Comment on FR Doc # N/A

As a representative of CRAG-VT, I have seen firsthand how important the Green Mountain National Forest is to Vermont's climbing community. Some of our most cherished climbing areas, including the cliffs at Middlebury Gap, exist because of thoughtful partnerships between the U.S. Forest Service, local volunteers, and organizations like ours. We deeply value the Forest Service's stewardship of these public lands and share the goal of protecting these landscapes for future generations. The EXPLORE Act and PARC Act present an opportunity to strengthen that partnership by recognizing climbing as a legitimate, sustainable recreational use of public lands while encouraging collaborative planning and stewardship. Vermont's climbing community has consistently demonstrated its willingness to invest time and resources into trail work, habitat protection, climber education, and responsible access. We are not simply users of these places—we are active stewards of them. This is especially true at Middlebury Gap, where CRAG-VT is working collaboratively with the Green Mountain National Forest to improve climbing access while respecting the unique values of the surrounding Wilderness. Thoughtful implementation of these acts can provide greater clarity for land managers and volunteer organizations alike, allowing us to continue protecting sensitive natural resources while providing sustainable recreational opportunities. We encourage the U.S. Forest Service to implement these acts in a way that promotes clear, consistent guidance for climbing management, supports volunteer stewardship, and maintains access where it is compatible with conservation goals. Predictable management frameworks help organizations like CRAG-VT work proactively with land managers rather than reactively addressing access concerns after they arise. Climbing connects people to Vermont's forests in meaningful ways. When managed collaboratively, it fosters conservation, outdoor education, local economic activity, and a lifelong commitment to protecting our public lands. We appreciate the Green Mountain National Forest staff's ongoing partnership and look forward to continuing this work together. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued stewardship of Vermont's public lands. I made one substantive change beyond grammar: I referenced Middlebury Gap as an active col I support the recognition that climbing is an appropriate Wilderness activity and that fixed anchors, critical pieces of the climbing safety system, are allowable in Wilderness. I also support provisions to allow climbers to place or replace fixed anchors without authorization in the event of an emergency. I appreciate that the policy protects existing climbing routes that were developed before the PARC Act was passed into law. Legacy Wilderness climbs should remain available in order to preserve America’s rich climbing legacy. Please improve policies to expedite timely replacement of fixed anchors in order to avoid unnecessary barriers to climber safety. The authorization process for new climbing routes that require fixed anchors should be easier to navigate. Please provide a clear path for programmatic authorization, or preauthorization, at climbing areas that do not necessitate case-by-case special use permits.