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.
