The Access Fund first became aware of the Society Turn Crag two years ago, when Telluride climber Steve Johnson informed the Fund that a land swap between Aldasoro Ltd. and the US Forest Service would include the crag. Johnson then facilitated a dialogue between Aldasoro and the Access Fund, which resulted in a tentative agreement for the development company to donate a parcel containing Society Turn Crag to the Access Fund.
Acquisitions Committee Chair Chris Archer announced in January that the Access Fund would accept this donation pending review of environmental conditions at the site. But confusion over the terms of the agreement, the size of the donation, and other factors stalled the deal.
Society Turn Crag has been popular with local climbers for years, and is used frequently for group instruction. It provides year-round bouldering, with problems at all levels of difficulty. Once again local initiative proved vital in preserving access, as the Telluride Mountain Club kept pressure on both parties to reach a new agreement.
In August, Access & Acquisitions Director Rick Thompson announced that a deal to preserve Society Turn Crag had finally been signed. The Access Fund has accepted the donation of some six acres of land from Aldasoro Ltd., part of a 36-acre parcel designated as "open space" situated below a large luxury-home development. Climbers' access is guaranteed.
The Telluride Mountain Club will provide on-site management and maintenance. A work project to improve the existing access path is scheduled for this fall, and the Access Fund will help pay for it.
Thompson said, "We're very excited about this acquisition. It's an excellent example of climbers working together to own and manage a valuable climbing resource." For more information, contact Rick Thompson at 303.545.6772.
The Access Fund has been working to resolve local residents' concerns about noise, litter, and other impacts mostly caused by partyers. Parking is perhaps the most critical issue, but a solution may be close at hand.
Peery has proposed to donate an additional parcel of land to the Access Fund which would allow a dedicated climbers' parking area to be constructed.
While negotiations proceed to address this and other issues, climbers are requested to be especially considerate of area residents.
At City of Rocks in Idaho, the Access Fund is working to acquire several closed formations: the Dolphin, Elephant Rock and the Checkered Demon. If efforts are successful, the ownership of these crags will be transferred to the reserve.
For more information, call Rick Thompson at 303.545.6772.