An Update On The State Game Land Closure Posted on April 29, 2024. It’s been over two years since the PA Game Commission, in conjunction with the PA Fish and Boat Commission, closed State Game Lands (SGL) 51 and 138 to rock climbing activities, citing climber activity as impacting the Read more…
Members of both Access Fund and the American Alpine Club are in Washington, D.C. this week, meeting with legislators to advocate for the passing of the Protect America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC Act). If passed, the legislation would safeguard climbing in areas including Joshua Tree National Park, the Diamond on Read more…
Last week, SWPACC wrapped up voting for its annual board elections. Six seats on the board were available with eight candidates stepping up to serve. All joint members of SWPACC and Access Fund were eligible to vote. The newly elected board members are: Joel Brady Caleb Hills Valerie Kramer Makenzie Read more…
2023 Access Fund Climbing Advocacy Conference Nov. 10-11, 2023 The Record, Bentonville, Arkansas Last week, Ginette Walker Vinski (SWPACC Board President) and Caleb Hills (newly elected SWPACC board member and Access+Stewardship committee co-chair) joined with members of local climbing organizations from across the country for Access Fund’s annual climbing advocacy Read more…
JOIN THE SWPACC BOARD OF DIRECTORS! MEET THE NOMINEES SWPACC Board of Director Elections – MEET THE NOMINEES HERE. IMPORTANT DATES October 9 – Deadline to Submit Nomination November 2 | 7-9p – Annual Meeting & Elections (virtual) – RSVP TO THE MEETING HERE Candidates are highly encouraged to attend this Read more…
Breaking the Beta! A new microgrant program from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition SWPACC’s microgrant program is designed to lower barriers to access in climbing in southwest PA. Climbing is a powerful sport. It can help us practice facing fear and challenge in a safe container, so that we can Read more…
Podcast explores climbing in PA state parks, featuring SWPACC and EPAC Hemlocks to Hellbenders’ recent 90-minute episode is all about rock climbing in Pennsylvania state parks! Did you know, that out of the 124 state parks in Pennsylvania, only 3 allow rock climbing as an approved activity? Ohiopyle and McConnells Read more…
Hello, everyone! My name is Ginette and this month begins my first full year term as the new president of the board for SWPACC. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role, and humbled by the confidence my peers have placed in me. Thanks to our past president Joel Read more…
Last month, Joel Brady called his final board meeting to order as founding president of the Southwestern PA Climbers Coalition. The Board elected new officers in December 2022, bringing one chapter to a close and opening a new one for the organization. Stepping into the role of President is (formerly Read more…
Call for Volunteers! Access Fund’s Conservation Team is coming to Pittsburgh next week! Join in for multiple days of community, stewardship and climbing. Come lend a hand on Friday or Saturday for trail improvements and general crag cleanup in and around the Pittsburgh area. We need the help! Bring your Read more…