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U.S. seeking public input on managing rock-climbing routes in wilderness

The U.S. government wants to create a plan for the bolts used by rock climbers in the country’s national forests and parks. 

The National Park Service and the Forest Service are asking for the public’s input on proposed guidance for fixed climbing equipment, including bolts and anchors drilled into rock that stays behind after climbers leave. 

The Park Service’s call for comments on the issue recognized rock climbing in all its assorted ways is an appropriate use of wilderness areas but that fixed anchors should be rare in those areas. And that too many fixed anchors change rock faces.

The draft plan also calls for tribes to be consulted on climbing within culturally significant areas. 

Visit the Forest Service website and the National Park Service's website for commenting information. 

Fronteras Desk senior editor Michel Marizco is an award-winning investigative reporter based in Flagstaff.