Climbing Access on Private Lands- An Access Fund Summit

The Access Fund hosted a national conference for climber-activists on September 23rd and 24th at Eldorado State Park outside of Boulder, Colorado focusing on climbing access on private lands.

“To effectively preserve access in perpetuity to climbing areas on private lands the entire climbing community must work together toward a common vision,” said Deanne Buck, Access Fund National Programs Director. “In addition to a common vision, we need to creatively preserve access, including easements, acquisitions, leases, and facilitating transfers.”

The conference united the Access Fund’s national network of Regional Coordinators and leaders of affiliated local climbing organizations for a day and a half of discussion, presentation, and debate. About 30 attendees from across the country gathered to discuss strategies for preserving access, conserving the climbing environment and promoting effective outreach and advocacy at the grassroots level.

The Conference underscores the Access Fund’s commitment to preserving access by investing in local grass-roots activism and outreach. The event let activists share their ideas, experience, resources and knowledge needed to preserve climbing access and protect the climbing environment.

Here’s what some attendees had to say:

“. . . left feeling energized and inspired about what the WMCC and the Access Fund can do towards protecting out climbing resources. I think that the direction the Access Fund is taking towards acquisitions is a positive step forward and will greatly improve our ability on a local level, to do what we can and need to do to secure climbing access in perpetuity.” Jeff Squire, Western Massachusetts Climber’s Coalition, President

“I’d like to express my warm appreciation to all of those in attendance for your time, energy and ideas about Access constraints and opportunities. I learned a lot I will use here in Arizona. I also wanted to extend my sincere wishes for good luck with your continuing efforts in preserving “our” climbing areas, wherever they may be across the country.” Erik Filsinger, Arizona Mountaineering Club, Access Director

“THANK YOU for putting together such a great event. We both feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the summit. I can’t tell you how much we’ve taken away from it and I think it’s going to make a huge difference to our local climbing organization, C3PA, as well.” Scott Woods and Ieva Perkons, Climbing Conservancy of Central Pennsylvania Founders

Special thanks to local businesses that provided support: Boulder Mountain Lodge, Avery’s Brewing, Eldorado State Park, Vic’s Coffee Shop, Moe’s Bagel, Daily Harvest, Jose’s Catering, and Izze.


Since 1991, the Access Fund has been the only national advocacy organization that keeps climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. The Access Fund supports and represents over 1.6 million climbers nationwide in ALL forms of climbing; rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and bouldering. Five core programs support the mission on national and local levels: public policy, stewardship & conservation (including grants), grassroots activism, climber education, and land acquisition. For more information visit http://www.accessfund.org or http://www.boulderproject.org.