Thursday, December 7, 2023

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 12/7/ 2023

Sierra:

--Climbing is reporting on an older accident and what led to it: "Climber Whitney Clark suffered a 30-foot groundfall in Sequoia National Park on October 8, after a sling jammed into her lone progress capture device—a Petzl Micro Traxion—while she was ascending a fixed line. After tackling the 16-mile approach to Angel Wings on October 6, Clark and partner Luka Krajnc fixed the initial pitches of their objective, the 17-pitch ultra classic Valkyrie (IV 5.11+; 2,200ft), the following day. On the morning of October 8, Krajnc climbed the route’s first pitch, a 70-degree slab, top rope soloing with a GriGri. Clark followed him, using a Micro Traxion as her only ascension device." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--On November 29th, the House introduced the EXPLORE bill which combines several key pieces of outdoor legislation into one bill. This includes things like the SOAR Act which will make permitting easier for outdoor recreation companies, and the Protect America's Rock Climbing Act, that will ensure fixed anchors remain a legitimate use in Wilderness. To read more about the legislation, click here

--Pro climber Sasha DiGiulian testified before congress about the EXPLORE Act. 

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "Vail Resorts is facing a lawsuit over the death of Scott Lewis, a zipline guide at Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont. The lawsuit, which involves four other companies, alleges equipment failure and safety negligence." To read more, click here.


--In other snow related lawsuit news, Nike sent a cease and desist to Skiman LLC because the logo looks too similar to their Jordan logo. Seems kinda legit. Read more.

--Climbing is reporting that, "The Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC) and Access Fund are thrilled to announce the purchase and protection of the iconic Citadel Boulders in Alabama. The acquisition, which includes 58 acres of undeveloped land surrounding an incredible boulder field, was more than two decades in the making, and it marks another landmark victory for climbing and conservation in the Southeast." To read more, click here.

--Politico is warning that a portion of the Grand Teton National Park might be sold. "The Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments figures it could raise millions of dollars for public schools just by selling one big chunk of trust land: 640-acres inside the eastern border of Grand Teton National Park. Reflecting prices in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the nation, the director of the state office on Friday recommended selling the land in a public auction for no less than $80 million, or $125,000 an acre. Many believe the plot would fetch an even larger price if the State Board of Land Commissioners approves the recommendation this week." To read more, click here.

--The Happiness Function is reporting that, "seven out of ten people who camp in the U.S. and Canada are planning to witness this spring’s anticipated celestial event dubbed the ‘Great North American Eclipse’ on a camping trip, and 18% have already booked their spots, according to Kampgrounds of America (KOA). The latest data from KOA reports a 13% increase in campers interested in witnessing the solar eclipse firsthand since their last poll in August 2023, indicating that people are getting increasingly excited about the event. It will be the last solar eclipse until 2044." To read more, click here.

--The Guardian is reporting on a little-known program that uses cyanide mechanisms to essentially explode on predators in order to kill them. "A campaign to end the use of so-called “cyanide bombs” within the United States has received a major boost after the country’s largest public land management agency banned the poison devices on hundreds of millions of acres across the nation. The move builds on decisions by states such as Oregon to fully or partially prohibit the use of cyanide bombs, also known as M-44s, within their jurisdictions. The US Department of Agriculture uses these devices to kill predators and other wildlife." To read more, click here.

--If you're Canadian and you're looking for expedition funding, click here.





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