The Access Fund's latest land acquisition ain't pretty, but it sure is popular with climbers. North Table Mountain, rising above the Coors brewery in Golden, Colorado, is crowned with short cliffs of dark brown basalt. The best rock faces south and provides an ideal winter climbing site. The former owner, Mayford Peery, sought to sell this land two years ago. Local activist Dave Field alerted the Access Fund, and thus began a protracted process of negotiations which culminated last December when the property was officially donated to the Access Fund.
In January, the Access Fund formally announced that it had completed the transfer of title to 15 acres on North Table Mountain. North Table Mountain provides a critical link between the proposed Jefferson County Open Space Corridor and the City of Golden's expanding trails project. This link-up of undeveloped lands will comprise a significant stretch of land preserved for public enjoyment. Access Fund Executive Director Keith Lenard touted the acquisition as "a real benefit to the general public as well as climbers."
Initially, Peery proposed to lease the land to the Access Fund, but after consideration of the advantages of making real property donations to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations such as the Access Fund, negotiations focused on making a gift of the land. Peery gave the land to the Access Fund rather than Jefferson County Open Space in order to assure that climbing would remain a primary use of the area.
The total project value for Table Mountain exceeds $140,000; the Access Fund has applied for a $61,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado to help pay for the planned site improvements, which include a climbers brochure and new trail system (Phase 1), a new parking area and latrine (Phase 2), and handicap access (Phase 3). However, matching funds or in-kind services are needed should the grant be awarded, and climbers are urged to donate or renew their memberships with this in mind.
The final agreement for NTM reflects the considerable efforts of local climbers, especially Field and Todd Anderson. Access Fund President Rick Accomazzo and board member Chris Archer prepared the requisite legal documents. Now, the Access Fund needs to raise money to help pay for needed improvements to North Table Mountain. To make a donation, contact the Access Fund at 303.545.6772. To find out how you can volunteer to help with ongoing "maintenance" at North Table Mountain, contact Regional Coordinator Jim Ghiselli at 303.444.9084.