The U.S. Forest Service has announced a proposed national climbing directive that would establish the agency’s first nationwide policy for managing recreational climbing opportunities on national forests and grasslands.
The proposal will be published in the Federal Register and will open a 30-day public comment period. If adopted, the directive would provide guidance for the use and maintenance of fixed anchors and climbing equipment on National Forest System lands.
The updated proposal replaces a 2023 draft that was superseded by new requirements included in the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, which was signed into law on January 4, 2025.
The EXPLORE Act directs federal land management agencies to recognize recreational climbing—including certain fixed anchors—as an appropriate use in congressionally designated wilderness areas.
“Recreational climbing continues to grow in popularity, with nearly 30 percent of all outdoor climbing occurring on National Forest System lands,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “This proposed directive provides much-needed national policy for climbing activities and gives local decision-makers the ability to work with partners, tribes, climbing organizations, and others to ensure visitors are having safe, responsible and accessible outdoor experiences.”
According to the Forest Service, the agency is required by law to develop a climbing directive that is consistent with the goals outlined in Executive Order 14219, Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Deregulatory Initiative.
The outdoor recreation economy continues to grow nationwide, and the Forest Service says it remains committed to promoting and increasing access to recreation opportunities on public lands.
Nationally, an estimated 10.3 million people participate in climbing activities in the United States. According to the Outdoor Industry Association’s 2022 report on outdoor participation trends, approximately 2.3 million people participated in sport or boulder climbing, while about 2.4 million participated in traditional, ice, or mountaineering climbing.
The proposed policy can be reviewed and public comments submitted through the Forest Service’s Comment and Analysis Response Application.
About the Forest Service
The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in science, technology, and community partnerships, the agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates one of the world’s largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations.
In addition to managing National Forest System lands, the agency provides assistance to state and private landowners and works with Tribes and other partners to help steward an additional 900 million forested acres across the United States.
