Climbing Gold I'm Just A Climber
9 snips
Nov 28, 2025 
In this conversation, Heather Thorne, Executive Director of Access Fund, and Mark Udall, former U.S. Senator and passionate climber, tackle the challenges facing public lands. Heather reveals the innovative revolving loan model that empowers local climbing organizations to secure crucial access. Mark shares how climbing has shaped his life and his efforts in public service, urging climbers to engage politically. Together, they emphasize the importance of defending landscapes, voting, and community involvement for the future of climbing and conservation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Saving Index Through Local Action
- Heather Thorne tells how Access Fund and local climbers bought Index to save the crag when private owners threatened closure.
- They used a revolving loan fund and local groups repay over time so Access Fund can reuse the money for other purchases.
Win‑Win Private Land Easement
- Alex Honnold recounts how Access Fund loaned money to a private rancher to secure a recreation easement at his crag.
- The landowner repaid the loan and climbers gained formal access with proper trails and topos.
Access Threats Differ By Region
- Threats to climbing vary by region: private‑land issues dominate the East while public‑land policy dominates the West.
- Access Fund targets the specific legal and policy levers that most threaten climbing access regionally.
