Recent Conservation Alliance grantee CRAG-Vermont has succeeded in its effort to purchase and protect Upper West Bolton Cliff (aka "Resin Ridge"), a popular crag near Burlington, Vermont. The Conservation Alliance was a leading supporter of the campaign to purchase this 18-acre property. Over the years, the Alliance has supported several key climbing area acquisitions. Previous efforts have protected lands around Laurel Knob (NC), Castleton Tower (UT), Peshastin Pinnacles (WA), Indian Creek (UT), the Gunks (NY), and Mecca (NV).

Conservation Alliance board members Gareth Martins (Osprey Packs) and Conrad Anker (The North Face) joined Executive Director John Sterling on a whirlwind visit to Washington, DC to talk to Congressional offices about the economic benefits of protecting wild lands and rivers. The trio (pictured here with Colorado Rep. John Salazar) met with 20 offices in two days, and encouraged these elected officials to support efforts to protect public lands throughout the US. The group also thanked offices for supporting the Omnibus Public Land Management Act, which President Obama signed into law on March 30. The bill protects three million acres of land and 1000 miles of rivers.

Check out Gareth's blog post about the trip here.