The Mountaineers. The Seattle climbing program, under the leadership of Steven M. Cox, continues to address the related issues of access, conservation and growth management. Most significantly, in 1995 an optional conservation service requirement was introduced as a prototype for the basic climbing course. Participating students selected conservation objectives that were meaningful to them, and each volunteered an average of nearly 19 hours of service. The idea was so well received that it has now been approved as a graduation requirement. Climbing course materials were expanded and upgraded to emphasize wilderness ethics and minimum impact travel, "leave no trace" camping and climbing conservation education. The Mountaineers actively worked together with various land management agencies that might be affected by our climbing activities for the purpose of resolving related issues and establishing mutually beneficial relationships for the future.

There were 222 students accepted into the basic climbing course and a total of 93 students graduated, with others continuing on for a second year. As part of a new successful mentor program, volunteers acted as advisors to the basic course students. There were 59 students enrolled in the intermediate climbing course this year and 15 others graduated. Over a hundred club climbs, which are not part of the formal courses, were scheduled in 1995, including an eight-day outing to Canada. Finally, to insure The Mountaineers climbing program maintains our worthwhile tradition while keeping pace with the rapid evolution of climbing, a revised charter and long range strategy were developed which define our mission, core values and objectives.

A remodel of our headquarters resulted in an expanded bookstore which now offers over 700 titles of outdoor related books published by The Mountaineers and others. A free catalog may be obtained at (206) 284-6310. At the 1995 Best of Banff Book Festival, K2: The Story of the Savage Mountain by Jim Curran, published in the U.S. by The Mountaineers, was awarded the top non-fiction prize. Fred Beckey's long awaited second edition of Cascade Alpine Guide, Volume 3: Rainy Pass to Fraser River made its debut this year.

The Mountaineers have forged an alliance with other clubs, such as the Mazamas, Spokane Mountaineers and the Colorado Mountain Club, on issues of club use of U.S. Forest Service land and permits. In conjunction with this effort, The Mountaineers will publish The Backcountry Almanac in February 1996. It is a compendium of essential data and knowledge regarding permits, regulations and basic information on wilderness areas in Washington State. This book will be updated as often as necessary to reflect land use policy changes.

In 1995, The Mountaineers repeated our successful Northwest Environmental Issues Course. This beginning-level course is for members and the general public who want to understand the most pressing issues for our region and the solutions environmental advocates are working toward. Students examined public lands, forestry, water, salmon, wildlife, and energy issues and received training in activism. Classes were taught by nationally recognized speakers and local environmental leaders. Highlighting this year's course was an opening lecture by Timothy Egan, Seattle Bureau Chief of the New York Times and author of The Good Rain: Across Time and Terrain in the Pacific Northwest. A series of field trips brought to life issues students had studied in the classroom. The 100 participants reflected a wide range of backgrounds from college students to executives. The course was accredited by Antioch University for both college and continuing education credits. The Mountaineers will continue to offer the course on an annual basis.

Donna Price, Activities Division Chairwomen