On today’s episode, we host two conversations to recap Access Fund’s 2023 Annual Climbing Advocacy Conference in Bentonville, Arkansas. First with Dave Thompson, president of the Arkansas Climbers Coalition, and then with Crystal Hudelson and Keith Murakata with Climbers of Color.

Dave shares insight into how the explosion of tourism in Arkansas has garnered support for climbing among land managers at the state and federal level and for future conservation opportunities. Dave says that Arkansas is a great stop along the way while traveling through the southeast, but it may not be long before Arkansas is seen as a major hub for climbing and recreation across the U.S.

Crystal and Keith attended the conference to receive their 2022 Climbing Advocate Award for their exemplary work in lifting up leaders of color in the outdoor industry with Climbers of Color (CoC). The CoC is a Washington-based nonprofit that provides mentorship and technical training in climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing. Additionally, the CoC is deeply invested in conservation and stewardship work at their local climbing areas, working on crag development, rebolting, and trail building.

Tune in to hear more about climbing in Arkansas and how climbers continue to demonstrate leadership in training folks to not only be better climbers, but better people.

Dave Thompson4:15 - Dave Thompson’s intro5:43- Dave’s experience at the 2023 Annual Conference9:09- The Arkansas Climbers Coalition18:28- Models for conservation20:27- Explosion of tourism in Arkansas30:45- Economic impact study37:27- Future of the ARCC- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Crystal Hudelson and Keith Murakata41:30- Crystal’s intro42:51- Keith’s intro44:59- Experience at the 2023 Annual Conference50:18- Land acknowledgement vs. land introduction52:57- Climbers of Color59:10- Gritscone Crag maintenance1:08:17- Future Gritscone stewardship opportunities

Arkansas Climber Coalition website: https://www.arkansasclimbers.org/ARCC’s Instagram: @arkansasclimberscoalitionBecome a member of the ARCC: https://www.arkansasclimbers.org/join-nowClimbers of Color website: https://www.climbersofcolor.org/CoC’s Instagram: @climbersofcolorCrystal’s Instagram: @aroseontherockCoC Events: https://www.climbersofcolor.org/events