WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of the Interior has opened a 60-day public comment period on proposed recreational climbing guidance and potential revisions to wilderness management policies, a review that could influence how millions of acres of federally managed lands are used for recreation and conservation.
The comment period, which runs through Aug. 10, covers lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The effort seeks public feedback on establishing a more consistent approach to recreational climbing in designated wilderness areas and evaluating whether existing wilderness study area policies should be updated.
The review reflects the Trump administration’s broader push to expand outdoor recreation access on federal lands while reassessing policies that govern wilderness stewardship and land-use management.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that the department is seeking to balance recreation opportunities with long-term stewardship responsibilities.
“America’s public lands are meant to be experienced and enjoyed by the American people,” Burgum said. “At the same time, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of these lands.”
A central component of the proposal is new guidance for recreational rock climbing, including the use of fixed anchors in wilderness areas. Interior officials say the guidance is intended to establish consistent standards across federal agencies, improve clarity for climbers and land managers, and support public safety while remaining consistent with existing laws.
The Bureau of Land Management’s proposal implements provisions of the EXPLORE Act and would establish criteria for determining when climbing activities qualify as casual use and when additional authorization may be required. The agency is also seeking input on possible revisions to several wilderness management manuals governing wilderness study areas and lands with wilderness characteristics.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing guidance for climbing activities on refuge and hatchery lands while soliciting recommendations on updates to its wilderness stewardship policies. The agency noted that any revisions would be evaluated in the context of its wildlife conservation mission.
The National Park Service is also proposing climbing guidance for wilderness areas across the park system, including some of the nation’s most prominent climbing destinations such as El Capitan, Longs Peak, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park.
The agency is simultaneously reviewing Director’s Order No. 41, which governs wilderness stewardship across the National Park System, and is seeking recommendations on whether updates or clarifications are warranted.
Interior officials stated that public comments received during the review period will help shape final climbing guidance and inform future decisions regarding wilderness management policies across federal lands.
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