UNITED STATES – A group of 14 U.S. senators are urging the heads of the National Forest Service and the National Park Service to protect climbing on public wilderness in the United States.
A letter submitted to Secretary Deb Haaland of the Department of the Interior (National Park Service) and Secretary Thomas Vilsack of the Department of Agriculture (National Forest Service) expresses concerns surrounding a proposed draft guidance that would impact climbing management in designated wilderness areas in the United States. 14 Senators, including Washington’s Maria Cantwell, Colorado’s John Hickenlooper, West Virginia’s Joe Manchin, Wyoming’s John Barrasso, and Idaho’s Mike Crapo, have signed the letter.
“As written, the NPS’ draft Wilderness Stewardship Reference Manual directive and the USFS’ proposed draft guidance on the use and maintenance of fixed anchors in wilderness areas make significant policy changes that would restrict climbing safety practices. We ask that the agencies provide a briefing to the signed Members on the status and proposed changes to climbing management practices before finalized any associated guidance.“
The letter argues that, despite attempting to create clear guidelines for fixed anchor use for climbers, the new guidelines would add unnecessary burden to the National Parks’ and Forests’ already strained budgets. They also believe that the changed rules could impact safety and greatly limit access to some of America’s legendary climbing routes, including the Dawn Wall in Yosemite National Park.
The 14 senators believe that fixed anchors should not be considered instillations, preventing an increase in red tape and associated costs while allowing continued ease of access for maintenance and instillation.
“We believe that fixed anchors should not be prohibited in wilderness and urge the agencies to publish new guidance for public comment that does not prohibit these fundamental safety tools. The signed Members also look forward to a timely briefing on the status of proposed changes to climbing management practices before finalizing any associated guidance.“