access fund grants by state
Click on the map to the left, select a state and click on 'Grants Awarded' to see all past grants awarded.
Alabama
Jamestown (2005)
The Southeastern Climbers Coalition was awarded a grant to help pay for the purchase of the Jamestown climbing area. The crag, which was on land privately owned, has been closed since the early 1990s. Many of the best climbing areas in Alabama are closed due to private landowner issues.
Arkansas
Sam's Throne (2005)
A grant was awarded to the Forest Service for the purchase and installation of a CXT vault toilet at Sam’s Throne. The Forest Service is in the process of upgrading the area to include a primitive campground and additional day use parking area with informational kiosk.
Arizona
Friends of Queen Creek (2004)
The Friends of Queen Creek (FOQC) received a grant to help with the their effort to preserve public access to Oak Flat and Devil's Canyon. This area represents a unique climbing resource with over 2,000 boulder problems and more than 800 routes. This is the site of the Phoenix Bouldering Contest as well. Currently there are plans to build a large copper mine at this site.
California
Eastern Sierra Climbers Coalition (2004)
ESCC was awarded a grant to help pay for organizational and start-up expenses for the newly formed grassroots climber's advocacy group. ESCC will focus on proactive resolution of climbing management issues, dialogue with land managers, education and outreach to local and visiting climbers, stewardship of the area's resources, and representing climbers in the eastern Sierra.
Northern California (2005)
The Bigfoot County Climbers Association received a grant to develop a website. The website will provide local and visiting climbers with information about climbing in the northern California coastal region, access issues, restrictions and closures, stewardship projects and other updates.
Friends of Williamson Rock Start-up (2006)
A grant was awarded to the Friends of Williamson Rock (FoWR) for start-up and organizational expenses. The newly formed group represents climbers' interests at Williamson Rock in Southern California. FoWR's first project is to work closely with United States Forest Service to address access, stewardship and climbing management issues as they relate to the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog in order to reopen Williamson Rock to rock climbing.
Buttermilks (2005)
The Eastern Sierra Climbers Coalition received a grant to assist with the purchase of a vault toilet for the Buttermilks bouldering area. Due to dramatic increases in climbing use, installation of a permanent toilet at the Buttermilks is critical to reducing human waste impacts in the area.
Table Lands (2003)
The BLM was awarded a grant for a vault toilet at the Happy and Sad Boulders.
Yosemite National Park (2005)
Yosemite National Park received a grant to pay for the purchase and installation of bear box food storage lockers at the base of popular Yosemite Valley climbing areas. Climbers currently do not have convenient and effective locations to store food while on multi-day climbs, and in recent years the number of bear incidents in climbing areas around the Valley has increased.
Donner Summit (2005)
The Truckee Donner Land Trust received a grant to assist with the purchase of 189-acres west of Donner Lake in Billy Mack Canyon. The purchase will expand the Donner Summit climbing area, as the potential climbing opportunities in the Canyon, heretofore closed to climbers, is fantastic.
Arizona State University (2003)
Arizona State University was awarded a grant to fund a wilderness climbing study Joshua Tree, CA.
Friends of Joshua Tree (2003)
The Friends of Joshua Tree was a awarded a grant to help build capacity.
Tablelands (2003)
The BLM was awarded a grant for bouldering management, a toilet, and kiosk.
Yosemite Facelift 2007, CA Access Fund Affiliate, Yosemite (2007)
Climbers Association was awarded a grant to purchase materials for its fourth annual Yosemite Facelift September 26th-September 30th , 2007. This highly successful cleanup has doubled in size every year and has become the largest Adopt-a-Crag in the country. Last year’s cleanup had 1,157 volunteers that gathered over 25,000 pounds of trash. Climbers worked alongside other Park user groups creating friendships and respect outside the climbing community. The National Park Service recognized the event by awarding Ken Yager the prestigious Yosemite Award for his efforts in organizing the Facelift. Ken was also awarded the Access Fund Bebie Leadership Award for his work.
Yosemite Face-Lift Adopt-a-Crag (2008)
Yosemite Climbing Association will use its grant award to support the five-day Yosemite Face-Lift Adopt-a-Crag. This annual Adopt-a-Crag attracts thousands of volunteers to the U.S.’s premiere climbing destination and is the largest Adopt-a-Crag year after year.
Colorado
Piano Boulders Preservation and Improvement Project, Fort Collins, Colorado (2006)
A grant was awarded to the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program, for erosion control and fence construction work at the Piano Boulders, outside Fort Collins, Colorado. The Piano Boulders are located in Pineridge Natural Area (PRN), which was acquired by the City of Fort Collins through a series of purchases starting in 1978 and is managed City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program. The bouldering area, first visited sometime in the late 1960’s, is officially off limits. PRN is an on-trail only site and the trail(s) up to the bouldering area are not officially sanctioned trails. Instead of enforcing this violation the City of Fort Collins Natural Area Program decided to recognize bouldering as a legitimate activity and to officially designate a trail up to the Piano Boulders.
Aspen Valley Land Trust (2004)
The Aspen Valley Land Trust was awarded a grant to pay for an appraisal used to establish the conservation value of a critical open space property in the Crystal River Valley that includes an extremely popular ice-climbing feature called "the Drool". The Drool is situated on a 35-acre privately owned parcel of land. Despite its location on private property, the Drool ice-climb is called a "mega-classic" by the local climbing guidebook is climbed frequently throughout the winter months. A conservation easement will be placed on the Drool Parcel, restricting all future development on the property while permitting public recreational access.
Rocky Mountain Field Institute (2005)
The Rocky Mountain Field Institute was awarded a grant for the Crestone Needle Restoration Project. The goal of the project is to preserve Crestone Needle (14,197’) by constructing a sustainable summit route, and restoring badly damaged and heavily eroded areas along the route’s perimeter.
Dome and Elephant Buttress (2005)
A grant was awarded a grant to the Silver Lake Ditch Co. for restoration work at the Dome and Elephant Buttresses. Work will focus on ditch restoration and mitigating erosion caused by foot traffic at this heavily used site near Boulder.
Shelf Road (2005)
The Rocky Mountain Field Institute received a grant to improve the trail from the Bank to Cactus cliff. The current trail was built a number of years ago and was not designed to accommodate the numbers of climbers who now visit Cactus cliff.
Flatirons Climbing Council (2003)
The Flatirons Climbing Council was awarded an organizational start-up grant.
Northern Colorado Climbers Coalition Start-up (2008)
Northern Colorado Climbers Coalition was awarded a grant to help fund the start-up costs of their Local Climbing Organization. The grant will help pay for legal filing fees and website development. The NCCC will focus on promoting access to Northern Colorado climbing areas and positive resource stewardship through community involvement.
Organizational Startup, Western Colorado Climbers Coalition (2008)
Funds awarded will assist in startup costs of the newly formed Western Colorado Climbers Coalition (WCC). The WCCC, based out of Grand Junction, Colorado, is fundraising to purchase privately owned portions of Unaweep Canyon.
Unaweep Canyon Land Acquisition (2008)
A grant was awarded to Access Fund Affiliate Western Colorado Climber’s Coalition for the purchase of the Upper and Middle Mothers Buttress crags in Unaweep Canyon, Mesa County, CO. The crags were purchased from the current landowner who has guaranteed an easement to access the area and secure climbing here indefinitely. This parcel is near land currently owned by the Access Fund.
Connecticut
Ragged Mountain Parking Feasibility Assessment (2006)
A grant was awarded the Ragged Mountain Foundation (RMF) to conduct a comprehensive analysis toward the construction of a parking area. The RMF property contains wetlands and a conservation easement. Therefore it must first be determined if an ecologically sensitive parking area can be developed. Long-term access has always been uncertain due to the limited nature of parking. The project is a partnership between the Berlin Land Trust, private landowners and the local climbing community.
Washington, D.C.
Mid-Atlantic Climbers Graffiti Removal (2008)
The Mid-Atlantic Climbers received a grant to buy graffiti removal supplies for clean-up of the Northwest Branch bouldering area in Washington D.C.
Georgia
Southeastern Climbers Coalition (2004)
Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC) was awarded a grant for the Boat Rock Preserve. SCC purchased the 7-acres Boat Rock property with assistance from the Access Fund in 2002, and has held periodic fundraisers over the past two years to pay for the purchase. This grant is part of the Access Fund's ongoing commitment to the SCC for Boat Rock. By purchasing Boat Rock the SCC has managed to preserve a small slice of a magnificent boulder field and its unique environment for climbers as well as the surrounding community to enjoy.
Idaho
Black Cliffs Trail Project (2004)
Boise Climbers Alliance was awarded a grant to improve climbing access to the Black Cliffs, a local cragging area 15 minutes from downtown Boise. Climbing use has increased over the years, resulting in the proliferation of social trails and serious erosion problems. The BCA will also install several kiosks at key trailheads to inform climbers about the BCA, supporting organizations, the raptor protection plan, and the area's natural and historic value.
Kentucky
Red River Gorge (2005)
The University of Kentucky Research Foundation received a grant to conduct a research project to test the effects of intentional site burial using geo-textiles on cultural resources found in two rock shelters in the Red River Gorge. The results of this study will provide needed information on whether previously closed areas can be opened up to some types of recreational use following placement of geo-synthetic material.
Red River (2003)
The Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition was awarded a grant for the Murray Property land acquisition.
Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve Land Acquisition Project (2006)
The Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition (RRGCC) was awarded a grant to assist with the acquisition of the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve climbing area. The Pendergrass-Murray area is a regionally and nationally significant rock climbing area containing almost 75% of the existing open climbing in the Southern Region of the Red River Gorge, Kentucky. RRGCC purchased the 700 acre parcel for recreational use and protection in 2004. Climbing will be allowed and access to the crag will be guaranteed in perpetuity. This grant supplements a grant awarded by the AF in 2004 for the acquisition.
Friends of Muir Valley (2008)
Friends of Muir Valley’s grant award will contribute to the improvement of creek crossings at the Muir Valley Climbing area.
Massachusetts
Great Barrington (2005)
The Friends of East Mountain received a grant for a trail kiosk and site map for climbing areas and trails at Great Barrington.
Great Barrington (2005)
The Friends of East Mountain received a multi-use grant for trail work and maintenance at Mormon Hollow, a survey to determine alternative parking options and possible acquisition of a small lot, and the installation of water bars and ladders at the Main cliff in Great Barrington.
Farley Ledge (2003)
The Western Mass.Climbers Coalition was awarded a grant for a natural resource survey at Farley Ledge.
Farley Ledge Preservation Initiative (2007)
A grant was awarded to the Western Massachusetts Climbers Coalition (WMCC) to assist with the purchase of a nine-acre parcel of land abutting Farley Ledge, a unique and unspoiled outdoor recreation area in Erving, MA. Purchase of this property will protect valuable, undeveloped land and create a permanent sustainable parking lot and trailhead providing public access to both the rock climbing at Farley Ledge and the nationally recognized Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. This purchase ensures permanent access to one of southern New England’s best rock climbing resources that was previously threatened by a busy residential neighborhood causing restricted access four times in the last twenty years.
Minnesota
Ely’s Peak Climbers Parking Lot, Trail & Kiosk, Duluth (2007)
A grant was awarded to Access Fund Affiliate, Minnesota Climbers Association, for an access trail, parking lot, and kiosk construction at Ely’s Peak. A local Duluth crag, Ely’s Peak, has been a regional climbing destination for over 30 years. The new trail and parking lot will provide great access to the crags and cut the approach time in half. The kiosk will provide information about the natural and cultural history of the area and about minimum impact practices for climbers.
Montana
Blackline Buttress (2005)
A grant was awarded to the Forest Service for the Blackline Buttress trail rehabilitation and construction project. The targeted trail is 1.5-2 miles long, with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain. The trail needs drainage work, downhill retaining walls, and retreading. The grant will be used for materials, an informational bulletin board, and trail marker signs.
Blackleaf Canyon (2005)
The Teton River Watershed Group was awarded a grant for educational outreach for the Blackleaf Canyon climbing area. Working with the Forest Service, the climbing community is interested in proactively addressing emerging issues at this increasingly popular area. Parking, human waste, grizzly bear food order regulations, and access trails have been identified as key areas of concern.
North Carolina
Carolina Climbers Coalition (2004)
The Carolina Climbers Coalition was awarded a grant to help pay for the updating and printing of their climber education brochures.
Laurel Knob (2005)
The Carolina Climbers Coalition received a grant to assist with the purchase of a 50-acre tract near Cashiers, North Carolina containing what is arguably the tallest cliff in the eastern United States – a granite wall over 1,000 feet tall known as Laurel Knob. The purchase opens up a previously closed climbing area.
North Carolina State University (2003)
North Carolina State University was awarded a grant to help fund a study on climber use at Grandfather Mountain Corridor.
Laurel Knob Acquisition Project (2006)
The Carolina Climbers Coalition received a grant, made possible by Petzl and Scarpa, to assist with the purchase of a 50-acre tract near Cashiers, North Carolina containing what is arguably the tallest cliff in the eastern United States – a granite wall over 1,000 feet tall known as Laurel Knob. The purchase opens up a previously closed climbing area. This grant supplements a grant awarded by the AF in 2005 for the acquisition.
Laurel Knob (2008)
Carolina Climbers Coalition received a grant to help pay off the remaining balance on the loan used to purchase laurel Knob in 2006.
New Hampshire
Square Ledge (2003)
The Appalachian Mountain Club was awarded a grant for trail work at Square Ledge.
New Mexico
NM-CRAG (2003)
The NM-CRAG received a start-up grant for a climbers resource and advocacy group.
Nevada
Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council (2005)
A start-up and organizational grant was awarded to the Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council. LVCLC is dedicated to ensuring climbing access, encouraging stewardship of the environment, and cultivating a sense of community in a world-class climbing destination. Red Rock Canyon faces ever more threatening issues from encroaching development, increased land use, and challenges to access through issues imposed by the federal government.
New York
Gunks Climbers Coalition (2004)
The Gunks Climbers Coalition was awarded a grant for campground improvements at the New York Department of Environmental Conservation Multiple Use Area. Improvements will include a new and more detailed campground map, signs and clearer designation of camping sites. The free campground, which has been used by climbers for decades, is located adjacent to the Mohonk Preserve.
Mohonk Preserve (2005)
The Mohonk Preserve was awarded a grant for a multi-faceted outreach program designed to reach novice climbers in the Gunks, educate them about the fragile life on cliffs and convert them to low-impact climbing ethic.
Mohonk Preserve Solar Vented Toilet (2008)
A grant was awarded to the Mohonk Preserve to purchase and install a two unit solar vented toilet at the West Trapps trailhead. This toilet purchase facilitated a permanent and environmentally friendly solution to human waste issues in the area.
Oklahoma
Wichita Mountains Climbers Coalition (2004)
A grant was awarded to the Wichita Mountains Climbers Coalition (WMCC) to produce climber education brochures at two climbing areas: the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and Baldy Point at Quartz Mountain Nature Park. The brochures will be made available at trailheads, visitor centers, and climber kiosks free of charge.
Oregon
French's Dome (2005)
The Forest Service was awarded a grant to help pay for a slope stabilization and belay platform construction project at a popular climbing destination near Mt. Hood. Heavy use at this site has resulted in erosion and vegetation loss at the base of the rock and outlying areas. The project will involve the construction of rock retaining walls, a trail on the northeast side of the formation that will direct use, and revegetation in areas that are no longer in the travel zone.
Madrone Wall (2005)
The Madrone Wall Preservation Committee was awarded a grant for ongoing public outreach work in the effort to protect Madrone Wall. The group is working to reopen the site to public access and lobbying to get the site permanently protected as a park or open space property. Madrone Wall has been closed since 1997.
Frenches Dome Slope Stabilization and Belay Platform Construction (2006)
The Forest Service was awarded a grant to help pay for a slope stabilization and belay platform construction project at a popular climbing destination near Mt. Hood. Heavy use at this site has resulted in erosion and vegetation loss at the base of the rock and outlying areas. The project will involve the construction of rock retaining walls, a trail on the northeast side of the formation that will direct use, and revegetation in areas that are no longer in the travel zone.
Youtlkut Pillars Restoration, Oregon (2006)
The Forest Service was awarded a grant to help pay for a toilet construction project at a popular climbing destination in the Umpqua National Forest. Because the pillars are so easily accessed by road, this area has a history over the past 25 years of attracting large climbing groups such as local Search & Rescue, Boy Scouts, ROTC, and the local Job Corps Center. Heavy use at this site has resulted in erosion and vegetation loss at the base of the rock and outlying areas and the need for an outhouse facility.
Texas
Reimers Ranch Bridge Construction Project (2006)
A grant was awarded to the climbers group, Central Texas Mountaineers, for erosion control and bridge construction work at Reimers Ranch in outside of Austin, Texas. In November 2005, Reimers Ranch was purchased by Travis County to be used as a public park with the passage of a bond initiative. Since the acquisition of Reimers by Travis County, visitation to the area has increased substantially. The construction of two bridges will proved safer access to climbing areas, reduces impact to the stream, and protects vegetation and life contained in the stream.
Utah
Rocky Mountain Field Institute Trail Projects (2004)
Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) received a grant for trail projects at Indian Creek Canyon, UT. Projects will include construction of climbing access trails to the Way Rambo and Cat Walls, campground maintenance and restoration for the Bridger Jack camping site, and maintenance of existing trails. The mitigation of impacts to the fragile desert landscape continues to be a critical need in Indian Creek Canyon. RMFI has received Access Fund support for Indian Creek projects for the past 6 years.
Pete's Rock Conservation Project (2004)
Salt Lake Climbers Alliance (SLCA) received a grant for the Pete's Rock Conservation and Restoration Initiative. Last year, the SLCA committed to permanently removing large white painted numbers from Pete's Rock, a beginner top-rope crag located near Mt. Olympus in the Wasatch Range. The numbers had been re-painted year after year as a tradition to mark the routes and designate their difficulty. The public is overwhelming in support of permanently removing the paint as most recreationists felt it was a practice no longer acceptable.
Castleton Tower (2005)
Utah Open Lands received a grant for the implementation of a “wag-bag” sanitation program at the camping and trailhead area of Castleton Tower. The grant will contribute toward the purchase of wag-bags, a dispenser and educational materials.
Indian Creek (2005)
The Friends of Indian Creek received a grant to produce an Indian Creek informational and educational brochure. The brochure will focus on providing concise information on camping, private lands issues within the area, and the BLMs management plan for Indian Creek.
Indian Creek (2003)
The Rocky Mountain Field Institute was awarded a grant for Bridger Jack trial work in Indian Creek.
Maple Canyon Bridge and Kiosk Construction Project (2006)
The USDA Forest Service, Manti-La Sal National Forest was awarded a grant to construct a bridge and an educational kiosk. The Middle Fork Trail in Maple Canyon receives heavy use and impacts the stream that must be crossed to access the climbing trails. The bridge help minimize the impacts of use by re-vegetating the river's banks and kiosks will and provide education to all users on camping, minimum impact techniques and cultural resources.
Friends of Indian Creek Brochure, Utah (2006)
The Friends of Indian Creek received a grant to produce an Indian Creek informational and educational brochure. The brochure will focus on providing concise information on camping, private lands issues within the area, and the BLMs management plan for Indian Creek
Castleton Tower Trail Project (2007)
The Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) was awarded a grant to assist in the restoration of the Castleton Tower Trail and in the production of a trail map for placement at the trailhead kiosk. In the fall of 2006, a severe storm caused extensive damage along the popular Castleton Tower Trail and restoration efforts were necessary to prevent developing splinter paths from causing further damage to the desert landscape. This project occurs in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with whom the RMFI has built a great relationship over the years as the primary steward of land and trails accessing climbing resources on BLM property.
Castleton Tower trail and campground improvement project (2008)
Utah Open Lands will host a three-day Adopt-a-Crag event at the base of Castleton Tower to improve the Castleton Tower access trail, trailhead, and primitive climbers’ camp.
Castleton Tower Trail Project (2008)
Utah Open Lands received an additional grant to help rebuild the Castleton Tower trail. A late summer storm caused major damage to the trail, completely eroding it in parts. The trail reconstruction project took place as part of a three-day Adopt-a-Crag event this past fall.
Vermont
Bolton Quarry Acquisition Project (2004)
The Climbing Resource Access Group of Vermont (CRAG-VT) was awarded a grant to assist with the acquisition of the Bolton Quarry climbing area. Bolton Quarry is a locally and regionally significant rock and ice climbing area. CRAG-VT recently negotiated to purchase the crag and surrounding 30-acre parcel for recreational use and protection. Climbing will be allowed and access to the crag will be guaranteed in perpetuity. This grant supplements a grant awarded by the AF in the fall of 2003 for the acquisition.
Acquisition of Upper West Bolton Cliff (2008)
Assist in the acquisition of Upper West Bolton Cliff (a.k.a. Upper West) in Bolton, Vermont. Less than 30 minutes from Burlington and Montpelier, Upper West is one of northern Vermont’s most popular and historic cliffs. It hosts 250-foot traditional climbs, ice climbs, and a boulder field.
Washington
Washington Climbers Coalition (2004)
A grant was awarded to the Washington Climbers Coalition for start-up and organizational expenses. The newly formed group will represent climbers' interests in the state, and will work closely with public and private landowners to address access, stewardship and climbing management issues.
Little Si (2004)
The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust was awarded a grant to complete upgrades to the Little Si trail, which provides access to a popular climbing area. The trail has received heavy use since the construction of a new trailhead and is in need of upgrading to ensure continued protection of resources and safety for trail users.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Outdoor Access (2005)
Wisconsin Outdoor Access (WOA) received a grant to help with organizational expenses and outreach to climbers throughout the Midwest. WOA is a grassroots organization that will focus on statewide access and stewardship issues.
West Virginia
Coopers Rock (2005)
A start-up and organizational grant was awarded to the Coopers Rock Regional Climbers Coalition. This group will focus on access/stewardship issues in the Coopers Rock, WV area.
New River Gorge Viewshed and Climbing Access Protection, Kentucky (2006)
A grant was awarded to the New River Alliance of Climbers to conduct modeling research on the potential climbing viewshed impact of proposed housing developments on the rim of the New River Gorge. The National Park Service’s viewshed analysis shows approximately 20% of the lots will be visible from highly utilized areas in the park, including areas used for climbing such as Beauty Mountain. The Park Service analysis is limited by its inability to definitively model the impact of the development when the leaves have fallen. An independent third party with the ability to model the vegetative cover is needed to validate the park service analysis. This modeling will include viewshed impacts from popular climbing areas.