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CASA
  • Home
  • News
    • Leadership Drive 2025 >
      • CliffNotes Coordinator
      • Deputy Director
    • Voices from the Community
    • 2023 Photo Contest Results
    • Coronado Forest Service Information
  • Calendar
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    • Stewardship >
      • Events
      • News
      • Graffiti Removal
    • Anchor Team >
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 CASA News

Crags Against Humanity Press Release!

Photo of climber on wall at Crags Against Humanity
Tucson, April 16, 2024

Climbing Association of Southern Arizona (CASA) is excited to announce that the Coronado National Forest has fully approved upgrades to the Crags Against Humanity climbing area as part of the Santa Catalina Trail Plan. 

Expanding on CASA's nearly decade-long, nationally recognized erosion control work at Windy Point, the Crags Against Humanity project is a first-of-its-kind pilot partnership between CASA and the Coronado National Forest to build climbing-specific infrastructure on the Forest.

Crags Against Humanity was selected with community input after rigorous assessment of potential climbing areas. The site has a long recreational season, experiences high usage, is easily accessible, and is suffering the effects of erosional impact. 

Planned improvements include belay platforms and steps built with natural materials, restoration of eroded areas, signage, a “wag bag” station for packing out human waste, and educational materials to help mitigate climber impact.

Work is planned to begin in the fall of 2024 by volunteers and paid professionals. CASA is hopeful that this pilot project will be the first of many Forest Service–supported upgrades to local climbing areas.

Crags Against Humanity Project
​Receives NEPA Approval

A Step Forward for Sustainable Climbing
March 26, 2024

The Crags Against Humanity Project, an initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing climbing areas, has recently achieved a significant milestone. The project, led by the CASA Stewardship Lead Eric Ruljancich, has received NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) approval from the Coronado National Forest (CNF). This approval marks a crucial step forward in the project's goal of adopting and improving the area known as Crags Against Humanity, located within the CNF.


This achievement is the result of over a decade of dedication and hard work by Eric Ruljancich (Stewardship Lead) and CASA, with significant support from the climbing community. Volunteers and climbers have played a crucial role in CASA's projects and programs, including stewardship events, educational programs, and anchor team efforts.
The final Santa Catalina Trail Plan, released by the CNF in spring 2023, includes a comprehensive strategy for the Crags Against Humanity area. The plan highlights several key objectives, including the maintenance and improvement of the short approach from the paved parking area to the cliff faces. This enhancement aims to provide better access to the climbing areas while minimizing environmental impact.

Another important aspect of the plan is the maintenance and improvement of belay terraces at the base of cliff faces. These terraces will help reduce soil erosion and resource damage, increase safety for climbers, and contain the area of impact, ensuring the sustainability of the climbing environment.

To further promote sustainability and responsible climbing practices, the plan includes the installation of a kiosk. This kiosk will feature signage regarding climbing etiquette and Leave No Trace principles, as well as provide climbers with WAG bags (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) for proper waste disposal. Additionally, the kiosk will include a map of climbing areas and routes, as well as signage at trail junctions to guide climbers and minimize off-trail impact.

The NEPA approval for the Crags Against Humanity Project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the CASA Stewardship Programs led by Eric, the CNF, and the climbing community. It reflects a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area while providing a safe and enjoyable climbing experience for all enthusiasts.
​
Looking ahead, the CASA will continue to engage volunteers and partners to implement the approved plan.

​Future announcements regarding volunteer opportunities and project updates will be shared by CASA. Climbers and outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to stay tuned for these updates and to participate in the ongoing efforts to support sustainable climbing practices.
​
In conclusion, the NEPA approval of CASA's Crags Against Humanity Project represents a significant achievement for CASA and the climbing community. It underscores the importance of collaboration and stewardship in preserving our natural landscapes for future generations of climbers to enjoy.
US Forest Service & National Park Service
Preliminary Climbing Management Plans

November 30, 2023
On November 17, 2023, Access Fund posted an announcement that preliminary versions of a Climbing Management Plans by both the US Forest Service and the National Park Service have been made available as of November 16, 2023. They both opened their comment period until January 16, 2024, 11:59pm EST. 

Access Fund has provided an FAQ on their website, summarizing these two plans and describing what is happening in Congress with respect to these plans.  There will be effects on climber safety and access in National Forest, Wilderness Areas, and National Parks, if these plans are approved. 

CASA is joining Access Fund, and other LCOs across the country, in requesting an extension to the comment period, pushing that deadline to February 15, 2024. 

The comment period is now complete - we await announcements and updates from the USFS and NPS. We want to thank everyone in our community and beyond who submitted their comments and helped get the word out to others!

CASA Announces New Leadership
August 30, 2023
​
​CASA President

First and foremost, CASA would like to extend our gratitude to Olivia Fehlberg, our outgoing CASA President, for her efforts in supporting the CASA organization. During her term, we resumed our education events, worked towards more community inclusivity, and fostered a thriving community of climbers.

CASA is excited to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed a new president, Nicki Manzanares, to guide the climbing organization. Nicki has been a part of the CASA Leadership since fall of 2019 when she was brought on board to help with the organization’s website. While continuing to maintain the website, Nicki has been on the Board of Directors and, most recently, has served as CASA Vice President. Nicki is very passionate about the success of CASA. She has the drive to continue CASA’s strong presence in the climbing community through its various avenues of outreach: Stewardship, Education, Climber Safety, and other forms of Community Engagement.

New Leadership Role: Youth Outreach Coordinator
​

While CASA was tabling during the “Nose in a Day” event, Owen Brosanders approached CASA Secretary Ann Ranalli with an idea: Youth Outreach. After more planning and considerations, CASA decided to create a new leadership role, the Youth Outreach Coordinator, with the help of a very active youth climber in the community. 

Owen’s enthusiasm for youth climbing comes from his years on the Rocks and Ropes Youth Climbing Team. He felt that there was a piece missing within CASA and wanted to help bring that forward by volunteering to be the Youth Outreach Coordinator. His role will engage the youth climbers in the community, and help them to become involved in smaller stewardship programs. 

Aside from joining the CASA team as the Youth Outreach Coordinator, Owen will also act as  Deputy Director. He is looking forward to connecting with a very important part of the climbing community and giving back to this amazing sport!


Two Photos - Left photo (by Wiley Hundertmar): climber shadow on rock. Right photo (by Zackari Miller): climber walking away from camera with rope and gear

Photo of climber on Mt Lemmon
The Climbing Association of Southern Arizona (CASA) has released the 2022 Annual Report. The report contains such information as:
  • 2022 Financials
  • 2022 Education Series Overview
  • 2022 Anchor Replacement Report
  • 2022 Stewardship Accomplishments
  • 2022 Sponsors
  • 2015-2022 Donor Activity
  • 2022 CASA Leadership Team​

Click here (or on the image to the left) to open the report

Check out Tanline Printer's production
of the 2023 CASA Member/Donor T-Shirt

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  • Home
  • News
    • Leadership Drive 2025 >
      • CliffNotes Coordinator
      • Deputy Director
    • Voices from the Community
    • 2023 Photo Contest Results
    • Coronado Forest Service Information
  • Calendar
  • Programs
    • Stewardship >
      • Events
      • News
      • Graffiti Removal
    • Anchor Team >
      • Updated Climbs
      • Bolt/Anchor Replacement
    • Education >
      • Events
      • News
      • Climber Resource Portal >
        • Pusch Ridge Wilderness
        • Climbing: An Indigenous Perspective
        • Bighorn Sheep Closure
        • Climbers & Raptors >
          • Raptors in Cochise
  • Meet CASA
    • About CASA
    • The CASA Team
    • JEDI Statement
    • Partnering Organizations
  • Report Bad Bolts
  • DONATE
    • Volunteer
    • Thank You CASA Members & Donors
  • Get Connected