February Progress Report

Nary a day goes by that there isn't activity on the Mothers Buttress land acquisition project. Dave Foley, our volunteer surveyor, and Marc Kenney, our volunteer engineer, have been hard at work on the permits and planning process with the County and the highway department. Additionally, these two met with land owner John Peterson and WCCC Secretary Eve Tallman on site recently to look over the property lines, proposed boundary line adjustment, and driveway location.
Our volunteer attorney and broker for the deal, Steve Johnson, met with the County planner and our Prez Jesse Zacher to further discuss what is needed to made the proper subdivision so that we can close on our real estate deal with the Petersons.
Patience is a golden virtue when dealing with these complicated processes.
WCCC will pay fees and some expenses from our REI grant to assist the Petersons in their quest to provide climber access in perpetuity for the Mothers Buttress parcel.

Watch for news of our next WCCC meeting. Happy Spring!

WCCC Meeting of December 18th

The coalition meeting on December 18 had a low turnout, but we met some new folks, including the new Core Elements manager (Ryan Dutch) and a representative of the Colorado Environmental Coalition (Kate Graham). Board members Kris Hjelle, Jesse Zacher, and Eve Tallman attended. Newcomer Michael Hale also signed on. The bulk of our time was devoted to learning from Kate about the scoping comment period (through January 9) on the BLM's new Resource Management Plan. This plan will encompass several climbing areas, including Escalante, Unaweep, Gateway, Palisade, Bangs Canyon, and Rough Canyon. It also includes many mountain biking areas, including North Fruita. All WCCC members are encouraged to email their comments to the BLM. Find the link by googling BLM Grand Junction Field Office and look for the scoping comments form (PLEASE RESPOND BY JANUARY 9).
We sold several WCCC shirts to the gym climbers during the evening, and would like to encourage WCCC members to pick up a shirt for $10 at Summit Canyon Outfitters or (coming soon) to Core Elements.

Unaweep: Under New Ownership

Submitted by Eve Tallman, Secretary

Western Colorado Climbers’ Coalition

http://westernslopeclimbers.blogspot.com

Jesse Zacher, Chair

Western_co_climbers@hotmail.com

Mothers Buttress, a major crag in Unaweep Canyon near Grand Junction, Colorado, has been sold to the local climbers’ coalition by the parcel’s new owners, John and Marti Peterson of Gunnison, Colorado, where the Petersons work for Western State College. Local climbers formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in part to purchase the land so that climbers may access the granite climbing area in perpetuity. With grants from the Access Fund, REI, and donations from the National Outdoor Leadership School as well as gifts from several individuals, the WCCC raised money and in-kind donations to help the deal move forward.

Dave Foley, a surveyor, and Steve Johnson, an attorney, both from Telluride, donated hours of service to ensure the success of the exchange. Realtor John Eakins donated part of his fee to the project, as well. The coalition still seeks approximately $4,000 to seal the deal. Tax-deductible donations may be made by contacting the WCCC.

At the Adopt-a-Crag day on October 26, a small group from the WCCC built a new trail to access the crags from the highway. Donations of food and gear made for a happy crew.

REI Grant Award

A generous grant from REI will help us with the trailhead construction at Mothers Buttress. Get your WCCC T-shirt at the Adopt-A-Crag trail day on October 26!

Adopt-A-Crag Trail Building Photos

October 26th was trail building day at Mother's Buttress. The new trailhead is marked by a cairn and ribbons.

New Ladder Installed at Sunday Wall

WCCC members Kris Hjelle, John Eakins, and Jim Black replaced the decrepit fence crossing at the Access Fund trailhead to Unaweep’s Sunday Wall. Thanks to donations from the local Home Depot and the sweat equity of Kris and John, the new ladder should last another 20 years.

September WCCC Meeting

The WCCC met on September 9th at the Ale House at 7:00 P.M. The meeting agenda included an update on grants previously applied for, status of the Upper/Middle Mothers parcel that was purchased, and the lots that are currently for sale (Lower Mothers and Television Wall).
We planned for the Adopt-A-Crag day to help build a trailhead to Upper Mothers on the new Peterson property, and we approved an Adopt-A-Highway project in Unaweep Canyon to give climbers more visibility with homeowners.