Climbing icon Tommy Caldwell headlines a day connecting outdoor passion to local fights
Hello John ,
When legendary climber and conservation champion Tommy Caldwell takes the stage at the Land We Share Summit on Friday, October 3rd, he’s got a lot more to talk about than just climbing. He’ll be speaking about courage; about protecting the landscapes that shaped him and that shape all of us. From first ascents on El Capitan to leading national campaigns for public lands, he represents what it looks like to turn personal passion into collective impact.
But this summit is about more than just one voice. It’s about connecting local battles to the bigger picture. Right now, Utah communities are on the frontlines:
In Salt Lake County: Pushing back against the proposed Little Cottonwood Gondola, a boondoggle that would permanently scar one of our most beloved canyons.
In St. George: Defending Moe’s Valley, a climbing and recreation gem, from development threats that could erase access and fragment habitat.
In Grand County: Wrestling with federal land sales, the county’s stance on public lands, and the future of the Arches visitation system. The county commission recently voted against supporting federal land management, while also sending a letter of concern to the Department of the Interior about how Arches’ reservation system impacts local businesses and families.
In San Juan County: Utah Diné Bikéyah and the Inter-Tribal Coalition are defending Bears Ears from renewed uranium threats as reduced protections risk opening lands to new claims. Panelists Tara Benally (Diné), a grassroots organizer who helped elect a Diné majority in San Juan County, and Angelo Baca (Diné/Hopi), a scholar and advocate for sacred lands and food sovereignty, are showing how Indigenous Nations are resisting extractive pressures and protecting cultural heritage.
These are all connected threads in a larger tapestry of how Utah can manage (and mismanage) our shared heritage. You’ll hear from the people on the ground in these communities: local advocates, county leaders, and grassroots organizers who know what it takes to fight and win.
Think of this Summit as a strategy session for the future of our public lands. You’ll leave with tools, allies, and a renewed sense of possibility.
