Recreational Climbing (Explore Act) 91 FR 35996 6.15.26

The commenter supports the proposed updates to the BLM Manual regarding climbing in wilderness areas, specifically praising the inclusion of fixed anchors and collaboration with Local Climbing Organizations. However, they request more clarity on the specific processes for drafting and adopting Climbing Management Plans (CMPs) and handling new routing.

The commenter, a long-time climber, supports the recognition of climbing as a wilderness activity and the use of fixed anchors for safety. They argue against government-managed permit systems for bolts, advocating instead for self-moderated installation and streamlined programmatic authorizations to ensure safety and access.

The commenter supports the proposed updates to BLM Manual 6320 and the Protecting America's Rock Climbing (PARC) Act, viewing them as a balanced approach to wilderness stewardship and recreational access. They advocate for consistent definitions of fixed anchors, easier authorization for new routes, and programmatic preauthorization for certain climbing areas.

Sam Lightner Jr, an experienced climber, expresses concerns regarding potential restrictions on anchor replacement and placement density in climbing management plans. He advocates for the use of modern hardware and power drills to ensure climber safety and minimize environmental impact.

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.

The Leavenworth Mountain Association, a local climbing access and stewardship organization, supports the proposed directive but urges that it not make climbing management plans a prerequisite for routine maintenance. They advocate for protecting legacy routes and anchors, clarifying definitions for small-scale hardware, and emphasizing the safety function of anchors outside wilderness areas.

The commenter, an experienced rock and ice climber, supports the implementation of Climbing Management Plans (CMPs) as a default land management tool for federal agencies. They argue that CMPs are necessary to manage high-intensity recreation and protect natural and cultural resources, and suggest using a common template to simplify the process for land managers.