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Find the latest on americanalpineclub.org/news
4/25/2012: Map Added
4/25/2012: American Alpine Club to Break Ground in 2012
12/20/2010: American Alpine Club Secures 40 Acres For Campground
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The American Alpine Club (AAC) is pleased to announce that it will begin construction on a new climbers’ campground at the New River Gorge in 2012. The planned facility is a landmark, the first major addition to Club-operated lodging facilities in 40 years.
The campground will reside in Fayetteville, West Virginia, on a 40-acre parcel chosen by local climbers and the New River Alliance of Climbers. The land is adjacent to National Park land and within walking distance of rock climbing at the New River Gorge. In autumn 2010 the AAC purchased the property, which was successfully re-zoned for a campground in April of 2012 by local authorities.
Car campers and walk-in campers will be welcome at the new AAC campground. Structures will include a community gathering room, shower house, and a cabin to accommodate a permanent camp host. There will be no accommodation for RVs. The campground will be developed in phases and, depending on demand, at final build-out will have up to 60 campsites. If progress allows, the AAC hopes to have primitive camping available for climbers before the end of the year.
Designing a campground that is environmentally sensitive and supported by the adjacent landowners is paramount to the project’s success. The design includes a spatial buffer from the Ames Heights neighborhood. The chosen road alignment works with the topography to minimize site disturbance. The green design of structures will be overseen by Jim Logan, AAC board member and the LEED-certified architect designing the site.
This purchase was made possible by the generosity of AAC donors along with other financing. Notably, just over one-third of the funding was a loan from the Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign. The property was chosen by local climbers and the New River Alliance of Climbers.
The campground will be located a short walk from the Junkyard and Bridge areas on the east side of the river. In addition to the parcel’s central cragging location, limited bouldering exists on-site.
As with other AAC campgrounds, the property will be developed specifically with climbers in mind and will allow for extended stays at inexpensive rates.
Providing lodging facilities is central to the AAC’s vision of supporting the climbing way of life by improving benefits for members and other climbers, said AAC Executive Director Phil Powers: “We are building on the tradition that started with the Grand Teton Climbers’ Ranch. Lodging options within walking distance from great climbing supports the climbing lifestyle we all enjoy. We hope to create a facility that meets climbers’ needs and adds opportunities for climbers to gather and share their stories.”
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Your membership supports land acquisitions like these, as well as a whole host of other great things.
Only AAC Members get $10,000 in Global Rescue Insurance and Services, Exclusive Deals on Insurance, guidebooks mailed to you—free—from the extensive AAC Library, and the rest of the great AAC Member Benefits.
Contact The AAC for more information.
