Climbing Bolt Prohibition in National Parks

Climbing Bolt Prohibition in National Parks

The American Alpine Club (AAC) is bringing attention to the National Park Service’s (NPS) draft manual proposing restrictions on fixed anchors in Wilderness Areas. Asserting that fixed anchors are vital to responsible climbing and consistent with the Wilderness Act, the AAC questions the abrupt reinterpretation of regulations without historical precedent. Emphasizing the potential negative impacts on conservation efforts, safety concerns, and impractical implementation, the AAC is urging the NPS to reconsider its approach. The AAC stresses the need for collaborative, locally tailored solutions and calls for a transparent and inclusive process to address the issue effectively. The organization highlights the importance of public input and encourages climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to follow the issue and get involved. Stay up to date, by following the AAC online. Climbing Bolt Prohibition

The American Alpine Club stated in a comment that:

“The American Alpine Club values this opportunity to represent the collective climbing community, work with other climbing and recreation organizations, and offer practical insight on the issue of fixed anchors to the agencies. In summary, the AAC would like the NPS to adopt guidance which affirms that fixed anchors are not installations prohibited by the Wilderness Act and allow agency land managers to administer their areas in accordance with what had been established under Director’s Order #41. In lieu of publishing such guidance, the AAC would ask that the NPS convenes a committee pursuant to the negotiated rulemaking process, or similar collaborative process, in order to address the issue of fixed anchors in Wilderness and implement guidelines following a committee report. The AAC reiterates that the MRA process is not only a technically incorrect tool for the evaluation of fixed anchors, but cannot be practically implemented due to agency underfunding and limited staffing, and such a process will inevitably lead to management by moratorium.

The AAC will remain committed to instilling the ethos of maintaining wilderness character, utilizing the best low-impact climbing techniques and practices, and staunchly supporting appropriate recreation in Wilderness. The AAC is ready and willing to assist the NPS to deliver on their dual mandate of conserving Wilderness characteristics while also ensuring the benefit and enjoyment of the Wilderness for the broader public.”

Stay up to date on the ongoing legal developments over bolting in public lands through following the AAC and Adventure Sports Journal for updated coverage.

Climbing Bolt Prohibition

Climbing Bolt Prohibition