Utah Legislative Climb Day with Representative Curtis

Utah Legislative Climb Day

American Fork Canyon

November 4th, 2020

By Grace Olscamp, SLCA policy committee member


Despite everyone’s exhaustion the day after the election, SLCA Policy Committee members and volunteers headed to American Fork Canyon to bring Congressman John Curtis - who was even more exhausted than us having rewon his seat not even 24 hours beforehand - climbing. 

Every year, we take a Congressperson rock climbing in their district so they can get a more robust understanding of the activities taking place in the areas they are meant to represent. We were honored to partner with the American Alpine Club (AAC) to put on this event and are thankful for Black Diamond for providing the gear needed to make sure the Congressman, his wife Susan Snarr, and his Chief of Staff Corey Norman were safe and ready for the day.

This year, despite all the changes 2020 has brought us, was no different. 

Between climbs, we took the Congressman through the process of rebolting an area, maintaining trails, and the issues we often face ranging from funding to working in wilderness areas. All three of our participants were especially glad to know that the bolts on the wall we were currently climbing on were safe due to the efforts of SLCA, but understood that its not as simple of an issue as it seems. A major ask that came out of the event was for Rep. Curtis to show support and send a letter to the U.S. Forest Service in support of a Minimum Tool Requirement that would allow for the use of a power drill to maintain the fixed anchors in the Lone Peak Wilderness of American Fork. You can find our vision for that requirement here. 

Like most lawmakers, COVID-19 was on the top of Congressman Curtis’ mind - and ours, as our small team wore masks and kept distant throughout the afternoon - but that wasn’t stopping him from looking ahead into environmental initiatives for 2021. Although SLCA is neutral on the bill, we heard about the intentions behind Representative Curtis’ Bonneville Shoreline Trail Advancement Act (HR7626). We also discussed the rollbacks to the National Environmental Protection Agency, an issue which the AAC is leading out on, and the different ways Rep. Curtis is leading his party on climate change, such as signing the recent Utah Climate and Clean Air Compact. We even convinced him to film one of his famous weekly Curtis Climate Chats while on the wall -Watch it here! 

We all left the day hopeful for the future not just for American Fork but for climbing throughout our state. Having Congresspeople who are willing to listen to our issues, provide feedback, and champion a cause is invaluable to ensuring the places we love remain protected. 

If you are a legislator or land manager interested in learning more about how to ensure a future of sustainable climbing in the Wasatch, please reach out to us to get out on the rock in your district.

Thank you to all of the participants in the day, including:

  • The U.S. Forest Service

  • Amelia Howe, SLCA Policy Board Member and AAC Senior Policy Associate, who ran the entire event

  • Grace Olscamp, SLCA Policy Board Member and Communications Associate for HEAL Utah

  • David Carter, SLCA Policy Board Chair and Professor at the University of Utah

  • Jason Hall, Volunteer

  • Cody Kaemmerlen, SLCA Board Member and videographer for the event

  • Julia Geisler, SLCA Executive Director

  • Black Diamond Equipment

  • Representative Curtis and Staff

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Julia Geisler