Let me introduce you to our youngest volunteer, Graham Beezley.
When we build stone steps and belay pads we use drill bits to split rocks into pieces. Once the trail is constructed those holes are exposed to the elements. In order to prevent the freeze-thaw cycle from breaking the rocks, a volunteer needs to fill in the holes: an excellent task for small-seven year old hands.
This season Graham Beezley volunteered his time to fill these holes.
In the climbing community we talk a lot about ethics and crag behaviors. The goal is to maintain climbing access by making climber behaviors align with sustainable recreational use practices. At the BCC we have keenly observed that the best way to change behaviors is through our volunteer program. When BCC staff teach folks WHY: why you should stay on trail, why you should utilize a wag bag in fragile environments or heavy use areas, why eagles and raptors need space to thrive, why substandard bolts need to be replaced, then we change their behaviors. The best way to teach “why” certain practices is by showing not telling; that is exactly what we do during a volunteer day.
Photo by Zach Joing
In 2022, we had over 700 volunteers and over 7000 volunteer hours, and the year is not done yet. We are changing the behaviors and ethics of the climbing landscape one volunteer at a time.
In addition to changing behaviors BCC staff and volunteers also get a lot of stewardship work done!
BCC Staff and volunteers in 2022:
Finished the Upper Dream Canyon, Cathedral Spires, and Castle Rock Overlook Trails
Advocated for climber’s interests all along the Front Range:
Submitted comments on behalf of Front Range climbers to the Joshua Tree and Black Canyon Management Plans (will likely impact RMNP)
Created a new 5-Year Strategic Plan outlining how to increase our impact
New wag bag station at Upper Dream Canyon
Replaced 861 bolts:
348 in Boulder Canyon
322 in greater Estes Park Valley
91 in Clear Creek Canyon
70 in Shelf Road
18 at North Table
9 in Morrison
2 in Eldorado Canyon
2 in Flatirons
73 volunteers provided 1,455 volunteer hours total for the Anchor Replacement Program
Finalized the BCC “Don’t Be Sh$tty” in conjunction with the Access Fund
Trained 39 new rebolt volunteers
Our Executive Director, Kate Beezley, received a Local Leader and Stewardship Award from the Access Fund
Hit over 1,000 BCC + AF Joint Members
Advocated for climbers during the finalization of the Eldorado Canyon State Park permit parking system.
Photos by Zach Joing and Peter Thomas
At the BCC our mission is simple: to care for Front Range Crags from Clear Creek to RMNP, ensuring they are the most well cared for crags in the nation.
We are asking you to make the BCC the most well cared for climbing organization in the country: help us meet our financial goals so we can continue to care for our crags.