Mission

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition’s (SWPACC) mission is to promote the responsible development of climbing and bouldering in southwestern Pennsylvania, to disseminate information about development and conservation of the resource, and to gain and preserve access.

SWPACC is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, making your donations eligible for tax deductions.

JEDI COMMITMENT: SWPACC is committed to not only our own growth and development in the areas of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI), but to also foster those values in our community. Marginalized communities have historically been vastly underrepresented and we aim to hold space for those members to feel welcome.

History

SWPACC was officially established on December 1, 2014 after local climbers and friends recognized the need for such an organization in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The first action was taken in 2015 when SWPACC coordinated with other Pennsylvania local climbing organizations, the Access Fund, and numerous other user groups (hikers, runners, etc.) to express support for keeping State Gamelands open to non-hunters year round, in response to a proposal for significant closures. As a result, the proposal was rescinded and SWPACC established a positive working relationship with the State Game Commission.

Throughout the next few years, SWPACC took part in various climbing area revitalization projects including graffiti removal, hardware replacement, and trail cleanups. It also began disseminating information on climbing area access and routes and working more on fundraising and branding efforts.

On January 10, 2018, SWPACC officially became a Joint Member of the Access Fund as a Local Climbing Organization (LCO). As SWPACC began to take on larger projects and become a bigger part of the local climbing community, the need for increased organization and community involvement became a priority. As a result, in 2020, SWPACC revamped its bylaws and organizational practices, held its first election, and established working committees.

Committees

All four committees will integrate SWPACC’s priority of JEDI values (justice, equity, diversity, inclusivity) into initiatives that address racism, gender discrimination, ableism, and other forms of institutional discrimination. This work will address both ongoing and historical identity-based exclusion/harassment/violence in outdoor spaces and the climbing community at large.

Interested in joining a committee? Send an email to the addresses below or check our calendar.

Access + Stewardship Committee

Co-Chairs: Andrew Gerlach & Nate Grygo
access@swpacc.org

MISSION: To facilitate stewardship of, access to, and communication of information regarding outdoor climbing spaces. This committee oversees dialogue and negotiation with land managers to improve, secure and preserve access for all segments of the climbing community, not only through formal permission for climbing, but also by developing/advocating inclusive policies and community standards. It oversees issues such as hardware equipment, clean-ups and beautification, sustainable trail-building, dissemination of information through print and online guidebooks, and educational programs to promote responsible and inclusive outdoor climbing practices.

Community Committee

Co-Chairs: Jacob Zarich & Caleb Hills
community@swpacc.org

MISSION: To improve access by fostering a positive social environment in which all climbers can take part, contribute, and benefit as active members. It is responsible for organizing and sponsoring community initiatives and events.

Communications Committee

Chair: Paul Guarino
communications@swpacc.org

MISSION: To disseminate publicly the mission and identity of SWPACC, and to provide information to, dialogue with, and generate engagement from community members at large, including members, potential members, volunteers, and partners, through digital marketing platforms, events logistics, and other modes of communication.