§8422 Protecting America’s Rock Climbing

Summary

Each relevant Secretary must issue guidance for recreational climbing on covered Federal land within 18 months after January 4, 2025 (by July 4, 2026). The guidance must make sure climbing follows the laws and regulations that apply to the land, allow public comment before it is final, and allow continued use and maintenance of climbing routes and fixed anchors that existed on January 4, 2025, as allowed under this chapter. For areas in the National Wilderness Preservation System, the guidance must say climbing — including placing and keeping fixed anchors — can be an appropriate use if it follows the Wilderness Act, other laws, and any terms the Secretary sets. The guidance must describe any rules for placing and maintaining fixed anchors, either as program-wide rules or on a case-by-case basis. Covered Federal land means the specific federal lands listed in the law and includes wilderness components.