UPCC is a registered non profit organization (501c3) dedicated to protecting access to climbing areas in Michigan's Upper peninsula. A small group of local climbers started the UPCC in 2011 to start working with land owners as a united front of the climbing community.
Here's a little about the founders and current board of directors.
Here's a little about the founders and current board of directors.
Board Members
Photo of John Miller
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John Miller - President
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Phil Watts - Board Member Emeritus
Phil Watts, PhD is a retired professor of exercise physiology of Northern Michigan University. Phil is an international leader in research on the physiology of rock climbing and mountaineering. He delivered the opening keynote addresses at the 1st (1999) and 2nd (2002) International Conferences on Science and Technology in Climbing and Mountaineering, in Leeds, England and served as an officer for the International Rock Climbing Research Association. He is the namesake of Phil’s Hill, a local Marquette crag and is the author of Rock Climbing from Human Kinetics Publishers (out of print).
Phil Watts, PhD is a retired professor of exercise physiology of Northern Michigan University. Phil is an international leader in research on the physiology of rock climbing and mountaineering. He delivered the opening keynote addresses at the 1st (1999) and 2nd (2002) International Conferences on Science and Technology in Climbing and Mountaineering, in Leeds, England and served as an officer for the International Rock Climbing Research Association. He is the namesake of Phil’s Hill, a local Marquette crag and is the author of Rock Climbing from Human Kinetics Publishers (out of print).
Bill Thompson
For the last 30 years, Bill has lived and climbed in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. While at Northern Michigan University, he was the director of the Outdoor Recreation Center leading adventure trips throughout the country and teaching classes for the outdoor recreation curriculum.
After he graduated from NMU with a Masters degree in Community College Teaching/Outdoor Recreation, he began a career at Down Wind Sports, an outdoor specialty retailer based in Marquette Michigan. In the summer Bill can usually be found rock climbing at the local crag, or paddling the shores of Lake Superior. A big reason that he chose to live in the U.P. is that his favorite season of the year is winter. When the north wind blows and the snow flies- Bill's passion is ice climbing.
He is a co-author of the guide books, An Ice Climbers Guide To the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, A Rock Climbers Guide to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, as well as the organizer of the country’s largest gathering of ice climbers- the Michigan Ice Festival. The festival draws 1000-plus ice climbers from all over the United States and Canada to the region annually to experience ice climbing above the beautiful Lake Superior. He is also the chairperson for the Great Lakes Section of the American Alpine Club.
For the last 30 years, Bill has lived and climbed in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. While at Northern Michigan University, he was the director of the Outdoor Recreation Center leading adventure trips throughout the country and teaching classes for the outdoor recreation curriculum.
After he graduated from NMU with a Masters degree in Community College Teaching/Outdoor Recreation, he began a career at Down Wind Sports, an outdoor specialty retailer based in Marquette Michigan. In the summer Bill can usually be found rock climbing at the local crag, or paddling the shores of Lake Superior. A big reason that he chose to live in the U.P. is that his favorite season of the year is winter. When the north wind blows and the snow flies- Bill's passion is ice climbing.
He is a co-author of the guide books, An Ice Climbers Guide To the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, A Rock Climbers Guide to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, as well as the organizer of the country’s largest gathering of ice climbers- the Michigan Ice Festival. The festival draws 1000-plus ice climbers from all over the United States and Canada to the region annually to experience ice climbing above the beautiful Lake Superior. He is also the chairperson for the Great Lakes Section of the American Alpine Club.
Kelly Laakso- Vice President
Having climbed since about 1982 at Taylor’s Falls in Minnesota before the advent of indoor climbing walls when 5.10 was considered an accomplishment. Since then, climbing has continued to be a passion taking Kelly to crags in the USA big and small from Yosemite to the Gunks and countless areas in between. Besides the lessons in friendship and self discovery, it has taught Kelly how important access is to this endeavor. By being a member of the Access Fund and the UPCC it is his way of supporting continued access for distant crags as well as those in my beloved Upper Peninsula.
Having climbed since about 1982 at Taylor’s Falls in Minnesota before the advent of indoor climbing walls when 5.10 was considered an accomplishment. Since then, climbing has continued to be a passion taking Kelly to crags in the USA big and small from Yosemite to the Gunks and countless areas in between. Besides the lessons in friendship and self discovery, it has taught Kelly how important access is to this endeavor. By being a member of the Access Fund and the UPCC it is his way of supporting continued access for distant crags as well as those in my beloved Upper Peninsula.
Kamila Fassbender - Secretary
Kamila hails from the crags of Negaunee, though sometimes she pretends to be from Slovakia. She started climbing in 1996 upon seeing a climbing course poster in her high school dorm. She then joined the climbing/mountaineering club of TU Kosice & JAMES Slovakia, and spend many weekends cragging, hiking & backpacking around beautiful Slovakia. Shortly afterwards, she discovered the UP and ended up moving here in 2001. She loves climbing for the awe-inspiring places it takes her, and the amazing down-to-earth people she’s met along the way. Her climbing adventures range from sport climbing in Slovakia, Austria & southern France prior to moving to the UP, to ice climbing in the UP, Colorado & Canada, and mountaineering in the Teton range and Canadian Rockies. Today, she finds the greatest joy in seeing the smiles of people she introduces to climbing, especially the little ones. She loves fair weather weekend warrioring with inspiring people, whether it’s climbing, biking, hiking or paddling, or volunteering with local trail organizations. Kamila has an accounting degree from NMU, a CPA license, and works as an Assistant Finance Manager for Marquette County. She lives in Marquette with her daughter Nina & her cat Oscar.
Kamila hails from the crags of Negaunee, though sometimes she pretends to be from Slovakia. She started climbing in 1996 upon seeing a climbing course poster in her high school dorm. She then joined the climbing/mountaineering club of TU Kosice & JAMES Slovakia, and spend many weekends cragging, hiking & backpacking around beautiful Slovakia. Shortly afterwards, she discovered the UP and ended up moving here in 2001. She loves climbing for the awe-inspiring places it takes her, and the amazing down-to-earth people she’s met along the way. Her climbing adventures range from sport climbing in Slovakia, Austria & southern France prior to moving to the UP, to ice climbing in the UP, Colorado & Canada, and mountaineering in the Teton range and Canadian Rockies. Today, she finds the greatest joy in seeing the smiles of people she introduces to climbing, especially the little ones. She loves fair weather weekend warrioring with inspiring people, whether it’s climbing, biking, hiking or paddling, or volunteering with local trail organizations. Kamila has an accounting degree from NMU, a CPA license, and works as an Assistant Finance Manager for Marquette County. She lives in Marquette with her daughter Nina & her cat Oscar.
Bryan DeAugustine - Board Member
Bryan climbed for the first time at Inside Moves in Grand Rapids, MI while in college at Grand Valley State University during the early 1990’s. He moved to the U.P. in 1995 and never looked back. He claims the Tetons of Wyoming as his home mountain range for climbing and skiing, and escapes to Mexico often for a change of perspective, surfing and spearfishing the mainland’s Pacific coast and the Baja Peninsula. On rest days, he rides single track close to home here in Marquette. Bryan has been guiding climbing since the early 2000’s.
Bryan has been married to his wife Heather for over 20 years and can routinely be found chasing their daughter and son twins, Bailey and Jackson, around their favorite climbing routes, ski descents and waves. Bryan holds a degree in history, English and teaching from GVSU and a Master’s in Administration from Northern Michigan University.
Bryan climbed for the first time at Inside Moves in Grand Rapids, MI while in college at Grand Valley State University during the early 1990’s. He moved to the U.P. in 1995 and never looked back. He claims the Tetons of Wyoming as his home mountain range for climbing and skiing, and escapes to Mexico often for a change of perspective, surfing and spearfishing the mainland’s Pacific coast and the Baja Peninsula. On rest days, he rides single track close to home here in Marquette. Bryan has been guiding climbing since the early 2000’s.
Bryan has been married to his wife Heather for over 20 years and can routinely be found chasing their daughter and son twins, Bailey and Jackson, around their favorite climbing routes, ski descents and waves. Bryan holds a degree in history, English and teaching from GVSU and a Master’s in Administration from Northern Michigan University.
Brandon Snyder - Board Member
UP native born and raised, Brandon got his start climbing at the age of 17 after being introduced to the sport while working in the Huron mountains. He then spent the following winter learning technique at the local university’s indoor climbing wall. Combined with a life long passion for the outdoors, Brandon took his climbing from Yosemite to the steep south and many places in between. He settled for a few years in Colorado outside Rocky Mountain National Park. In 2005 while living in the Rockies, Brandon was introduced to alpine climbing which led into ice climbing. Returning home to visit in the winter of 2006, Brandon attended the Michigan Ice Fest for the first time and sampled the climbing at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Today, Brandon is the proud owner of several business that tie in his love for climbing and rope work. He is an arborist (tree climber) at his company North Country Tree Care, a roof access rope technician at his company Roof Rangers, and has been the climbing instructor for the Huron Mountain Club since 2009 to present day. Brandon has always had a love for exploration and developing new climbing routes in the UP. He hopes to share his knowledge of the local geography with future rock and ice climbers.
UP native born and raised, Brandon got his start climbing at the age of 17 after being introduced to the sport while working in the Huron mountains. He then spent the following winter learning technique at the local university’s indoor climbing wall. Combined with a life long passion for the outdoors, Brandon took his climbing from Yosemite to the steep south and many places in between. He settled for a few years in Colorado outside Rocky Mountain National Park. In 2005 while living in the Rockies, Brandon was introduced to alpine climbing which led into ice climbing. Returning home to visit in the winter of 2006, Brandon attended the Michigan Ice Fest for the first time and sampled the climbing at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Today, Brandon is the proud owner of several business that tie in his love for climbing and rope work. He is an arborist (tree climber) at his company North Country Tree Care, a roof access rope technician at his company Roof Rangers, and has been the climbing instructor for the Huron Mountain Club since 2009 to present day. Brandon has always had a love for exploration and developing new climbing routes in the UP. He hopes to share his knowledge of the local geography with future rock and ice climbers.
Brian Weisner - Board Member (Copper Country Liaison)
Brian Weisner discovered his love for climbing during his years as a mechanical engineering student at Michigan Tech. The amazing climbing community, combined with the physical challenge and adventure inherent in the sport, had him hooked. His involvement in the Ridge Roamers club introduced him to both rock and ice across the UP. After graduating Brian was able to stay in the area and now lives and works in Hancock. He continues to enjoy the climbing and skiing the Copper Country, and beyond, has to offer.
Brian Weisner discovered his love for climbing during his years as a mechanical engineering student at Michigan Tech. The amazing climbing community, combined with the physical challenge and adventure inherent in the sport, had him hooked. His involvement in the Ridge Roamers club introduced him to both rock and ice across the UP. After graduating Brian was able to stay in the area and now lives and works in Hancock. He continues to enjoy the climbing and skiing the Copper Country, and beyond, has to offer.
Paul Demay - Board Member (Iron Mountain Liaison)
Paul is a UP native currently residing in Iron Mountain, and lives for the outdoors. He started climbing for the physical aspect in college, but quickly grew to the adventure it offers and the great community surrounding the sport. His favorites are Red Rock Canyon, New River Gorge, and Red River Gorge, but you'll often find him at Carney Crag and Section 18 as well as surrounding UP crags.
Paul is a UP native currently residing in Iron Mountain, and lives for the outdoors. He started climbing for the physical aspect in college, but quickly grew to the adventure it offers and the great community surrounding the sport. His favorites are Red Rock Canyon, New River Gorge, and Red River Gorge, but you'll often find him at Carney Crag and Section 18 as well as surrounding UP crags.
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Access Fund Community Ambassador
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Laura Slavsky
Laura is an Access Fund Community Ambassador for the 2020-2021 year. She grew up in Marquette, MI and has been climbing rock for 6 years and ice for 4. Laura received her bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Environmental Science from Alma College, and is currently pursuing a Master of Forestry degree at Michigan Tech. She is the Executive Director of the Pictured Rocks Climbing Academy, a youth climbing non-profit in the Upper Peninsula. Laura has passed the SPI course in pursuit of becoming a Single Pitch Instructor. When she’s not working or doing schoolwork, you can find Laura climbing, low-stakes biking and running, drinking copious amounts of tea, and nerding out over tree & plant species in the north woods. She loves the UP climbing community, and hopes to be a part of it for years to come.
Laura is an Access Fund Community Ambassador for the 2020-2021 year. She grew up in Marquette, MI and has been climbing rock for 6 years and ice for 4. Laura received her bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Environmental Science from Alma College, and is currently pursuing a Master of Forestry degree at Michigan Tech. She is the Executive Director of the Pictured Rocks Climbing Academy, a youth climbing non-profit in the Upper Peninsula. Laura has passed the SPI course in pursuit of becoming a Single Pitch Instructor. When she’s not working or doing schoolwork, you can find Laura climbing, low-stakes biking and running, drinking copious amounts of tea, and nerding out over tree & plant species in the north woods. She loves the UP climbing community, and hopes to be a part of it for years to come.
South Superior Climbing Club (NMU) President and Student Representative
Vaughn Rodriguez
Originally from the flat lands of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Vaughn moved to the U.P. a few years ago to attend Northern Michigan University (NMU). Not long after crossing the bridge Vaughn met a few locals who introduced him to the sport of rock climbing. Two years, multiple climbing trips and countless climbs later, Vaughn is officially in love with the sport. Vaughn serves as the president of the South Superior Climbing Club (SSCC), NMU’s own rock climbing student organization. The SSCC aims to act as stewards of the land, facilitate positive climbing experiences, and share stoke with NMU students and community members alike.
Originally from the flat lands of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Vaughn moved to the U.P. a few years ago to attend Northern Michigan University (NMU). Not long after crossing the bridge Vaughn met a few locals who introduced him to the sport of rock climbing. Two years, multiple climbing trips and countless climbs later, Vaughn is officially in love with the sport. Vaughn serves as the president of the South Superior Climbing Club (SSCC), NMU’s own rock climbing student organization. The SSCC aims to act as stewards of the land, facilitate positive climbing experiences, and share stoke with NMU students and community members alike.
Walter Krahn - Board Member Emeritus
Jason Schneider - Board Member Emeritus
Jason is one of the UPCC founders and longtime local climber.
Jason is one of the UPCC founders and longtime local climber.