WMCC Raises Over $275,000 toward Farley Conservation Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Western Massachusetts Climbers’ Coalition (WMCC)
WMCC Raises Over $275,000 toward Farley Conservation Initiative

Erving, MA — The Western Massachusetts Climbers’ Coalition (WMCC) raised more than $275,000 from over 700 donors in the month of May to support the Farley Conservation Initiative, a major step toward restoring access to Farley Ledge.

The Save Farley fundraising campaign led with a $125,000 anonymous matching gift challenge. During the final week of the campaign, an additional $10,000 matching contribution from another anonymous donor allowed contributions to be tripled, helping drive a strong finish to the initiative.

Farley Ledge, located in Erving, Massachusetts, is the most popular climbing area in southern New England, with approximately 10,000 visits annually. The crag features trad, sport, and bouldering routes.

“The past month has illustrated what the climbing community is capable of,” said Andy Neuman, President of the WMCC. “Farley is a cornerstone of the sport in New England, and this response demonstrates how deeply people care about regaining and preserving access in perpetuity.”

On April 3, the WMCC announced the indefinite closure of access to the property, following the revocation of landowner permission to use the land which houses the primary trail system leading to the crag. The WMCC’s existing parking areas remain closed while the organization works toward long-term access solutions.

Funds raised through the Farley Conservation Initiative will support development of a new parking area on the recently purchased WMCC-owned land, pay back the Access Fund loan, and future trail construction and stewardship efforts intended to provide sustainable access to climbing areas while respecting surrounding landownership and environmental concerns.

The next major step in the project will take place on June 6, when WMCC volunteers will begin site preparation work for the lot. The trail day will include invasive species removal, brush clearing, and additional stewardship tasks. Community members interested in volunteering or learning more can visit https://climbgneiss.org/events/.
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The Western Massachusetts Climbers’ Coalition (WMCC) is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit
volunteer climbers’ organization that works to build inclusive relationships with diverse advocacy
groups, state and local governments, landowners, and conservation groups to keep climbing
areas open and accessible to climbers from all backgrounds, and to conserve the climbing
environment in Western Massachusetts.

Media Contact:
Regina Madden
WMCC Board Member
regina@climbgneiss.org