April 21, 2003 – Carbondale, CO. Climbing Magazine is launching the Anchor Replacement Initiative (ARI). The ARI is an industry-supported program that will systematically replace worn or inadequate belay and rappel anchors at climbing areas across the country. In partnership with The North Face and Petzl, Climbing is coordinating a network of area enthusiasts, guides, local organizations and land managers to execute the needed anchor replacements. The hardware and tools are being purchased and donated by The North Face, Petzl, and Climbing collectively. The goal of the ARI is to create safe, clean anchors at the country’s most utilized crags: Rifle Mountain Park, CO; North Conway, NH; Tahquitz and Suicide, CA; and Red River Gorge, KY, will be the first areas addressed. The ARI will replace anchors on 300 routes in 2003, and become an ongoing program. The ARI is sensitive to bolting related issues and will only engage in replacing existing anchors.

“I conceived the ARI after lowering from worn cold shuts anchored by rusting bolts,” says Scott Leonard, Climbing’s Operations & Marketing Manager and ARI Director. “I figured there must be a way to use the collective resources of our industry and community to address the problem of maintaining this common resource.”

Climbing Magazine, The North Face, and Petzl appreciate the support the climbing community provides to our businesses and want to tangibly give something back to that community. “The ARI is a way of saying thanks to our loyal readers, and it provides a real service to the climbing community,” says Matt Samet, Climbing’s Associate Editor “What I like about the program is that it’s genuine – the industry sponsors and volunteers are improving our collective climbing resources.”

About Climbing Magazine
Climbing Magazine is the world’s leading publication on climbing and mountaineering, setting the benchmark through content and design innovation, while maintaining close ties to the rich tradition of the sport. Climbing encourages, supports, and engages in activities that preserve the climbing environment and educate the climbing community about conservation and safety. Climbing’s paid and audited circulation is 45,935. Climbing is the only publication in its category with circulation verified by the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC).