A National Park Service proposal to restrict use of rock-climbing anchors in wilderness areas has fallen and won’t get back up, with the agency’s retreat from what had become a full-throated debate.
After working on the issue for more than a year, the NPS on Wednesday posted a brief announcement that it has “discontinued the development” of the proposed guidance that had drawn the ire of climbers.
“Park leaders will continue to manage climbing activities in wilderness on a park-by-park basis consistent with applicable law and policy, including the Wilderness Act,” the National Park Service stated.
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The move was applauded by climbing advocates, whose ranks swelled over the past year to include irate members of Congress.
