HeraldNet: Effort to save climbers’ rock wall close to goal

By Andy Rathbun
Herald Writer
INDEX — A group of rock climbers is nearly finished raising a mountain of money to preserve an internationally renowned granite wall near this mountain town.

The Washington Climbers Coalition has pulled together about $250,000 in the past year to buy the Index Town Wall. It hopes to raise another $50,000 by September.

Volunteers with the coalition are so confident they will meet their goal that plans are under way now for a mid-September celebration.

“That would be true,” said Doug Walker, 59, of Shoreline. “I think we can get this done.”

The group’s mammoth fundraising effort will help rescue the 500-foot wall from possible development.

“What’s amazing about Index is you’ll do a climb there and every inch of every pitch is just stellar,” he said. “You often don’t get that experience.”

Complete Story HERE>> HeraldNet: Effort to save climbers’ rock wall close to goal.

Climbers Found No-Trespassing Signs

Thanks to Dana S. for the info:

June 4th, 2009 – When climbers found no-trespassing signs posted at one of their favorite crags, an effort began that will change the future of the town of Index. KING 5′s Gary Chittim and photographer Pete Cassam show us how it came together from the ground up.
Here’s the link to see local Index climber, Chris climb the wall. He makes it look so easy….

http://www.king5.com/video/featured-index.html?nvid=368462&shu=1