2023 Climbing Advocacy Conference - Bentonville, Arkansas

I am behind a bit on a few posts, my apologies. In November I was asked to present at the 2023 Climbing Advocacy Conference in Bentonville, Arkansas.

The Climbing Advocacy Conference in Bentonville, Arkansas (November 2023), brought together passionate climbers and advocates for a few days of knowledge-sharing and collaborative discussions. As a presenter at the conference, my focus was on unraveling the economic impact of climbing in Newton County, Arkansas (more below). My time with climbers (from around the country) was an educational and inspiring time shared – as we dove into insightful sessions on access to public land and sustainable climbing practices.

The Economic Impact of Climbing in Newton County: My presentation centered on the economic impact of climbing in Newton County, Arkansas. I want to give a shout out to my partner on this project, Dr. James Maples. Also, a big thank you to many others, especially the Arkansas Climbers Coalition, Dennis Nelms of Climb Solutions LLC, the Access Fund, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, and many others who supported the project and attended the session. Climbing has evolved beyond just a recreational activity; it has become a key player in the local economy. From gear shops and guiding services to hospitality and local businesses, climbing has a far-reaching impact. I shared a few charts and statistics (and real-world examples), demonstrating how climbing contributes to job creation, tourism, and overall community development.

Sessions on Access to Public Land: One of the conference highlights was the array of sessions dedicated to addressing access to public land. The climbing community understands the significance of preserving and securing access to climbing areas, and the conference provided a platform to discuss current challenges and solutions. Attendees engaged in lively conversations about collaborating with land managers, navigating regulatory hurdles, and advocating for policies that support responsible access.

Exploring Sustainable Climbing Practices: Sustainability emerged as a key theme throughout the conference, reflecting the climbing community's commitment to preserving the natural environment. Sessions focused on Leave No Trace principles, minimizing the environmental footprint of climbing areas, and fostering a culture of responsible outdoor recreation. The conference fostered a sense of shared responsibility, encouraging climbers to adopt practices that ensure the longevity of the landscapes they cherish.

Networking and Community Building: Beyond the formal sessions, the conference provided ample opportunities for networking and community building. Connecting with like-minded individuals, organizations, and industry professionals proved invaluable. Conversations extended beyond the conference walls, creating a sense of unity and purpose among attendees. The collective passion for climbing advocacy forged new alliances and strengthened existing partnerships, laying the groundwork for future collaborations.

A big shoutout to Access Fund and the City of Bentonville, Arkansas for hosting the conference and facilitated a great slate of presentations and sessions. #bentonvillearkansas #bentonville #climbing #climbers #arkansas #arkansastourism #education #economicimpact #accessfund #ARCC