What is the Fund doing about the recently approved Denali climbing/rescue fees? I'm concerned the fee sets a precedent for far-reaching and negative impacts to the climbing community. In this regard, the fees should be a concern for climbers everywhere, and a major priority for the Access Fund.
The fees are dangerous because they have unequitably singled-out climbers. If they can do it on Denali, why not in the other national parks in Alaska or the Lower 48? There is talk of fees on Rainier-which area is next?
Todd Miner
Anchorage, AK
Many climbers are justifiably up in arms over the new Mountaineering Program at Denali National Park in Alaska (see Access Notes, Winter `94). The Access Fund believes that, although this program's emphasis on education is laudable, its unprecedented $150 climbing fee is discriminatory and, indeed, could spur other national parks to impose their own version of this unwarranted "tax." Moreover, the Access Fund believes that the Park Service ignored public input in developing Denali's new policy, suggesting that the policy was a political response rather than a comprehensive solution to major problems.
The Access Fund is committed to achieving fair and workable climbing policies at Denali and throughout the national park system. We are resolved that the new Denali policy, flawed and prejudiced as it is, must not be allowed to stand. To this end, we are presently investigating various avenues of challenge to the new Denali climbing program, including engaging a prominent law firm pro bono to do a thorough review of pertinent legal issues to determine if litigation is required. We are conducting these investigations as rapidly as possible given our limited resources. Until such time as Denali's new policy is suspended via court injunction or other action, climbers should abide by its strictures. Call the Talkeetna Ranger Station (907) 733-2231 for more information or to pre-register.