December 29, 2019  |   

Dec. 29 photo John Lauretig

What an amazing year it was for climbing, for Public Lands, for Joshua Tree National Park and for Friends Of Joshua Tree. From the impacts of the Federal Shutdown in January to Climb Smart’s 24th running and a splitter fall climbing season and now snow sticking to the ground! 2019 will go down in history as a memorable year in JTree history. 

 

 

 

 

 

Our recently concluded board retreat brought many disparate topics together under one roof with all the board directors and many important guests from the Park staff, JOSAR, the local business community and new donors. 

FOJT board of directors and officers accept contribution from Desert Daze founders from fund-raising concerts at Pappy & Harriets 2019

 

A new Climbing Management Plan is under development by Joshua Tree National Park, and input from the climbing community will be important in developing this work that will shape climbing policy nationwide for the next 20 years. We know that climbing’s increase in popularity and broadening appeal across diverse communities is a key driver, and hearing from y’all regularly over the next 12 months will be crucial to inform this CMP process. Sign up for our free newsletter, join the Access Fund and click Friends Of Joshua Tree as additional LCO support ($15). This simple move will help us all year to actively reach out and steward our precious Park. 

Thank You and Happy New Year to you all!

Alex Kutches, Access Fund board director, cruising up Walk On The Wild Side.