overview
The Access Fund is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to keeping climbing areas open and to conserving the climbing environment.
Partnerships are vital to the Access Fund. We work closely with land management agencies, environmental organizations, climbing groups, outdoor businesses and guide services on conservation projects, land acquisitions and climbing policy.
Climbing Management Plans have been or will be prepared for most public lands that have recreational climbing. The Access Fund works with federal, state and local officials on climbing policy and supports management based on objective decision making. The Access Fund represents climbers' interests during the planning process while helping agencies to reduce impacts and formulate policy. The Access Fund has helped land managers with trail building, installing parking and waste disposal facilities, and educational and safety signage.
Support for Wilderness preservation and wildlife habitat is crucial to the future of American climbing. The Access Fund collaborates with some of the country's foremost environmental organizations, including the National Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, Wilderness Society, The Nature Conservancy, and National Parks and Conservation Association, on issues such as the use of fixed anchors in Wilderness areas, the preservation of lands threatened by development, the role of local stewardship in protecting public lands, and the protection of nesting peregrine falcons and other cliff-dwelling wildlife.
The Corporate Roster is made up of more than 75 outdoor industry members and other businesses that help us to keep climbing areas open and protect the climbing environment. Access Fund Corporate Partners support climbing preservation efforts in numerous ways, including promoting responsible climbing and political activism, contributing funds and gear, and helping with conservation projects. For a current list of program members, see our newsletter.
Comprised of more than 200 climbing gyms and outdoor retailers, these partnerships are a critical link to the broader climbing community. The Access Fund works with over 500 climbing-related events every year sponsored by these members. Community Partners initiate conservation projects, letter-writing campaigns, membership drives and other crucial events. Membership in the Community Partnership Program is simple and reflects the businesses support of the Access Fund.
Regional and local climbing organizations are often formed in response to closures and other access issues. Our organizations program promotes political activism and local stewardship of our climbing resources. The Access Fund also works with numerous guide services as part of this program.
Many high-profile climbers work with us to spread the word, build our membership base, and raise funds at their events and slideshows. This group includes Royal Robbins, Conrad Anker, Lynn Hill, Greg Child, Randy Leavitt and Jon Krakauer and many others who are dedicated to the mission of the Access Fund.