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 Thompson 4:15 - Dave Thompson’s intro 5:43- Dave’s experience at the 2023 Annual Conference 9:09- The Arkansas Climbers Coalition 18:28- Models for conservation 20:27- Explosion of tourism in Arkansas 30:45- Economic impact study 37:27- Future of the ARCC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Crystal Hudelson and Keith Murakata 41:30- Crystal’s intro 42:51- Keith’s intro 44:59- Experience at the 2023 Annual Conference 50:18- Land acknowledgement vs. land introduction 52:57- Climbers of Color 59:10- Gritscone Crag maintenance 1:08:17- Future Gritscone stewardship opportunities Arkansas Climber Coalition website: https://www.arkansasclimbers.org/ ARCC’s Instagram: @arkansasclimberscoalition Become a member of the ARCC: https://www.arkansasclimbers.org/join-now Climbers of Color website: https://www.climbersofcolor.org/ CoC’s Instagram: @climbersofcolor Crystal’s Instagram: @aroseontherock CoC Events: https://www.climbersofcolor.org/events