Comment on FR Doc # N/A

Allowing fixed climbing anchors in wilderness areas improves safety by providing reliable protection and descent points, reducing the need to rely on marginal gear or specialized local knowledge to recreate safely. Fixed anchors also help concentrate use and minimize resource damage from repeated anchor construction. Climbers are strong supporters of Leave No Trace principles and are often active stewards of public lands through trail work, cleanups, and conservation efforts. The climbing community also contributes significantly to local economies and is a powerful advocate for environmental protection and responsible recreation. Maintaining fixed anchors supports safe access while preserving both wilderness resources and outdoor recreation opportunities. 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.