About Us
Our Mission:
Eastern Missouri Climbers Association is an all-volunteer based organization dedicated to:
-Improve, promote, and preserve East Missouri climbing
-Seek out new climbing access in our area
-Cultivate the climbing community by providing education and cooperative opportunities
-Foster the relationship between climbers, crag owners, and other outdoor organizations.
How?
We currently do this with the assistance of our city parks, state parks, national forest, and private property owners. We provide various types of support such as trail maintenance, topography, education, bolting, and establishing routes/boulders.
Our Board
Nick Richards, President & Co-founder
Being a climber from St. Louis, Missouri, this organization holds immense significance for me. Surprisingly, my climbing journey began on Missouri sandstone at a summer camp just an hour west of St. Louis. After reigniting my passion for climbing in Dallas a year prior to returning to my hometown in 2015, I've dedicated myself to fostering a sense of community in outdoor climbing and encouraging local exploration to reduce travel distances. It was in pursuit of these goals that Dan Provasnik reached out in December 2020, leading to the creation of our Facebook group, and the rest is history. Explore all of our accomplishments here!
Cody Tilley,Secretary/treasurer
I grew up in eastern Missouri climbing trees and playing in the woods. On a whim in 2010 I went climbing and upper limits downtown, fell in love with the sport. Around 2018 I volunteered with BetaFund for a park clean up and it started a drive in me to want to give back to an incredible community. It led me to attending Access Fund advocacy conferences. In 2022 I met Nick when looking for someone to boulder with. He introduced me to developing and have been working with EMCA on community climbing day and developing new and existing climbing areas in eastern Missouri.
Anthony Burns - Stewardship Director
Growing up in Southern Missouri, most of my time was devoted to outdoor adventures. I gained a few skills in the gym but quickly became a constant outdoor climber and joined a great local community. I have been from the Red River Gorge to Joshua Tree but truly love living here in The St. Francois Mountains. I love discovering new areas and working with land managers to help them explore new possibilities. I want to help encourage an environment of respect and admiration for our local areas through responsible development and stewardship.
Tell us what you think. This is a safe place so feel free to vent or share your appreciation for EMCA volunteers. I'm also happy to answer any questions.
Do You have a minute to complete a survey?
2020 Survey complete (see results on home page)
2022 Survey - In Progress - Click here to give us your feedback!!
Updated 3.14.2024