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Access Fund
A big part of this year's competition is the Access Fund. During
the past three competitions we were able to raise over $5000 in
donations. As a result the name "North Shore Style" has made its
way through the ranks of Access Fund. Many regional coordinators
know about our event and what we are capable of doing for Access Fund.
One of the things that makes Access Fund great is that you can
see exactly where your donations are going. Many climbers in the
Duluth area know about the difficulties there have been between
the climbers and the private land owner near Ely's Peak. I mentioned
this last year on the website and I want to again this year. The
Access Fund gave out a $4000 grant to help in the creation
of a new parking lot for Ely's Peak climbers. Here is why this
parking lot is a good thing:
- Made specifically for climbers

- Parking lot and trail leading to Ely's Peak are both on public
land (not privately owned)
- The hike in is actually shorter than is was before!
Here are some of
the things that Access Fund has done here in Minnesota:
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The Access Fund is a fantastic organization because not only is
their goal to keep you climbing outdoors, you can actually see your
doantions at work.
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Facilitated discussion between local climbers regarding working
with rangers at Blue Mounds, Minnesota State Park to eradicate
non-native invasive plant species that are covering climbing
resources and access trails (2006)
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Regional coordinator work: Minnesota: hosted a regional climbers
meeting to discuss access issues; working to maintain MN Climbers
Association; working to address access and trail issues at
Ely’s Peak; organizing clean-ups. (2004)
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Provided guidance to climbers from: Minnesota Climbers Association
including providing a support letter and climbing management
documents to reopen presently closed climbing areas. (2004)
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Provided a $1,000 grant to the grassroots climber advocacy group,
the Minnesota Climbers Association. The group will represent
climbers in the region and provide a forum for communication
between government officials and climbers. (2002)
In 2005 we raise $1250 for Access Fund. In 2006 we raise $1750.
In 2007 we raise $2040. I think we have a great trend going on here.
Let's keep it going!
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