Background

Joshua Tree National Park (formed as a Monument in 1936, and designated National Park status in 1994) has long enjoyed a reputation as a world-class climbing mecca. For many decades climbers from around the world have come to experience its steep cracks, exposed slabs, and huge granite domes.

As rock climbing became more popular, it became apparent that a private, non-profit organization was needed to work with varying issues such as ecosystem preservation, wildlife preservation, and endangered species protection, and how those issues relate to climbers' access. Simply put, the park and its climbers needed an activist group.

Local climbers responded to the challenge, organized, and in 1991 formed Friends of Joshua Tree to represent climbers' interests in Joshua Tree National Park. This dedication that first formed Friends of Joshua Tree continues today.

How We Do It

Friends of Josh works to ensure that future generations of climbers will be able to enjoy the park. The following are our areas of focus:

• National Park liasion: During the past ten years, Friends of Joshua Tree has established a proactive dialogue with the National Park Service to ensure continued climbing access in the park. Through collaborations with the park administration, Friends of Josh has had a guiding hand in the Backcountry and Wilderness Management Plan, and is playing an integral part in the writing of the new Joshua Tree National Park Climbing Policy.
• Trail restoration: Friends of Joshua Tree works with the Access Fund and the National Park Service to establish and maintain trails in the park, and urges climbers and others to approach crags only via designated trails.
• Desert ecology: Friends of Joshua Tree advocates "leave no trace" practices, urging climbers and others to respect the sensitive plant and animal life flourishing in the fragile desert ecology.
• Litter-free desert: Friends of Joshua Tree urges climbers and others to pack out all trash, and to use designated bathrooms whenever available.
• Park improvements: Friends of Joshua Tree provides input on various park issues such as automobile parking and others that have an impact on climbers and other visitors.

We also work directly with climbers to educate them on important park issues; through events, slide shows, public gatherings, and town hall meetings, climbers learn about issues ranging from crag access and bolting policy to park preservation and desert plant & animal protection. Friends of Josh keeps its members up-to-date through its Web site and newsletter Wonderland, published three times a year.

Goals For The Future

Friends of Joshua Tree would like to continue its efforts in conserving climbing and the environment. With support from individuals and corporate sponsors we can continue the legacy. Like most things it takes commitment, time and money to function on a yearly basis.