SLCA and the 30th International Climbers Festival

July 15-16, 2023

30th International Climbers Fest, Lander, Wyoming 

Recap by Anchor Maintenance Coordinator, Andrew Brodhead

The SLCA’s mission is to” engage as an advocate to protect outdoor climbing access and as a steward to maintain sustainable climbing resources in the Wasatch and surrounding regions.” A core value of the SLCA is also collaboration.  “We gain our strength by bringing together everyone in the climbing community inclusively to work effectively with landowners, government and affinity groups.” In partnership with WyoClimbers and American Safe Climbing Association, the SLCA had a presence at the 30th International Climbers Festival.   

Our Anchor Field Coordinator, Drew Brodhead, represented the SLCA during the 30th International Climbers Festival for its Advocacy Day on Saturday, July 15th. This day brought together stewards from across the country, a Forest Service representative from the Shoshone National Forest and Sinks Canyon State Park. The day was broken into two parts. The morning was spent pulling invasive weeds from Sinks Canyon in an attempt to stop their spread. During the day, Sinks Canyon and Forest Service employees talked about stewardship needs and the good relations between the climbers, state and federal agencies.

The second part of the day was a private event at the local art center.  Presentations by Justin Iskra: Executive Director of the Central Wyoming Climbers’ Alliance, Katie Ives: Former editor of Alpinist Magazine and  Alan Watts: Sport Climbing Pioneer. These presentations focused on the importance of stewardship and the many ways one can go about these efforts, both in a hands-on or creative approach.  

On Sunday Drew Brodhead with Co-host Nate Liles from the American Safe Climbing Association and CWCA put on an anchor maintenance clinic in City Park. This clinic focused on the ins and outs of bolts, rebolting efforts, techniques and ethics surrounding this space. If you are interested in such a clinic, please join the SLCA and Anchor Maintenance Crew at the 2023 Climbers Festival for our Anchor Maintenance Clinic.