The AMGA is proud to provide support to our membership in the form of funding for programs.  Each year the AMGA offers over $50,000 in scholarships and subsidies to our members with the soul goal of minimizing the financial burden of training and certification.  We encourage everyone to apply and take advantage of these opportunities.

 

By: Scott Massey

 

Happy November from Boulder! This month's Advocacy update is to provide further information on the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness Stewardship Planning process. As I had mentioned in the last news, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI) opened up a comment period for the Preliminary Alternatives of their Wilderness Stewardship Plan (WSP). Based on comments collected during the scoping period last fall, they have developed the preliminary alternatives. Here is the project website, with the documents available on the left, under "Available for Comment". The preliminary alternatives direct the planning process, and now they are soliciting comments focused on developing the specifics of the plan. One item that is of explicit interest to the guiding community is the Commercial Services Evaluation. While guided mountaineering is permitted in SEKI under Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs), one of the aspects of the WSP essential to guides is the "Extent Necessary Determination", or the amount of commercial services necessary to realize Wilderness purposes. The Extent Necessary Determination is going to be a major component of Wilderness planning into the future. I would encourage all of our members to read through the planning documents, and submit your comments. Comments are due November 19th. It is essential as professional stewards of our public lands, that we become involved in their planning processes.

 

Here are a few talking points that can possibly help you in drafting a comment letter. 

 

Thanks!!

  

Help Wanted

In an attempt to better serve our membership, we will be offering space in the monthly e-Newsletter to share job opportunities. This benefit is available to any current AMGA Accredited Program, certified guide or Corporate Partner.  Postings must be submitted to membership.director@amga.com  between the 1st and the 5th of every month in order to make the monthly e-Newsletter. Any postings submitted outside this time-frame will be deleted. Postings must be 200 words or less and will be reviewed and accepted or denied by the AMGA office staff. Please email membership.director@amga.com with any questions.

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Jackson Hole Mountain Guides Expands Guest Guide Opportunities CONTACT:  Rob Hess, Chief Guide 

Jackson Hole Mountain Guides
rob@jhmg.com
 
In early September, 2011, I notified AMGA certified rock guides of the opportunity to guest guide under JHMG's permits in Moab/ Indian Creek, the Red Rock, Cody and Boulder, Colorado. I am pleased to announce a further expansion of our guest guide program to include the world class City of Rocks outside of Almo, Idaho.
 
This opportunity is available only to AMGA certified guides and IFMGA-level guides. Guides wishing to climb under JHMG's guest guide program should submit a letter of interest along with a climbing resume, copy of current first aid and CPR cards, and a copy of the guide's AMGA certification card to Rob Hess at the email address shown above.
 
An Idaho guide's license is required and JHMG is now in position to expedite the process of acquiring a license for AMGA certified guides through Idaho Outfitter and Guides Association. Guides whose applications have been approved will receive a written acknowledgement and additional information about the program

  

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Exum Mountain Guides - Guest Guide Opportunities  

The AMGA is excited to announce that we will be working with Exum Mountain Guides this summer to offer you the opportunity to work as a guest guide in Grand Teton National Park!

 

The Tetons provide some of the most accessible and diverse climbing in the North America. One of its premier climbs is, naturally, the Grand Teton (13,770 ft), a remarkable ascent via many outstanding routes that all providing an exhilarating day in the mountains. While the Grand Teton is the most famous peak in the region, the range also offers dozens of other climbs that are both famous and challenging, all in a beautiful and dramatic landscape. 

 

The AMGA is proud to work with Exum Mountain Guides in this capacity, and Exum is proud to offer AMGA guides this opportunity. To apply to be a guest guide at Exum you must be an AMGA Certified Alpine Guide.  Click Here to find out how to apply. 

 American Mountain Guides Association