We appreciate the expressions of interest and concern by some climbers regarding the expansion of mining on the Albert Frei & Sons property, as proposed in the Walstrum Spur Amendment to their mining permit. It is important to clarify several facts regarding the proposed mining expansion and the Frei property.

Most importantly, the climbing areas at issue (on the North side of Clear Creek from just West of Tunnel 5 to the Waves Wall) are on the Frei's private property. This includes Dog House, Other Critters, Safari, Live Action, Creekside, Armory, and Primo Wall, among other crags. The Frei family is well aware that there has been extensive climbing on their property for a period of time and has not tried to stop it.

The BCC and the Access Fund have been working with the Frei family on a permanent agreement that would formally secure climbing on this property. The issues are complex, but we are making progress. Just this week, the Frei family reaffirmed their interest in a stewardship agreement that would permit continued use of the Frei property by the climbing community and allow for maintenance of crags and approach trails. We are committed to continuing those efforts on behalf of the climbing community, including speaking with them again very shortly.

We also want to clarify some details of the proposed mining expansion, which has been the subject of some misinformation. The Frei family representatives assure us there will be no mining on the creekside of the canyon rim, and certainly no mining of the crags themselves. As they have stated: “the entire canyon rim is staying intact.” Mining operations will be conducted from behind the canyon rim. The proposal also includes an undisturbed buffer between the mining area and Clear Creek Canyon. While there might be some noise and other impacts at certain times and places, the crags will be preserved and, we hope, there will be a basis for a permanent agreement securing climber access to these many valued crags.

Photo: by Kevin Capps of Laura Capps sending at the Dog House