Shameless on his part. This is ironically what Dean's boss at Patagonia use to warn all of us about the dangers of mixing money and climbing. What a bunch of hypocrites from the top to the bottom (Dean) at Patagonia.

Dear Sirs -

I have a lot of respect for your company, for the environmental stances it has taken. I am saddenned to learn that one of your climbing ambassadors, Dean Potter, does not have such an environmental awareness.

I am referring to the recently reported climb by Mr. Potter of Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. How could he have "studied the tiny cracks and crevices ..." for "almost 12 years" without being aware that such a climb was illegal. And, that the sandstone formations are relatively fragile.

I am a climber. I have been to Delicate Arch regularly. Yes, I understand the desire to climb it. However, I also know what the impact of allowing climbing on such a structure would be.

I would like you to convey to Mr. Potter that such actions are not good for the climbing community, and are inconsistent with his role at your company.

Thank you for your attention.

You guys really need to get a life.

Fuk the police.

The rock at Arches offers excellent climbing opportunities, despite its sandy nature. Most climbing routes in the park require advanced techniques. Permits are not required, unless the trip involves an overnight stay in the backcountry.

It the responsibility of all climbers to know and obey park regulations and route closures.

Rock climbing guides to Arches and the surrounding area are available at the visitor center and through the bookstore.

Regulations

Use of motorized drills is prohibited.
Climbing is prohibited on any arch identified on current USGS 7.5 minute topographical maps; on Balanced Rock year-round; on Bubo from January 1st to June 30th; on Industrial Disease on the Devil Dog Spire from January 1st to June 30th.
The use of chalk for climbing must be of a color which blends with the native rock.
Climbers are encouraged to employ clean-climbing ethics, leave dull-colored webbing when recovery is impossible, and access climbing routes via established trails, slickrock or sandy washes.

Rock Climbing:
The following rock climbing routes may be closed for all or a portion of the year due to
aesthetic, wildlife, or other resource related concerns:
1. Any arch identified on the current issue U.S.G.S. 7.5 minute topographical map.
2. Balanced Rock- Closed to climbing year-round.
3. Bubo- Closed from January 1st to June 30th.
4. Industrial Disease on the Devil Dog Spire is closed from January 1st to June 30th.
The use of chalk for climbing must be of a color that blends with the native rock. Webbing
left at rappel/belay points must be subdued colors that blend with the rock.
The use of motorized power drills is prohibited.

Rock Climbing:
Definitions:
Technical Rock Climbing is defined as ascending or descending a rock formation utilizing
rock climbing equipment.
Free Climbing and Clean Aid Climbing are minimum impact approaches that employ
chocks, stoppers, nuts and camming devices, rather than pitons or bolts, for protection or
direct support. These are climbing aids that are removable and do not damage the rock.
Slacklining is defined as walking on a rope or other line that is anchored between rock
formations, trees, or any other natural features. Height of the rope above the ground is
immaterial.
The following closures, conditions, and restrictions apply to rock climbing or similar
activities such as, but not limited to, technical rock climbing, free climbing and clean aid
climbing within Arches National Park:
Closures:
1. Any arch or natural bridge named on the United States Geological Survey 7.5
minute topographical maps covering Arches National Park is closed to climbing
year-round.
2. Balanced Rock- Closed to climbing year-round.
3. Bubo- Closed from January 1st to June 30th.
3
4. Industrial Disease on the Devil Dog Spire is closed from January 1st to June
30th.
5. Slacklining is prohibited anywhere within Arches National Park year-round.
Restrictions:
No new permanent climbing hardware may be installed in any fixed location. If an
existing bolt or other hardware item is unsafe, it may be replaced. This will limit all
climbing to existing routes or new routes not requiring placement of fixed anchors.
Climbing anchors and/or protection points may not be placed with the use of a hammer
except to replace existing belay and rappel anchors and bolts on existing routes, or for
emergency self-rescue.
If an existing software item (sling, runner etc.) is unsafe, it may be replaced.
Software (webbing, accessory cords, etc.) that is left in place shall match the rock
surface in color.
The intentional removal of lichen or plants from rock is prohibited.
The physical altering of rock faces such as chiseling, glue reinforcement of existing
holds, and gluing of new holds is prohibited.
The use of motorized power drills is prohibited.
Fixed ropes may not be left in place for more than 24 hours. Fixed ropes left in place
longer than 24 hours shall be considered "abandoned property" and removed.
The use of chalk for climbing must be of a color that blends with the native rock.

It is clear that this uncaring climbing ambassador was in it for his own personal reasons without regard for the rest of the climbing community.

I also had another, hypothetical question for y'all that I've been wondering about. People flip about things like this, claiming that it is humans damaging nature, etc. Looking at a bigger perspective, though, is it really that bad? Aren't we part of nature?