New Non Profit Focuses on Advocacy, Stewardship and Education

Ouray Climbers Alliance to Provide a Unified Voice for Climbers in Ouray County and Surrounding Regions.

Ouray, CO, September 7, 2017:  The Ouray Climbers Alliance, Inc. (OCA) officially launched last month in Ouray, Colorado. The organization is incorporated as a non-profit in the State of Colorado, and is in the process of obtaining a 501c3 status with the IRS.  The group’s mission is “to provide a unified voice for climbers in Ouray County and surrounding regions through advocacy, stewardship, community, and education.”  The OCA is proud to be affiliated with the Access Fund, which is the national advocacy organization dedicated to keeping climbing areas open in the US and conserving the climbing environment.

 

The OCA is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that intends to raise operating expenses through membership fees, grants and donations. The Alliance plans to schedule regular stewardship projects around Ouray County, raise money to replace and maintain climbing hardware, and raise awareness for responsible and safe climbing. The membership is open to anyone, and the OCA is dedicated to represent climbers of all disciplines and ages, from a seasoned alpinist to a novice.

 

“The popularity of climbing in the nation has increased dramatically in the past decade; we have noticed increased use in Ouray County as well, with that there arises the need for trail and hardware maintenance and climber safety education,” notes Chair of the Board Andrew Temple.  “We are excited about the positive response we received from within Ouray climbing community.  Our region has a rich history of proud climbing and it is our responsibility as climbers to maintain our climbing resources for future generations.”

Rocktoberfest – Fundraising Party

The Ouray Climbers Alliance will host their first membership drive and fundraising event on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 3pm at the Rotary Park in Ouray, CO.  The event will be free and open to the public and will feature food, drinks, contests and a slideshow by the world-renowned alpinist, and Ouray resident, Jim Donini. This event will be fun for the whole family, and climbers and non-climbers alike are welcome. This is a great way for people to show their support for local and sustainable climbing advocacy.

 

 

The Ouray Climbers Alliance, Inc. (OCA) was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the State of Colorado to provide a unified voice for climbers in Ouray County and surrounding regions through advocacy, stewardship, community, and education. Our team is made up entirely of volunteers and all of our financial support comes from fundraising events, membership dues, donations, and grants.