Interior Begins Nationwide Review of Rock Climbing Management and Wilderness Study Area Policies

The Department of the Interior today announced a 60-day public comment period on proposed recreational climbing guidance and potential updates to wilderness study area management policies for lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service.  

The Department is seeking public input on two important efforts: First, establishing a consistent approach to recreational rock climbing management across designated wilderness areas and second, evaluating whether existing wilderness study areas and lands with wilderness characteristics policies should be updated, clarified or revised to improve management and use of some of America’s most treasured landscapes.

Together, these efforts support the Department’s commitment to expanding access to outdoor recreation while ensuring public lands remain well managed, accessible and preserved for future generations.

“America’s public lands are meant to be experienced and enjoyed by the American people,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “At the same time, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of these lands. By seeking public input on both recreational climbing guidance and wilderness stewardship and access policies, we are taking a thoughtful approach that supports recreation, improves management and helps ensure these iconic landscapes remain available for future generations. Under President Trump’s leadership, Interior is focused on expanding outdoor recreation opportunities, removing unnecessary barriers to access and use and managing public lands in a way that benefits the American people.”

The proposed recreational climbing guidance establishes consistent, common-sense standards for evaluating and managing climbing activities, including the use of fixed anchors, in accordance with existing laws and policies. The guidance is intended to improve clarity for climbers, land managers and partners, enhance public safety and support continued access to world-class climbing opportunities on federal lands.

In addition, the Department is seeking recommendations on potential improvements to wilderness study area and lands with wilderness characteristics policies used by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service. The review will help determine whether existing policy documents should be updated or clarified to improve consistency, increase transparency and ensure public lands continue to be managed effectively in accordance with applicable laws.

Each bureau has published a Federal Register notice to initiate the comment period. Public comments received through either effort will help inform future policy decisions and guide the Department’s long-term stewardship of public lands and wilderness areas.

Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management’s proposed climbing guidance implements provisions of the EXPLORE Act that support responsible recreational climbing in BLM-managed wilderness areas while ensuring activities remain consistent with the Wilderness Act and preservation of wilderness character. The draft policy recognizes recreational climbing as an appropriate wilderness use when conducted in accordance with applicable laws and establishes clear criteria for casual use and authorization of activities that exceed those thresholds.

The BLM is also seeking public input on potential updates to its broader wilderness study area policies, including Manual 6340, as well as Manual 6330, Management of Wilderness Study Areas, and Manual 6320, Considering Lands with Wilderness Characteristics in Land Use Planning. The agency is interested in identifying opportunities to improve clarity, consistency and effectiveness in management of its public lands including its multiple use mandate are recognition of prior existing rights.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposed climbing guidance implements the EXPLORE Act’s direction to support outdoor recreation opportunities while remaining consistent with the Service’s wildlife conservation mission. The guidance provides a framework for evaluating recreational climbing proposals on refuge and hatchery lands while maintaining protections for wildlife, habitat and public safety.

The Service is also seeking comments on potential revisions to Part 610, Wilderness Stewardship, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Manual. The agency welcomes recommendations regarding updates, clarifications or other improvements that may strengthen wilderness stewardship and management practices across the National Wildlife Refuge System.

National Park Service

The National Park Service’s proposed climbing guidance advances the EXPLORE Act’s vision of expanding outdoor recreation opportunities by providing clear direction for recreational climbing in wilderness areas throughout the National Park System. From Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan to Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park, federal public lands offer some of the world’s premier climbing destinations.

The National Park Service is also seeking public input on potential improvements to Director’s Order No. 41, Wilderness Stewardship. The agency is interested in recommendations regarding whether updates, clarifications or revisions may be appropriate to improve wilderness management and ensure policies continue to support effective stewardship of wilderness areas across the National Park System.

How to Comment

The Department encourages the public to review the proposed recreational climbing guidance and wilderness stewardship policy materials and submit comments during the 60-day public comment period. Comments may be submitted following the instructions found in the Federal Register notices for each agency, which will publish in the coming days.  

All comments received will be considered as the Department finalizes climbing guidance and evaluates potential updates to wilderness stewardship policies.