Current Forest Service directives do not provide guidance for climbing opportunities on NFS lands. Section 122 of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act (Public Law No. 118-234) directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue guidance for recreational climbing activities in wilderness on NFS lands that (1) ensures that recreational climbing activities comply with applicable laws and regulations, (2) recognizes recreational climbing (including the use, placement, and maintenance of fixed anchors) as an appropriate use within components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (wilderness), (3) describes requirements for the placement and maintenance of fixed anchors for recreational climbing in wilderness, and (4) includes direction for the continued use and maintenance of recreational climbing routes (including fixed anchors along the routes) in existence as of January 4, 2025. Nothing in Section 122 of the EXPLORE Act amends, modifies, or supersedes the Wilderness Act, and this proposal is intended to be implemented consistent with that statute. To implement Section 122 of the EXPLORE Act with respect to wilderness, while exercising the Secretary’s general land management authority for non-wilderness areas, the Forest Service is proposing revisions to its directives to provide guidance on climbing opportunities on NFS lands.
The proposed directive provides guidance on climbing opportunities inside and outside wilderness on NFS lands and would provide for climbing opportunities that serve visitor needs; meet land management and recreation policy objectives; emphasize the natural setting of NFS lands; align with natural and cultural resource protection and the Agency’s responsibility to Indian Tribes; and are consistent with applicable law, directives, and the applicable land management plan.
Please see the attached documents for the full language of the proposed directive.
https://usfs-public.box.com/s/4cm4qq2y4ngzsks0uqn4sj5rcrin3rvs
Please use this system to submit your comments. If you have additional questions, please email SM.FS.ClimbDir@usda.gov
