our forum.

American Alpine Club Craggin' Classic
When: October 9-11
Where: Salt Lake City

Pre-registration is now closed. Walk-ins are welcome at the event. There will be plenty of spaces available.

You've been hearing rumblings about this for the last couple of months. We're psyched to unveil the packed schedule of events. The American Alpine Club, with the help of the SLCA, are planning a full weekend of climbing and good times. Plan on spending the days climbing and hanging out in the Wasatch with old and new friends. Camping is part of the deal (we've reserved the entire Spruces Campground in BCC ) and the parties - with live music and libations of choice - will go on late into the night. This is sure to be the biggest climber party Salt Lake has ever seen - think Avalanche Center fundraiser or those Pusher parties from back in the day on steroids...

For a weekend chocked full of camping, food, drinks, slide shows, movies and music, gear demos, climbing with the pros*, loads of swag, the cost is $55 ($40 for AAC members).

If you're just interested in attending Friday or Saturday nights' festivities, the cost is $25 at the door.

Sunday evening at Brewvies is free of charge (donations to the SLCA will be accepted)

Friday, October 9th
3-6pm: Registration open at Brighton's Milly Chalet.
6pm: Uinta Brewing Company kegs tapped and Redwood Creek wine tasting
7pm: Petzl and Mountain Khakis-sponsored Tandoor Grill dinner served by SLCA members and Petzl athletes
8pm: Introductions by the AAC and SLCA. Slideshows to follow: Steve House , Andrew Burr and Brian Smoot.

Saturday, October 10th
8-9am: Tulie Bakery breakfast sponsored by The North Face
9am-5pm: CLIMBING*
Join us for Sessions with the Pros, a fun day at the SLC crags with renowned professional climbers Lynn Hill, Steve House, Cedar Wright, Caroline George, Jasmine Canton, Kate Rutherford, Mikey Shaefer and Jim Donini. The pros will host a handful of eclectic sessions sure to boost your skills, including:
•Sport Climbing for Boulderers
•Trad Climbing for Sport Climbers
•Bouldering for Weaklings
•Ice Climbing for Climbers Who Are Not Old Or Out Of Shape
•Donini’s Old Man’s Guide To Climbing 5.12 (unofficially sponsored by the AARP ).
•Locals Only Tours led by an all-star cast of SLC underground super locals who know every nook, cranny and crimp in the Wasatch (ever wonder where those secret spots, pimper bouldering circuits, five-star routes and no-star routes are in the canyons? Follow the locs, they know).
4-6pm: Yoga at the Spruces campground
5pm: Venue open at Brighton's Milly Chalet
5pm: Uinta Brewing Company kegs tapped and Redwood Creek wine tasting
5-9pm: Silent Auction
5-9pm: AAC Taco Cart Abierto
Black Diamond Party
Live music by Black Diamond’s own Use As Is and SLC’s Tolchock Trio.

Sunday, October 11
9am-4pm: AAC N. Rockies Section-sponsored breakfast and Service Project Day with SLCA
7-11pm: Film Festival including Renan Ozturk's Samsara and Billiard Championships at Brewvies

*All guiding is by Utah Mountain Adventures, a permit-holder for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

Reel Rock Film Tour
September 30 @ 7pm
Tower Theater (876 East 900 South)

The Fourth Annual REEL ROCK Film Tour, delivers the year’s most exciting climbing and adventure films to audiences in over 100 cities around the world.  REEL ROCK shows are festive events where climbers and outdoors lovers gather to celebrate their passion for adventure.  Gear giveaways, appearances by top climbers, and fundraising for non-profit organizations all add to the fun and community spirit of REEL ROCK events.

 The Films
Progression tells the story of the world's best climbers and their efforts to advance the sport in all its forms.  Chris Sharma climbs the world's hardest sport route, Jumbo Love.  Kevin Jorgeson pushes bouldering to dangerous new heights on Ambrosia in the California Buttermilks.  Patxi Usobiaga and Johanna Ernst train like Olympians for the World Cup competitions.  Tommy Caldwell ups the ante on Yosemite's big walls, and much more.

First Ascent: The Series is co-produced by the innovative producers at Sender Films and Nat Geo Adventure Channel.  This exciting new series features top athletes attempting unclimbed walls and peaks around the world from Patagonia and Brazil to Yosemite and beyond.  Slated to air in over 150 countries starting in January 2010, Sender Films and Nat Geo Adventure Channel are proud to offer a special preview of First Ascent: The Series to REEL ROCK audiences.

RR09 Filmmaking Competition Winners, selected by voters online (2 shorts)
Building on the success and popularity of the 2008 REEL ROCK Filmmaking Competition in which tens of thousands of people voted for their favorite action/inspiration and humor/spoof films online – REEL ROCK has launched the 2009 competition.  The winning films – as chosen by voters online and REEL ROCK judges – will be featured on the 2009 REEL ROCK Film Tour in over 100 locations worldwide.

We hope everyone is having a great summer and is getting after it! Here's an update regarding important SLCA news and upcoming events.

Adopt-a-Crag
Save the date: September 26

This year, we'll be working on Ferguson Canyon, one of the cragging gems of Salt Lake - quick approach, great granite and shaded, classic routes. We'll be removing spray paint, repairing trails and building belay platforms to reduce erosion and improve the overall experience of climbers and hikers in the canyon.

If you attended an SLCA Adopt-a-Crag before, you know what to expect: good times, food, product giveaways from our sponsors and a little bit of hard work.

We'll be sending out more information and reminders about the clean-up. If you have questions or ideas, please contact us.

American Alpine Club Craggin' Classic - October 9-11
The 2nd Annual AAC Craggin' Classic is coming together! Get ready for a full weekend of climbing and other activities.

Basecamp for the festivities will be the Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon. We've reserved the entire campground for the whole weekend. This will be THE climbing event of the year.

Scheduled so far: live music - food & drink - climbing clinics taught by the likes of Lynn Hill and others - slideshows by local and national celebrities - crag clean-up - and loads of climbing in the local canyons...

Save the date and stay tuned for more information!

American Fork Access Update: Division Wall
Since this spring, construction to the Little Mill Campground is complete and the site is now welcoming campers. In order to maintain good relationships with the camp hosts, campers and AF officials, here are few things to keep in mind when climbing at the Division Wall and surrounding areas:

- Parking: Please park in the spaces that are marked "Day Use Parking Only" on the campground road. Climbers don't need to pay extra to park in these spaces. Please don't park in empty campsites. When parking on the side of the main canyon road, pay attention to the 'No Parking" signs.
- Dogs: There have been complaints of off-leash climbers' dogs disturbing campers and others. When walking to the cliff, please make sure dogs are on a leash. Once there, keep them under control at all times.

SLCA Liaison Program
As we announced in the last newsletter, we've formed a Liaison Program to help monitor local climbing issues. Its goal is to keep the SLCA and the broader climbing community aware and active in environmental and political issues and conditions of climbing areas. It will also enable the SLCA to communicate more effectively where local climbing organizations (LCO's) elsewhere in the state already exist (Indian Creek, etc.).

Active, knowledgeable and dedicated local climbers have volunteered to monitor specific climbing areas. Their duties are primarily awareness and knowledge of their assigned crag, public visibility, documentation, and professional representation. They are the go-to people for issues in their area.

Here's the list of liaison members and their areas:
The Uintas
Nathan Smith
Paul Tusting

Maple Canyon
Mike Friedrichs

Little Cottonwood Canyon
Clay Watson - Routes
Steve Heath - Bouldering

Big Cottonwood Canyon
Jason Shumaker

Ferguson's Canyon
Ben Folsom

Castle Valley Bouldering
Jeff Baldwin

Rock Canyon
Jim Knight

American Fork
Jaima Andersen

Alpine Areas
Shingo Ohkawa

We're excited about this new program and we hope this will help the SLCA foresee and stay on top of area-specific issues. If you have information or concerns about a climbing area (litter, graffiti, access, etc), please don't hesitate to contact one of the above Liaisons through the SLCA's "Projects & Feedback" forum.

SLCA Advisory Committee
Also as mentioned in the last newsletter, we have created an Advisory Committee, a group of professionals appointed to offer advice and support to the SLCA Board. The Advisory Committee will provide the SLCA Board with a broad perspective on issues through their informed and meaningful guidance, feedback, and ideas.

We are honored that the following people have accepted to become Committee members and help support the SLCA and its Board of Directors in its mission:

Mike Beck (Nadesan Beck P.C.)
Dave Bell (Sego Realty L.C. & Bell Organic Gardens)
Josh Ewing (Love Communications)
Chris Grover (Black Diamond Equipment)
Jeff Pederson (Momentum Climbing)

20% off at Centered City Yoga for SLCA Members
Centered City Yoga is offering a 20% discount on ten and twenty-punch passes to anyone who has volunteered or donated to the Salt Lake Climbers' Alliance.

Head down on Tuesday night at 7:15 to Yoga for Climbers - strengthen your core, open your hips, and stretch your hands and feet. When you're there you can thank the instructor, Elisabeth T. Lilja for this generous offer. (Note: passes are good for any Centered City Yoga Class)

Centered City Yoga
918 East 900 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84105
801.521.YOGA
centeredcityyoga.com

Mini Crag Day - report
A big thanks to everyone who joined the SLCA June 13 in Little Cottonwood Canyon for a mini crag day!

Due to the weather, we decided to reschedule the graffiti removal until early autumn. However, we did accomplish a lot of work including: major trail maintenance on the Syringe/Riverside Access and Crescent Crack/Egg Access Trails, trash removal, starting construction of some rock stairs on the upper Egg Trail.

The SLCA has been quite busy lately. Please read on to find what we've be doing and how you can get involved.

SLCA Board changes
After 8 years at the helm of the Salt Lake Climber's Alliance, Steve Downes is stepping down as Chairman. As one of the Alliance's original founders, Steve was instrumental in getting the SLCA off the ground and making it an important and recognized organization representing climbers' interests in the Wasatch and beyond. Next time you see him at the crag, please thank him for the tireless work he's done for all of us.

Replacing Steve as Chairman will be Jonathan Knight. Jonathan previously held the Projects position on the board and has been active member of the climbing community for years. We welcome his guidance and experience.

Additionally, Mike Beck will be stepping down from his position of Access Coordinator and will move to the Advisory Board (see below). He has been a dedicated member of the board and has played a crucial role in access issues and building strong relationships with land managers since the Alliance's inception.

We're proud to announce the following other changes/additions to the Board:
Dave Budge - Vice Chairman
George Poulton - Access Coordinator
Jeff Porucznik - Projects Manager
Gwendolyn Adams - Community Outreach and Education
Zac Robinson - Sergeant at Arms
Please feel free to contact any of us if you have questions or suggestions about how we can make the SLCA a more effective advocate for climbing in the area.

Advisory Committee
In an effort to provide a broader perspective, supplement our resources and augment the skills and expertise of the Board of Directors, we have decided to appoint an Advisory Committee. This committee will be made up of members of the greater community and will to provide advice and support on issues that affect the climbing in the area.

The committee is still in its early stages. We will have more information regarding the Advisory Board very soon.

SLCA Liaison Program
In order to stay abreast of the multitude of issues that concern the various climbing areas in the Valley and beyond, the SLCA has launched a new Liaison Program. It has been created to monitor and advocate for often overlooked, yet important climbing areas. We've divided the valley into different geographical zones and will appoint interested activists for each of them. These volunteers will monitor and report on access issues in their zone and work with SLCA Board members, land managers and others to ensure access and strong relationships.

This program will also allow us to stay connected and work with groups and individuals outside the SLCA's typical areas of activity. We hope to encourage communication and work jointly in areas such as Provo (see below for information on Rock Canyon), Joe's Valley, Moab, St. George, etc. where groups may or may not exist and where we can lend a helping hand.

We will be sending an update soon to announce details of the Liaison Program, zones and the liaisons themselves.

Bad Bolt Message Board
You don't have to climb long in the Wasatch to come across bolts of varying quality - from bomber to downright terrifying. To help ensure that there are more of the former and less of the latter, the SLCA (through your generous support) and our local American Safe Climbing Association (ASCA) representative have been working hard to replace bad bolts and anchors throughout the canyons.

This is a gargantuan job and we need your help to locate the miscreant bolts. You can help by posting up your bad bolt sightings on our newly created Bad Bolt Message Board. This will aid the ASCA in locating the offending anchors and replacing them. Note: the ASCA will only be replacing existing sub-standard bolts and will not be retro-bolting routes.

Know of a bad bolt or a suspect anchor? Please go to forum and post up the details. We'll get to it as soon as possible.

Photo: SLCA Rebolting Coordinator and ASCA representative Mike White replacing bad bolts in Little Cottonwood Canyon on June 2, 2009. Photo courtesy of Andrew Burr.

Projects & Feedback Forum
In an effort to communicate with you more effectively, we have also created a "Projects & Feedback" forum where we will post details about upcoming projects, discuss issues, post announcements. The forum works both ways - we also want to your ideas, feedback and questions about access in the area. This way we can all work together to help ensure the future of climbing access in the Wasatch.

Little Cottonwood Mini-Projects: one down, one to go
SLCA board members Mike White and Jeff Porucznik, along with Kandice White completed a mini-project in Little Cottonwood Canyon on May 23. As you may recall, a boulder at the intersection of the Crescent Crack trail and the new SLCA-built Egg trail was vandalized with directional arrows and writing chipped into it. Due to the extent and depth of the chipping, patching the offending marks was not effective and the decision was made to roll the boulder onto its side.

The SLCA strongly disapproves of all types of vandalism and has spent many hours removing graffiti from boulders and cleaning up local climbing areas. Please let us know you see any type of vandalism and help us keep the canyons as clean as possible.

On June 13, 2009, we will be sponsoring another mini-project in LCC to remove graffiti at the Beer Can Cave boulder and around the Park-n-Ride, along with much needed trail maintenance for erosion mitigation on the Syringe Boulder access trail. We will also do some touch-up work on the Egg Trail we built last fall.

We will be meet at the LCC Park-n-Ride at 7:00 am and the work will probably continue all day or until the main projects are completed. We need volunteers! Come for the entire time or just a couple of hours! Please register your username at our forum and post in this thread to sign-up to help.

Save Rock Canyon
As you may have heard, Rock Canyon just outside Provo is under threat from mining interests. Please get involved and participate in this weekend's National Trail Day to clean up, repair and beautify the trails in Rock Canyon.
For more information, go to http://preserverockcanyon.com/

The 2nd Annual Craggin' Classic
When: October 10-11, 2009
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
Mark your calendars! The American Alpine Club, with the support of the SLCA, is bringing the Craggin' Classic to Salt Lake City. Drinks, food and entertainment are provided. It's going to be a huge event. Stay tuned. We should have more information for you very soon!

Logan Canyon Clean-up! The Northern Utah Climbers' Coalition is hosting a trash clean-up day in Logan Canyon on Saturday, June 27. The day will kick off at 9:00 am at First Dam with coffee and juice, followed by groups venturing into the canyon to collect as much trash as we can. The clean-up day we hosted last fall resulted in almost 150 pounds of garbage being removed from the canyon, though unfortunately this is an effort we must make regularly to keep our climbing, camping, and other recreation areas clean and beautiful. Once we are finished with the trash clean-up we encourage everyone to hit the crags and spend the rest of the day climbing and enjoying our freshly cleaned canyon! Please send questions or membership inquiries to northutahcrags@gmail.com.

 Original source:  http://www.saltlakeclimbers.org/mail/SLCAJune2009.html

Last week Utah Governor Huntsman, county Mayor Peter Corroon and Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker kicked off "Wasatch Canyons Tomorrow," a yearlong planning process that will tap public feedback to revise and update the 1989 Wasatch Canyons Master Plan.

The Master Plan covers City Creek, Emigration, Red Butte, Parley's, Millcreek, Big Cottonwood, and Little Cottonwood Canyons and is the basis for the County's land use planning policies and ordinances, including region-wide transportation issues.

It is extremely important that climbers' voices are heard during this phase to have an impact on access and other critical issues.

There are several ways to get involved:

Workshops
There are three open workshops planned this week to inform the public about canyon issues. Please try to make it to one of these (two locations for each date):

Online survey
If you aren't able to make it to one of the workshops, please participate in the SURVEY to weigh in on this important issue. At the very least, please take some time to fill this out...PLEASE!!

Open houses
Once the workshops are complete, there will be open houses in the fall. Residents will get the chance to evaluate the workshop results and express preferences for policy recommendations. The SLCA will keep you updated on when these are due to occur.

For more info, go to the Wasatch Canyons Tomorrow website.
Salt Lake Tribune's recent article on the process.

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to be more involved.