Protecting America’s rock climbing

16 U.S.C. § 8422
in effect
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(a) In generalNot later than 18 months after January 4, 2025, each Secretary concerned shall issue guidance for recreational climbing activities on covered Federal land. (b) Applicable lawThe guidance issued under subsection (a) shall ensure that recreational climbing activities comply with the laws (including regulations) applicable to the covered Federal land. (c) Wilderness areasThe guidance issued under subsection (a) shall recognize that recreational climbing (including the use, placement, and maintenance of fixed anchors) is an appropriate use within a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, if undertaken—(1) in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) and other applicable laws (including regulations); and (2) subject to any terms and conditions determined by the Secretary concerned to be appropriate. (d) AuthorizationThe guidance issued under subsection (a) shall describe the requirements, if any, for the placement and maintenance of fixed anchors for recreational climbing in a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, including any terms and conditions determined by the Secretary concerned to be appropriate, which may be issued programmatically or on a case-by-case basis. (e) Existing routesThe guidance issued under subsection (a) shall include direction providing for the continued use and maintenance of recreational climbing routes (including fixed anchors along the routes) in existence as of January 4, 2025, in accordance with this chapter. (f) Public commentBefore finalizing the guidance issued under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall provide opportunities for public comment with respect to the guidance. (g) Covered Federal land definedIn this section, the term “covered Federal land”—(1) means the lands described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2); and (2) includes components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

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