Preserving Access:

COmments from NM CRAG Regarding Fixed Anchor Regulations in Wilderness Areas

In November 2023, the National Park Service (NPS) and United States Forest Service (USFS) proposed draft regulation that would designate all fixed climbing anchors within wilderness boundaries as "installations" which would add a very burdensome process (called an MRA) to be able to place or replace fixed anchors (pins, fixed nuts, bolts, slings, etc.) effectively resulting in a de-facto ban on fixed anchors.

NM CRAG has concerns with verbiage in the proposals and believes that consultation and working with the climbing community is the most prudent path forward. Our comments to both proposals were submitted on January 26, 2024 and are linked below:

• Comments submitted to National Park Service (PDF)

• Comments submitted to United States Forest Service (PDF)