Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 3/28/24

Northwest:

--KUOW and others are reporting that, "Lou Whittaker, a mountain climber, guide and identical twin to Jim Whittaker, the first American to climb Mount Everest, died this week. He was 95." Lou was one of the founders of RMI on Mt. Rainier. To read more, click here.

--The National Parks Conservation Association and others are reporting that, "the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released the final environmental impact statement and grizzly bear reintroduction plan. Although a record of decision has yet to be signed, the agencies’ preferred alternative would restore grizzlies to their historic homelands, where they are functionally extinct. The agencies recommend a 10(j) rule that would give wildlife managers additional flexibility under the Endangered Species Act to responsibly manage bears." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--Tragically, two brothers (18 and 21 years old) were attacked by a mountain lion east of Lake Tahoe. The older brother did not survive the attack. Read more.

--The New York Times featured an editorial by Beth Rodden last week about the changes she's seen in rock climbing and acceptance since she started her career. The piece covers both her experience as a high end climber and as a mother. Check it out.

Desert Southwest:

--Friends of Red Rock Canyon are working to deter car break-ins in the Conservation Area. Learn more.

Colorado and Utah:

--Park City is struggling with skier parking.

Notes from All Over:

--There was an inbounds avalanche at Maine's Sugarloaf Mountain over the weekend. To read about it, click here.

--Unnoffical Networks is reporting that, "Three people have sued the National Park Service for its policy not to accept cash payments at locations across the country. SFGATE reports Esther van der Werf of Ojai, California, Toby Stover of High Falls, New York, and Elizabeth Dasburg of Darien, Georgia, filed their lawsuit on March 6th after being prevented from paying in cash at various national parks, monuments and historic sites around the country. The trio cited a US code that states US currency is legal tender for all public charges. The lawsuit alleges that the park service’s cashless policy is in violation of federal law." To read more, click here.

--There's a new sign at Everest Base Camp. Some people are upset.

--It appears that the Democrats made a poor choice in expert witness testimony about climate change when they invited Olympic hopeful Gus Schumacher to testify. Schumacher struggled with some of the questions. It is our opinion that athletes that are climate activists must be fully prepared for complicated questions. To read about the hearing, click here.

Upcoming American Alpine Institute Programs:

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Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
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Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
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