About the recent damage done in Rattlesnake Cyn…
Beautifully written by a Friend, Nikki Hodgson.
In 1927, a Swedish immigrant built a small house on top of a hill in the middle of the Lost Horse Valley, just south of Quail Springs. John Samuelson, who was later acquitted of murder and escaped from a state hospital in 1930, spent his free time carving his political beliefs into the rocks alongside his homestead. Over 80 years later and you can still read his misspelled words carved neatly into the rocks of what is now Joshua Tree National Park. His messages have become part of the park, the ugly scratches turned into artwork, reclaimed by the desolation of the desert.
I try to remember this when I hear that parts of the park are now closed to the public because of repeated vandalism, struggling to view the defaced and spray painted rocks through the lens of history.
Is there anything climbers can do about this?
Rattlesnake Canyon closed due to Vandalism!
The popular Indian Cove accessible crag known as Rattlesnake Canyon has been closed to all access while the JTNP deepens the investigation of the vandals defacing rock and creating blight in our National Park.
Here is what the mainstream media is saying http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-joshua-tree-graffiti-20130413,0,3668905.story
This link will take you to the official announcement by JTNP on the closure.
le_rattlesnake_closure_20130404
“We hope it’s isolated. We’re hoping that the public will help us out by reporting any damage or vandalism that they see.” One ranger said to the Press.
FOJT and the Access Fund are in dialogue with the Park on remedies and potential activation of the climbing community to combat this epidemic of impact and poor taste. Please feel free to share your feelings, or better yet solution ideas, to this blog and we will air them at our Board Retreat nexst week.
Thank you!
Spring Fund Drive and e-News push
We’ve opened our spring fund drive just a little early, based on Puxatawny Phil’s very scientific assessment of the arrival of spring… Help us build the JOSAR Cache, keep our website up (as you can see it needs some help) and come help us kick off the spring climbing season in person at the Spring Cling later this month!
Donate to FOJT for our Spring Fund Raiser here
Sign up for our newsletter here.
Barker Dam vandalized!
2013 vandalism in the Park
This is sad and so utterly clueless… please let your friends know that this happened in one of our country’s treasured National Parks and is plain stupid. Though this is clearly not the work of climbers, it encourages the Park to focus on it’s mission of protection as opposed to improving the experience for outdoor rec enthusiasts.
Here is a recent LA Times article announcing the closure of access to the Dam and some surrounding trails that access it.
Climb Smart 2012 just a few days away!
Climb Smart Oct. 19-21 is building up to be the biggest and best ever, with double triple! the registrants and supporting organizations than last year and still a few days until it happens… The event will sell out, so if you are interested to attend, click here.
Climb Smart fairgrounds layout at JT Lake Campground
Glimpse a gallery of images from the 2011 Climb Smart event
Meet JTree legendary climbers, network with fellow climbers, brush up skills, give back to the park and stay informed on latest developments that affect climbers nationwide. Join Us!
Key Topic at Climb Smart 2012 – the Underground Chasm development
There is still space for Climb Smart 2012, kicking off the Fall climbing season in Joshua Tree with a fantastic lineup of legendary climbers, brands, locals, and inspiration to last all of 2013.
Click Here an important article just published by the Access Fund on egregious activities that currently affect climbing access in JTNP
Friends Of Joshua Tree, in support of climbing in the Park and JOSAR (Joshua Tree Search & Rescue), works with the local community, sponsors like prAna and Sterling Ropes and athletes and guides to bring us together and give back to one of America’s most treasured and storied climbing areas. This year the price has been drastically reduced (it’s tough out there and don’t we know it!) and the program expanded to include all day Friday and Saturday clinics and evening events for both nights.
Climbers unite! We have always been great stewards of the land in Josh, but several individuals, acting outside of the carefully crafted rules that climbers in JTree have lived by for decades, now force the Park Service to consider drastic rules to thwart further illegal developments in the Park. We’ve worked hard to steer the attitude toward us in a positive direction, but it only takes a few misinformed or uncaring moves to crush the progress. JOIN US as the climbing community to show the Park, and each other, our strength of purpose and commitment to stewardship for the long haul. SIGN UP HERE for Climb Smart 2012.
Climb Smart 2012(OCTOBER 19-21) Climbing Community Gathers Again
Before you move on to the high elevations, mark your calendar for Climb Smart 2012, October 19-21 at JT Lake Campground and in the Park. Climb Smart is the kickoff event in Joshua Tree for climbers, bringing the local and global climbing community together for education, celebration and inspiration. Last year’s event was a breakthrough success for FOJT and JOSAR, with new venues, new clinics, a new format and even the Cactus Pricks live performance! See images from last year’s event below, and click here to get beta on the 2012 event, or see a photo gallery of CS11.
This year’s event will sport three full days of clinics, two evenings of live entertainment, and even lower pricing for participants, with new food options, and more swag! “Pie for the People” will have their world famous pizza pies, salads, and baked ziti available for purchase at the camground Friday night, and Saturday night we are bringing back our popular spaghetti dinner as part of the evening’s events.
Register early, by September 10th., to be entered in a drawing for a new climbing rope! Winner will be announced at the Saturday dinner party.
This year the Lake will be open for fishing, so bring your fishing poles, or rent them at the country store next to the Lake. More details when you register.
NEW THIS YEAR: Special Keys Ranch Tour, Sunday 9am! Register early. Only 25 spots available.
Brittany welcome to Climb Smart 2011
Join us!
Access Fund Idyllwild Adopt A Crag – a great chance to serve
While summer approaches in Joshua Tree, it’s the climbers natural migration time to the higher ground. Kick off your mountain season with the perfect excuse to get into the Idyllwild frame of mind…
Where: Suicide Rock, Idyllwild, CA
When: Sunday, June 3 2012
Hosted by: Idyllwild Climber’s Alliance
Details: On Sunday, June 3rd the Idyllwild Climber’s Alliance will be hosting the Second Annual Climber’s Festival in Idyllwild. In the morning volunteers will work on the three main climber’s trails in Idyllwild, while the alliance’s ambassadors will distribute educational materials to climbers as well as an invitation to attend the BBQ and raffle. The big project for the day is to put in new stairs down to the Suicide Trail. The day will wrap up with a BBQ, raffle and book signing.
In 2011 the festival brought out 40 volunteers and we are hoping for 50 this year. We raised $250 for the Access Fund last year and this year we’re hoping for $300 for the Alliance. This event is sponsored by: the Alliance, the Access Fund, and the Southwest Section of the American Alpine Club. We expect further help for the raffle from our friends in the outdoor industry.
Please RSVP to jlucke@cmc.edu
Every hour of time you donate to a crag helps show land managers that climbers are responsible stewards. Grab some friends and a pair of work gloves and spend a day giving back to the sport you love! We hope to see you there.
Thanks for your support,
Ty Tyler
Stewardship Manager
Access Fund
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