preserving our playgrounds

climbing isn't a right, it's a privilege. wait, no, that's what they say about driving.

up until very recently i never really appreciated the fact that a lot of cool climbing areas in this country are at some ongoing risk of closure.

a good example of this access issue is what's currently happening at arches national park in moab, ut. the basic story is this. dean potter (famous climber) decided to climb a "delicate" arch and then film it. authorities freaked out and are now considering limiting or regulating climbing access to the park. it's a pretty big controversy that has the potential to shape access to other national parks (yosemite, zion, etc.)

so why should you and i care about what's going on at arches? well, on a basic level, if we don't express our concerns and interests relative to how climbing areas get preserved we risk having to deal with the tyranny of the non-climbing majority. finding our voice and preserving our playgrounds is muy importante.

i know you're thinking, what can i do?

for a good warm up, consider offering some comments to the folks over at arches. the comment period ends may 9th. submit your thoughts online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov or by mail to: superintendent, arches national park, p.o. box 907, moab, ut, 84532.

and finally here are two organizations to check out and possibly get involved with: the american alpine club and the access fund.

don't just be a rock user. be a rock lover and get involved!