Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 7/27/17

Northwest:

--A Susan Bennett, a well-known climber from Bellingham, died in a rappelling accident on Forbidden Peak over the weekend. It appears that the accident was predicated by a pendulum that knocked the climber unconscious (or possibly killed her). Following the pendulum, she slid down the ropes and off the ends. As with every fatality this was a great tragedy. But being a Bellingham local, Sue was friends with many AAI guides and staff members and will be missed. To read more, click here. For a remembrance, click here.

--News Channel 21 is reporting that, "A Smith Rock hiker who lost consciousness and fell more than 100 feet from the Misery Ridge trail Monday afternoon was rescued and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. Deschutes County 911 dispatchers got a call around 1:10 p.m. reporting Eric Reynolds, 18, of Aumsville, Oregon, had fallen after losing consciousness, said Lt. Bryan Husband, sheriff's special services coordinator." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--The Las Vegas Review-Journal is reporting that, "Las Vegas Fire Department crewson Tuesday airlifted a hiker who fell in “difficult terrain” at Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area to University Medical Center." To read more, click here.

--It shouldn't be any surprise to people who visit Red Rock regularly, but the Red Springs Board Walk has been closed for safety reasons. To read more, click here.

--The Las Vegas Review-Journal is reporting that, "A once-popular trail destroyed by mudslides in 2010 at Zion National Park will be restored and reopened, thanks to a $1 million donation from a charitable foundation. The Middle Emerald Pools Trail has been closed since December 2010, when it was heavily damaged by rains that washed large rocks and dirt across the path." To read more, click here.

Colorado:

--The Colorado Outdoor Industry Office is reporting that, "The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) today announced that Janette Heung will serve as the new deputy director for the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC), effective Aug. 10, 2017. 'Janette is joining us at an exciting time with record growth for our outdoor recreation industry, and she’s just the person to help take us to the next level,” said Luis Benitez, OREC director. “We are thrilled to have her experience and knowledge on our team.' In her new role as the deputy director, Heung will support economic development within the industry, work to build a dynamic workforce, advance conservation and stewardship, and encourage the intersection with public health and wellness in the sector. She will also develop new initiatives to further Colorado’s outdoor recreation growth. The position manages day-to-day operations of the office and serves as a liaison in the community." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--The CBC is reporting that, "A group of climbers spent Saturday night on a mountain ledge and were rescued by helicopter Sunday morning, after one of them was injured while rappelling the Grassi Route on the Little Sister peak near Canmore, Alta. A Facebook post by Kananaskis Country Public Safety Section says the group reached the summit late in the day. When it started getting dark, they decided to go back down the way they came, rather than the usual descent to the Little-Middle Sister Col." To read more, click here.

--New research appears to indicate that rock climbing can help people recover from traumatic brain injury. To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that there is a new 17-pitch 5.9 line on Heart Mountain in the Canadian Rockies. To read more, click here.

--Many of our Alaska climbers have been amused by the fact that the mayor of Talkeetna -- the town used to access the Alaska Range -- is a cat named Stubbs. Unfortunately, Stubbs has died at the age of 20. He will be missed. To read more, click here.

--Keep your eye out for this stolen gear...