Forest Service Sets Fresh Rules for Wilderness Climbers
Published Date: 6/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Forest Service is rolling out new rules to manage climbing on National Forest lands, including special wilderness areas. These changes aim to keep climbing fun and safe while protecting nature, and they’re asking for your thoughts by July 20, 2026. If you climb or care about outdoor fun, these updates could shape your next adventure without costing extra.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Climbing Recognized as Appropriate Use
You who climb on National Forest System (NFS) lands: the Forest Service proposes new directive FSM 2355 that explicitly recognizes recreational climbing — including the use, placement, and maintenance of fixed anchors — as an appropriate use of NFS lands, including in wilderness, when done consistent with law and the applicable land management plan.
Existing Routes Preserved as of Jan 4, 2025
If a climbing route or fixed anchor existed on NFS lands on January 4, 2025, the proposed directive includes direction for the continued use and maintenance of those existing recreational climbing routes (including fixed anchors) consistent with section 122 of the EXPLORE Act.
Climbing Management Plans for High-Need Areas
The Forest Service would 'consider' creating climbing management plans where officials find they are needed to address resource damage, high visitor use, use conflicts, wilderness character, or public safety; priority would go to areas with the highest need as funding allows.
Easier Administration for Certain Fixed Anchors
The Forest Service interprets that certain limited-scope fixed anchors, if placed and maintained consistent with the directive and any required climbing management plan, generally will not require a case-specific 'minimum requirements' analysis under section 4(c) of the Wilderness Act.
Enforcement Rule Changes Coming
The Forest Service says it will propose separate changes to 36 CFR part 261, subpart A (General Prohibitions) so climbing management plan restrictions and prohibitions can be enforced; this indicates future regulatory enforcement of plan rules.
Tribal Consultation and Cultural Resource Protections
The Forest Service has begun outreach to federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations and says Tribal input on protecting cultural resources, evaluating cumulative effects, and route development will be incorporated into the directive.
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