Crags Against Humanity Press Release!
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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
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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! |
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The Climbing Association of Southern Arizona (CASA) has released the 2022 Annual Report. The report contains such information as:
Click here (or on the image to the left) to open the report |
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