The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

The Professional Mountain Guide as a Partner for Education and Resource Protection: The American Mountain

Guides Association’s effort to set standards in our mountain areas.

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

About the AMGA

The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) is a 501(c)(3) educational non profit that is dedicated to ‐supporting the American mountain guiding and climbing instructor community. Our Mission: To inspire and support a culture of American mountain craft

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Definition

A “professional mountain guide” is an individual or business that performs guiding services or instruction for compensation in the terrain-based disciplines of rock climbing, alpine climbing / mountaineering, or skiing outside of developed resorts in a mechanized or non-mechanized manner. The services or instruction are the primary purpose of their business.

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

A culture of non-conformity

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Management History

Major Factors Influencing Guiding

Permit Management

Wilderness

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Permit Management

Concession Contract

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Permit Management

Outfitter / Guide Special Use Permit

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Wilderness Act

“… Areas of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which is protected and managed to preserve its natural condition… and have outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined recreation.”

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Wilderness Act

Commercial Enterprise Prohibited

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Wilderness Act

“Commercial Services” allowed “to the extent necessary for activities… proper for… recreational or other wilderness purposes…”

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Tension

“Recreational vs. Commercial”

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Enter the AMGA: Origins in 1979

Goals:Create and Uphold Measurable Industry Standards

Unify the Guiding Profession

Ensure Better Safety Standards for Clients

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Increasing, Changing Use

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Mainstream Sports

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Outdoor Recreation Economy

$646 Billion Dollars!

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Life-long Pursuit

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Increasing Impacts

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Strategic Initiatives

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Teachers and Mentors

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Increasing Users --- Increasing Demand for Guides

Agency adaptations – Short-term permits• NPS Commercial Use Authorization• USFS Temporary Special Use Permit• BLM Special Recreation Permit

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Challenges in Land Management

Budgetary ChallengesWhite River NF – most recreation visitors in US• Down 18% in 2014• Almost 40% from 2009/10

Administrative Challenges

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

21st Century Paradigms

How does the professional mountain guiding user become an effective partner to the land manager – one that is seen as a professional asset, and not just another “commercial user”?

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Solutions

Relationships• Concession contract example• How to set expectation with other permits?

Increasing professionalism in mountain guiding trade

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

AMGA’s Effort: Our Programs

Setting the Standard for Guide EducationTechnical instruction and assessment to the internationally recognized standard

Leave No Trace and stewardship are core components

Professional conduct is highly emphasized

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

AMGA’s Effort: Advocacy

Educating public lands regulators on the value of professionally trained and credentialed mountain guides

Goals:All professional mountain guides trained for the terrain on which they work,Viewed as a resource for public safety,Partnering with land managers for education and conservation

The AMGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational

organization.

Photos: Dylan Taylor, SEKI, AMGA stock

Many Thanks to our partners in the land management agencies, our members for being dedicated to advancing the profession, and all of you for being here and committed to working together for the world’s mountain areas and their visitors.