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The U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service are seeking public input on proposed guidance that would help the agencies in managing climbing opportunities in national forests, grasslands and parks.
The climbing activities covered include not only rock climbing, but snow and ice climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering, and caving. All of these are popular in National Parks – especially Joshua Tree National Park which is a climbing and bouldering destination.
Some of the items both organizations are seeking public input on are fixed climbing equipment such as anchors or bolts that are permanently left in place after a climb. The proposed guidance affirms that climbing is an appropriate use of public lands, including in wilderness areas, and should be managed in a manner that helps protect cultural and natural resources.
The National Park Service stated in a press release that best practices for climbing can help climbers avoid damage to natural and cultural resources, and that the proposed guidance will provide public land managers with direction on how to guide climbers to the best and most appropriate places and practices to ascend responsibly.
The public is invited to provide input on both agencies’ guidance through Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.
You can submit comments at the U.S. Forest Services website here.
