Skaha Bluffs Access

It is a great day for The Land Conservancy (TLC) and the climbing community: we received word that an extension will be granted for the Skaha Bluffs fundraising campaign. TLC will now have until September 30^th to close the deal on Sub Lot 18 as a permanent access route to one of Canada’s premier climbing destinations. The three month extension will allow TLC to secure government and foundation funds.

“Thanks to this reprieve I’m convinced we will be able to reach our goal of providing long-term access to the Bluffs for climbers, tourists and families in 2008. The current owner has given us until the end of September as a sign of good faith and we are grateful for this gift,” says TLC Executive Director Bill Turner. “All we need now is for people to show their support by donating. I know we can do this if we pull together as individuals, businesses, and governments.”

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, and concerned citizens. Some significant corporate contributions have also been made, including $10,000 from The Access Society and a $250,000 land acquisition grant from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). In addition to the grant, MEC offered to match donations made by MEC members, up to $100,000.

To finalize the purchase of Sub Lot 18, $500,000 remains to be raised, $150,000 of which will need to come from public sources. The balance of the funds are expected to come through various foundations and government sources.

“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, but we still need the public’s help to complete the deal,” says Turner.

TLC is strongly urging everyone who has been moved by the beauty of natural areas in BC to donate now at 1-877-485-2422 or www.conservancy.bc.ca. For more detailed information about the project, please visit TLC’s Penticton Office 262 Main Street, 2^nd Floor. All donations are tax deductible.

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. TLC has 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