The Washington Climbers Coalition (WCC) and Access Fund recently launched a multi-year Washington Climbing Conservation Initiative to improve sustainability for popular climbing areas like the Gold Bar Boulders, Index, Tieton, and Exit 38’s Far Side. The Access Fund website reports that Gold Bar will get improved trail alignments after a recent clear cut, as well as a more sustainable landing zone for the Equinox boulder. Far Side at Exit 38 will see formalization of appropriate trails and closing of redundant social trails. The Jeep-Conservation Team will continue stabilization of the cliff-side trail and staging areas at Index Lower Town Wall, a project they began in 2012. Finally, Tieton will see stabilization of staging areas and erosion control at the Royal Columns, a popular area for larger groups.
The Washington Climbing Conservation Initiative is receiving ongoing support from northwest climbing-oriented businesses and organizations and is primed to make a big difference in the sustainability of central Washington’s climbing resources. For more information, visit Washingtonclimbers.org/index.php/stewardship-events. //
