Prepare Historic Resources Study of Climbing for Joshua Tree National Park, California

The National Park Service intends to award a cooperative agreement to the Regents of the University of California, Riverside, to prepare a Historic Resources Study of climbing in Joshua Tree National Park. The study will investigate and document the history and culture of climbing practices and their management as they have evolved since their earliest appearance at the park. The final product will be a synthetic report pulling together all archival and oral historical data collected. • The project will involve research in archives at Joshua Tree National Park, local archives, and other collections, as well as oral historical research with climbers, guides, and Search and Rescue personnel. • The report is intended to document the perspectives and experiences of traditional climbers, sport climbers, boulder climbers, and guides and Search and Rescue personnel, relating to the history and management of climbing in Joshua Tree National Park. • The project will provide opportunities for youth and young adults to learn about resource stewardship by working on a research project in a national park. • The information and report developed by this project will be shared through various strategies to increase public awareness, knowledge, and support for historic preservation and stewardship of the nation's cultural and historical heritage.