Info: MoesValley.com

Greetings from the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance! Check out our upcoming events.

Reel Rock Film Tour Encore

Mark your calendars for a March encore showing of the Reel Rock Film Tour in Park City! This will be the First Annual Petzl Fundraiser for SLCA and Access Fund.

Sender Films and Big UP Productions are bringing audiences a mind-blowing, palm-sweating pump-fest of climbing flicks for the 6th annual REEL ROCK Film Tour. We've gathered the wildest climbing stories from around the globe: The legendary race for The Nose speed record; A nine year old bouldering prodigy; Tommy Caldwell's efforts on the hardest big wall free climb; A crazed high-lining champion; The most insane ice climbing action ever and more. It's all part of the cinematic tour de force that is REEL ROCK VI.

Parley’s Access Trail Project Spring 2012

The close proximity and quick approach from Salt Lake City has made the quartzite slab of lower Parley’s Canyon extremely popular. Known as the thoroughfare between Salt Lake City and Park City, Parley’s forms the northern boundary of Grandeur Peak, a popular hiking destination with great views of the city and the bigger mountains to the south. 

The recreational impacts from the existing approach trail are unsustainable because of the steep grade of the trail and lack of infrastructure.  Social trails spider web down the steep slope to access the crag.  Staging areas at the base of the crag are undefined and are creating recreational sprawl.

Over the course of three days this spring 2012, the SLCA proposes to design and construct a new sustainable access trail that many user groups will be able to enjoy.  The trail will preserve and enhance the access to the climbing resource at the base of Parley’s Canyon.  The SLCA intends to mitigate and restore impacts from the old trail.  SLCA is in the planning stages for the potential to install two kiosks; one at the parking area and one at the top of the approach trail to educate the public about the new trail and Leave No Trace ethics.

A Policy and Conservation Committee within the SLCA has been formed and is in the planning process for the 2012 Project Season.  We want to hear your voice!  Talk to us on our online Forum, or contact us at http://www.saltlakeclimbers.org/contact

Fall Adopt-a-Crag Update

The planning has begun for SLCA’s Fall Adopt a Crag weekend.  With six separate quartzite walls and over 60 routes at 10,500 feet, Ruth Lake in the Uinta Mountains is a sport climbing mecca that attracts not only local Park City and Salt Lake climbers, but also travelers from around the world. 

The Good Medicine Wall is the most popular wall and the most impacted.  The existing trail connecting the Good Medicine Wall to the other walls ascends a steep talus slope where loose rock from traversing climbers and dogs is a danger to climbers below.

The Evanston Ranger District of the Uinta-Watach-Cache National Forest is looking forward to working with the SLCA’s strong volunteers to help with rock work to build a sustainable and safe trail connecting the Good Medicine Wall to the other walls at Ruth Lake this fall.  The SLCA also plans to facilitate a trash clean-up of the six walls at Ruth Lake.  This Adopt-a-Crag will be a weekend event with project work the first day followed by a BBQ and free camping.  Plan to climb the second day.  New climbers are welcome! The SLCA plans to connect knowledgeable mentors with new climbers in the outdoor arena to promote safe and responsible climbing habits within our community.

Joe’s Valley Update

Joe's Valley is one of the world's premier bouldering destinations. The sandstone boulders that line the hillsides are seemingly made for climbing: the rock is textured but skin-friendly, it's featured yet strong, and the landings are generally fantastic. Approaches are almost all five minutes or less, and many of the most popular boulders are just a stone's throw from the car.  

Joe’s Valley lacks infrastructure to handle the numbers that visit this climbing destination.  The SLCA provides two seasonal toilets and other than that, there is nothing in place to protect this awesome climbing resource.  The steepness of the slopes and the soft sandstone along with the high number of climbers are factors that contribute to erosion of the trails and environmental impact to this area.  The lack of defined camping areas adds to the recreational impacts on the land.

The SLCA, in partnership with the Access Fund, has begun to make contact with land owners in Joe’s Valley to put in place a Climbing Management Plan that will help to protect this climbing resource for future use.  The SLCA is also planning to throw an Adopt-a-Pot Fundraiser at The Front Climbing Club to help raise the $1,000 it costs to fund these two toilets for the upcoming climbing season.  Keep your eye out for more info soon.  

Wasatch Water Legacy Partnership

The SLCA is an active member of the Wasatch Water Legacy Partnership. (WWLP) The mission of the partnership is to enhance watershed conservation and provide sustainable recreation along the Wasatch Front in the Salt Lake area.  Partners sponsoring the project include government agencies, public and private entities, and local non-profits.  

Julia Geisler and Jonathan Knight represented the SLCA at the most recent WWLP meeting where the WWLP worked towards prioritizing projects, discussed grant opportunities, and finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).   Clean-up of the Grit Mill and establishing a Climbing Management Plan for Lower Little Cottonwood Canyon (a SLCA project in partnership with the USFS) was chosen as one of the top five out of about twenty potential projects).  Funding with the help of the WWLP is now being sought for this project.

The Front Climbing Club Special Events

Citizen's comp. Ogden. February 11^th.  Check in 12pm. Climb 1-4pm. $25 ($5 additional non-members, $5 additional at the door).  Call 801.393.7625

Black Diamond Equipment Special Events

February 8^th: CLIMBING AROUND THE WORLD: A Presentation by Mountaineer Guy Cotter—From skiing the Antarctic Peninsula to climbing the Seven Summits, Cotter will regale you with photos and stories of amazing mountaineering exploits. 7pm at the Jim Shanty Auditorium in Park City. $10 adults, $5 students (cash or check only). Proceeds benefit Summit Land Conservancy and Mountain Trails Foundation.

February 15 at 7pm: Need a quick avalanche refresher or just looking for some basic avalanche safety information? Come join us and the Utah Avalanche Center for a free avalanche awareness talk. Attendees will receive 15% OFF any snow safety gear purchases those nights.

February 17^th-20^th: PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKEND SALE—March and April are historically deep months in the Wasatch, enjoy deep discounts on all ski equipment and clothing!

Forest Service Resource Planning

The SLCA is working with the Salt Lake Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest to develop climbing management objectives in the Cottonwood Canyons.  Beginning with the climbing resources in lower Little Cottonwood Canyon, we are preparing documentation to support the proposal of the Crescent Crack and Egg trails as official Forest Service routes.  It is early in the process, but the redevelopment of the Grit Mill, as a trail head, and improving the access to the Bongeater are also on the table.  Currently, the SLCA is working to continue building our inventory of climbing resources in order to present a cohesive picture to the Forest Service.  They will use these reports and maps to help determine the extent and timing of their commitments to resource management in the areas that see the most climbing activity.  Stay tuned for future updates to this ongoing process.

Only with the support and involvement of the local climbing community can SLCA fulfill our mission; please become a member today and help us continue our important work. To become a member, visit us at: http://www.saltlakeclimbers.org/membership. Annual membership fee is $25.00. The SLCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax deductible.

Welcome to our members!

The Access Fund and the Arizona climbing community have been working to save Oak Flat climbing area from a proposed mining operation for nearly a decade. And now we need your help.

One of your Senators sits on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which is due to hear testimony on the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange this Thursday, February 9th. The future of climbing at Oak Flat is at risk under the proposed land exchange, which would exchange approximately 2,400 acres of public land (including Oak Flat) for 5,300 acres held by a multi-national mining company for the creation of a massive copper mine. 

This mining operation would sink Oak Flat, a popular climbing area with hundreds of existing roped climbing routes and thousands of bouldering problems that for years was home of the historic Phoenix Bouldering Contest. The Access Fund and Arizona climbing community have long worked to protect climbing in central Arizona, and now we're asking for your help.

Please write your Senator on the Senate Energy and Public Lands Committee before Thursday and let them know your views on this land exchange. Follow the "Take Action Now" button below for more details, a link to your Senator's e-mail form, and a draft letter opposing this land exchange.

The Access Fund and Arizona climbers thank you for your advocacy!

Sincerely,

Your Friends at the Access Fund

TAKE ACTION NOW

Thanks to James Garrett the climbing community now has a new climbing guidebook.

UTAH'S WEST DESERT includes Ibex and Masada, Marjum Canyon, Oquirrh Mountains, Stansbury Mountains, Mineral Mountains, Great Basin and Pequop, Notch Peak and the House Range, and more.

This full color, 350+ page guidebook with clear locator maps, geology, recommended routes, and history section includes many excellent action photos by famous Wasatch photographer Andrew Burr! Also find Ibex bouldering and previously uncovered areas in a durable euro size to fit every pocket or rucksack. The reader will find a wide variety of climbs from Sport to Big Wall to Trad with grades from 5.5 to 5.14. This book is now available for purchase at your favorite local climbing store or cantact James Garrett directly at: jgarr_18@yahoo.com.

Date: February 8, 2012
Guy Cotter: Climbing Around The World
Black Diamond Store presents Climbing Around the World with mountaineer Guy Cotter on February 8 at the Jim Santy Auditorium (1255 Park Avenue, Park City, 84060) at 7pm. The high altitude climber will share his passion for mountaineering around the globe. Ticket sales begin at the door at 6pm, adults $10 and students $5, cash or checks only please. All proceeds benefit the Mountain Trails Foundation and Summit Land Conservancy.

The documentary film on Sean Patrick "Climb for Life: A Legacy"  (www.kued.org/climbforlife ) had its debut preview screening last Thursday night during outdoor retailers.  In partnership with Black Diamond and the Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition, the night also commemorated the third anniversary of Sean Patrick's passing, and also marked the beginning of the 10-year anniversary of the HERA Women's Cancer Foundation!

The film has it's broadcast debut tonight, January 23rd  on KUED-PBS channel 7.1 at 8 pm.  It will also re-air on KUED-PBS channel 7.2 this Wednesday January 25th at 7 pm.

Happy holidays from the SLCA!  We look forward to a productive New Year.

2012 Board of Directors and Committees

The SLCA has undergone a restructure of the Board of Directors for the New Year. New Board members have been nominated, and three members have retired their Board positions.  Sincere thanks to Cynthia Leventhal, Jonathan Knight, and George Poulton for their service to the SLCA.  They will be missed.  Welcome to new Board members: Sara Baldwin, Mason Baker, Paul Tusting, Brad Barlage, and Jason Shumaker.  The SLCA has also added four committees.  The SLCA will be accepting the nominations of motivated individuals from members to serve on the new committees.  The committees are: Fundraising and Membership, Marketing and Outreach, Personnel, and Policy and Conservation.

Board of Directors 2012: Chairman: Jeff Porucznik, Treasurer: Matt Goreham, Administrator: Paul Tusting, Mason Baker, Sara Baldwin, Brad Barlage, Dustin Buckthal, Rob Candland, Jason Shumaker

Partnerships

Wasatch Water Legacy Partnership

The SLCA is now a supporting member of the Wasatch Water Legacy Partnership. (WWLP) The mission of the partnership is to enhance watershed conservation and provide sustainable recreation along the Wasatch Front in the Salt Lake area.  This partnership builds on existing relationships and embraces new partners in an effort to enhance watershed conditions and provide outdoor recreation opportunities to Salt Lake residents and visitors. 

Partners sponsoring the project include Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, Save our Canyons, the Town of Alta, Black Diamond Equipment, Ski Areas (Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, Brighton), UT Department of Natural Resources, UT Department of Transportation, UT Division of Water Quality, City of Sandy, and the Wasatch Regional Council.   

The WWLP will be working towards prioritizing objectives and finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at upcoming meetings. 

Through partnerships, the work that SLCA does will have greater recognition and support throughout the Wasatch.

Outdoor Alliance   

Executive Director, Julia Geisler and former Chairman, Jonathan Knight represented the SLCA at the 2011 Outdoor Alliance Summit in Golden, Colorado this December.  This first ever summit represented an effort to unite non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) representing human-powered recreational user groups and federal land managers. 

Partnerships were the focus as the federal agencies have been directed to seek creative ways to fund projects that support the Obama administration’s America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) initiative.  This was especially pertinent in regards to the SLCA’s recent involvement in the Wasatch Watershed Legacy Partnership (WWLP).  The conference was well attended by NGO’s and agency employees as well as some administration officials and outdoor industry leaders.

All in all, the summit was an inspiration.  The SLCA and the WWLP face many of the challenges that were addressed during case study presentations.  There is a wealth of resources and support available to support our objectives.  The lack of available funding at the federal and state levels of government has spawned the establishment of partnerships that have been very successful in realizing the kind of outcomes that the SLCA is working towards.  Fortunately, we are already a stakeholder in a new partnership, and thanks to the Outdoor Alliance, we are much better prepared to have a positive influence in a process that will benefit, not only climbers, but the greater Salt Lake outdoor community.  Read more. 

Forest Service Resource Planning

The SLCA is working with the Salt Lake District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest to develop climbing management objectives in the Wasatch Canyons.  Beginning with the climbing resources in lower Little Cottonwood Canyon, we are preparing documentation to support the proposal of the Crescent Crack and Egg trails as official Forest Service routes.  It is early in the process, but the redevelopment of the Grit Mill, as a trail head, and improving the access to the Bongeater are also on the table.  Currently, the SLCA is working to continue building our inventory of climbing resources in order to present a cohesive picture to the Forest Service.  They will use these reports and maps to help determine the extent and timing of their commitments to resource management in the areas that see the most climbing activity.  Stay tuned for future updates to this ongoing process.

Check out the Access Fund's Guide to Climbing Issues and the Development of a Climbing Management Plan.

Parley’s Access Trail Project Spring 2012   

The SLCA, in partnership with Salt Lake County Open Space and Save Our Canyons, has been approved to begin design work of a new access trail in lower Parley’s Canyon that will access lower Parley’s climbs.  Look for an Adopt-a-Crag event this spring to put in the new trail. 

A Policy and Conservation Committee within the SLCA has been formed and is in the planning process for the 2012 Project Season.  We want to hear your voice!  Talk to us on our online Forum.

History of the SLCA   

Take a glimpse at what the SLCA has done for you over the last decade.   

How does the SLCA Membership Program Benefit the Local Climbing Community? 

90 New Members have joined the SLCA since Adopt-a-Crag October 22nd, 2011!

The Salt Lake Climbers Alliance was founded by a small and dedicated group of local climbers volunteering their time to preserve climbing access to some of their favorite Wasatch Front crags.  After ten years of successful initiatives, the SLCA is seeking to expand its reach to serve, educate, and engage Utah’s growing climbing community. SLCA’s membership program helps foster a more cohesive and effective organization, while also creating an opportunity for members to have a vested interest in our work.  Through your financial support we are able to increase the number and scope of our projects and events, and, ultimately, our effectiveness in preserving local climbing access.  Some of our projects include climbing area restoration, access trail maintenance, bolt replacement, and climbing community education to promote safe and sustainable climbing principles.  In addition, the SLCA provides a critical voice for climbers in local, state, and federal access issues that affect Utah’s climbing resources. 

Only with the support and involvement of the local climbing community can SLCA fulfill our mission; please become a member today and help us continue our important work. To become a member, visit us at: http://www.saltlakeclimbers.org/membership. Annual membership fee is $25.00. The SLCA is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax deductible.

Welcome to all of our new members!   

The SLCA is grateful for the 87 (plus board) new members that joined the SLCA since our Adopt-a-Crag event on October 22nd.  

To thank our new members, ED, Julia Geisler and board member, Rob Candland, were at The Front Climbing Club Wednesday, December 21st to raffle an Edelweiss Axis II 10.2 60 meter rope.  Thanks to Liberty Mountain for donating the prize! 

New SLCA member, Chris White, is the lucky winner!  Please watch for more raffles to our members in the coming year.  Happy holidays from all of us here at the SLCA.

Rope Raffle!

This Wednesday December 21st, 2011 at The Front Climbing Club.

Salt Lake Climbers Alliance Executive Director, Julia Geisler, will be at The Front from 5-8pm this Wednesday to educate the public on the SLCA's mission and goals, drive memberships, and raffle off an Axis II 10.2mm Edelweiss rope, generously provided by Liberty Mountain for anyone who signed up or renewed their SLCA membership between Adopt-a-Crag held on October 22nd through Wednesday December 21st.

The lucky winner will be notified by email/phone.