Skaha Bluffs Access

TLC REQUESTS AN EXTENSION FOR SKAHA BLUFFS FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

PENTICTON, BC– The fundraising campaign to purchase SubLot 18 as a permanent access route to one of Canada’s premier climbing destinations, Skaha Bluffs, is currently on hold as TLC waits to hear back on a request for an extension from the current property owner.

“Within the short timeframe, our fundraising efforts have been successful. We have received over $500,000 in donations, but we need more time to secure government and foundation funds for this valuable recreational and ecological site,” says TLC’s Executive Director Bill Turner. “I’m confident with an extension we will reach our goal of providing long-term access to the Bluffs for climbers, tourists and families in 2008. We should know the fate of our campaign by late next week.”

Since going public with the campaign to purchase 750 acres of private land beside the Bluffs (known as SubLot 18) in early March, donations have come from Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and England, and have been contributed by climbers, outdoor enthusiasts, naturalists, concerned citizens, and corporations.

The most significant corporate contribution has been a $250,000 land acquisition grant from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). In addition to the grant, MEC launched a Bluffs donation program among its members. The program matched its members’ individual donations, up to $100,000.

“Everyday our phones are ringing, and donations are coming in via our website and mail. We even received 150 new TLCmembers as a result of this campaign,” says Turner. “It is amazing to see people from all over the world wanting to save this recreational landmark for its climbing reputation, as well as for its desert-like habitat which supports species at risk such as the California Bighorn Sheep.”

TLC is a registered charity and land trust protecting wilderness areas and cultural landmarks in BC. Since 1997, TLC has protected over 100,000 acres of sensitive and threatened lands, involving more than 200 projects. TLChas grown to include over 6,500 members, and is now part of an international network of National Trusts with over 7 million members worldwide.

For further information:
Bill Turner, TLC Executive Director: cell (250) 213-1090, bturner@conservancy.bc.ca