In an effort to recognize local conservation project as well as people who share a passion for the outdoors, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (GOA) and Columbia unveiled the launch of their new Belay Program. The Belay Program is designed to provide the basic necessities to guarantee and safeguard local projects dedicated towards improving the environment. . Of the 30 applications that were submitted for the first edition of the award, the GOA selected 10 to be granted $5,000 in cash and/or product from the Columbia.

Associations
National Ski Patrol has turned to Adrenalin to form a new marketing platform, serving as a standard for over 600 patrols and their 26,000 members. The marketing platform represents efforts the patrol is making to unify and advance its brand.
Nonprofit Big City Mountaineers, an organization that instills critical life skills in under-resourced urban youth through wilderness mentoring has added three new members to its Board of Directors. These new leadership members, Nate Simmons, Michael Leming and Carol Sweasy will to extend the reach and impact of Big City Mountaineers.
American Hiking Society (AHS) has begun accepting applications for the 2012 National Trails Fund. AHS is a non-profit dedicated to promoting, protecting and supporting foot trails and the hiking experience.
The National Ski Patrol (NSP) and the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) have re-signed the Joint Statement of Understanding (JSOU) between the two organizations. The JSOU outlines the positions of ski area management and local NSP patrols, previously signed in 2008.




