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Who We AreThe San Luis Valley Climbers Alliance is a local, grassroots 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of climbers who are passionate about the sport of rock climbing in all forms. We seek to develop a culture of constant learning and growth within our community to empower ourselves and each other to push our limits. We strive to cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness and reduce our impacts on the native land, preserving these beautiful areas for the future. We work as active stewards of our land by replacing bad hardware, maintaining and building sustainable trails, and promoting Leave No Trace ethics in the outdoors. We are committed to promoting diversity and elevating underrepresented populations within our community.
The SLVCA began as an idea of two Valley locals in 2018. Encouraged and inspired by legendary pioneer, Bob D'Antonio, the SLV community stepped up and created a Board of Directors in February 2019. |
Our Mission
The San Luis Valley Climbers Alliance strives to promote stewardship, conservation, access, and safe climbing through education and engagement of our local community.
Our Goals
1. Community Building
In an era of social division, the need for a sense of community has never been more important. Community is a powerful social element that connects us to our friends and neighbors, creates a sense of place and belonging, and opens up opportunities for learning and empowerment. We want to foster a strong sense of community within our climbing community and throughout the San Luis Valley. We hope to do this by climbing together, educating each other, valuing climbing mentorship, and eventually creating clinics for children and minority groups.
2. Stewardship
One of the founding principles of the organization was to step up to the dire need for stewardship in the San Luis Valley. As our local public lands begin to see more traffic by a variety of users, the need for stewards and caretakers grows significantly. The Anchor and Bolt Replacement Committee works hard to extract dangerously outdated hardware and replace them with bomber, lifetime bolts. The Stewardship Committee seeks to create sustainable trail systems throughout our climbing areas, raising awareness to diminish unsightly social trails, reduce our impact, and everything else that comes with care and respect for our natural resources. The Youth Empowerment Committee works to develop the sense of stewardship and accountability amongst our youth.
3. Access
We hope to act as the liaison between rock climbers and local land managers such as the BLM, the Forest Service, and private land owners. We are affiliated with the Access Fund to advocate for rock climbers when access issues arise. Our goal is to preserve access to our existing climbing areas and also make it sustainable for future use. The SLVCA is not actively engaged in development of new climbing areas.
In an era of social division, the need for a sense of community has never been more important. Community is a powerful social element that connects us to our friends and neighbors, creates a sense of place and belonging, and opens up opportunities for learning and empowerment. We want to foster a strong sense of community within our climbing community and throughout the San Luis Valley. We hope to do this by climbing together, educating each other, valuing climbing mentorship, and eventually creating clinics for children and minority groups.
2. Stewardship
One of the founding principles of the organization was to step up to the dire need for stewardship in the San Luis Valley. As our local public lands begin to see more traffic by a variety of users, the need for stewards and caretakers grows significantly. The Anchor and Bolt Replacement Committee works hard to extract dangerously outdated hardware and replace them with bomber, lifetime bolts. The Stewardship Committee seeks to create sustainable trail systems throughout our climbing areas, raising awareness to diminish unsightly social trails, reduce our impact, and everything else that comes with care and respect for our natural resources. The Youth Empowerment Committee works to develop the sense of stewardship and accountability amongst our youth.
3. Access
We hope to act as the liaison between rock climbers and local land managers such as the BLM, the Forest Service, and private land owners. We are affiliated with the Access Fund to advocate for rock climbers when access issues arise. Our goal is to preserve access to our existing climbing areas and also make it sustainable for future use. The SLVCA is not actively engaged in development of new climbing areas.
Board Members
The SLVCA has an 8-member volunteer board of directors. We are supported by a local membership network of climbers and non-climbers alike.
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Angela LeePresident | Founder |
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Wes O'RourkeVice President | Founder |
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Maddie InterdonatoSecretary |
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Emily ChavezTreasurer |
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Matt WorleAnchor & Bolt Replacement Committee Chair |
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Gin RandolphYouth Empowerment Committee Chair |
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Jeff ElisonAdams State University Climbing Liaison |
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Logan HjelmstadtStewardship Committee Chair |
