Each year The Access Fund presentsThe Sharp End Award to individuals and businesses going above and beyond to preserve climbing access and the climbing environment.
REI, a Conservation Alliance founding member and long time steward of our wild places, received The Sharp End award this year because of a long-term dedicate to protecting the places we climb. REI's support of both the Adopt a Crag program and the TeamWorks youth stewardship program has grown local volunteerism and long-term stewardship of climbing areas tremendously. In 2010, REI increased their support of the climbing community through the REI VISA card and proceeds from BANFF Mountain Film Festival.
Read the whole article and learn about other award recipients here.