CIC’s response to NPS & USFS draft fixed anchor directives
In November 2023, the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) released draft recreation management directives that classify fixed anchors—the bolts, pitons, and slings that technical climbers use to safely ascend and descend technical faces—as prohibited “installations” in Wilderness areas. Implementing these policies could limit outdoor climbing and jeopardize the safety of climbers across the country.
CIC’s leadership team sent the following response letters to the NPS and USFS to communicate our collective feedback on the draft directives:
