Recreational Climbing (Explore Act) 91 FR 35996 6.15.26

Wild Montana supports the proposed updates to BLM Manual 6340 regarding recreational climbing in Wilderness areas, noting that climbing is a compatible quiet recreation. They suggest clarifying definitions for "fixed equipment," recommending flexible thresholds for casual-use anchors, and requesting a national template for Climbing Management Plans.

The commenter supports the recognition of climbing as a wilderness activity and the allowance of fixed anchors, while advocating for streamlined authorization processes for new routes and emergency anchor replacement. They express opposition to the reduction of federally protected lands and request more efficient programmatic authorizations for climbing areas.

The commenter, a long-time member of the climbing community, supports the recognition of climbing as a legitimate wilderness activity and the allowance of fixed anchors. They advocate for streamlined processes for anchor replacement and programmatic authorization for new routes to ensure climber safety and accessibility.

The commenter, identifying as a recreational climber, supports the proposed updates to BLM Manual 6320 to recognize climbing as an appropriate Wilderness activity and to allow for fixed anchors. They advocate for easier authorization processes for new routes and programmatic preauthorization for certain climbing areas to ensure climber safety and preserve climbing heritage.

The commenter opposes the proposed numerical definition of "bolt-intensive" routes, arguing that bolt density is a poor indicator of wilderness impact compared to approach routes and terrain. They also request clearer guidance on anchor modernization, maintenance, and volunteer stewardship.

The commenter supports the inclusion of fixed climbing anchors in wilderness areas to improve safety and minimize resource damage. They advocate for streamlined authorization processes for new routes and programmatic preauthorization for specific climbing areas.

A recreational climber supports the proposed framework for recognizing climbing and fixed anchors as appropriate wilderness uses but requests specific revisions to clarify "casual use" criteria, define terms like "intensive" and "concentrated," and establish a clear authorization process for new route development. The commenter advocates for consistency across agencies and the preservation of emergency anchors.

Skyeler Congdon, a professional climbing guide, supports the BLM's efforts to implement the EXPLORE Act but recommends removing the numerical definition of "bolt-intensive" in favor of a holistic assessment. The commenter argues for clarifying that anchor modernization is not new development and advocates for explicit authorization of volunteer stewardship and routine maintenance of existing anchors.

CRAG-VT supports the EXPLORE Act and PARC Act, advocating for the recognition of climbing as a sustainable recreational use of public lands and the allowance of fixed anchors in Wilderness areas. They request clearer, more predictable management frameworks and streamlined authorization processes for climbing routes and anchor replacements to support proactive stewardship and safety.

A rock climber opposes the proposed numerical definition of "bolt-intensive" and the lack of clarity regarding anchor replacement and maintenance. The commenter argues that bolt density is a poor proxy for wilderness impact and requests language that explicitly authorizes the modernization and maintenance of fixed anchors to ensure climber safety.