Cascade Volcanoes • Entered by Barb Fox-Kilgore on May 19, 2023
Protect Americas Rock Climbing Act
May 19, 2023
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | 0.5 |
| Post Admin hours | 0.25 |
| Activity Hours | 0.5 |
| Participants | 1 |
| Total Hours | 1.25 |
Key Issue: Wilderness & Monument Designation/Protection
Activity Type: Advocacy (rallies, lobbying, meeting decision makers, letters/calls/emails)
Key Partners: Wilderness Watch
Short Description of Activity
H.R. 1380 would allow the defacement and degradation of Wilderness from the permanent installation of fixed climbing anchors. The use and maintenance of fixed anchors in Wilderness is, and always has been, prohibited by the Wilderness Act’s ban on “installations.” Fixed climbing anchors degrade wilderness character through lasting signs of human development and by attracting and concentrating use on sensitive rock faces—at great expense to native plants and animals.
The Wilderness Act certainly does not prohibit rock climbing so long as it is done without permanent installations. Iconic climbs in Wilderness should be free of discarded climbing gear and permanent alterations. And, lowering the difficulty of a climbing route to a climber’s skill level by bolting goes against the essential spirit of the Wilderness Act. Rather than hammer a rock face into submission, a climber may have to accept that a route that cannot be climbed without bolts should not or cannot be climbed at all. Climbers themselves are not unified on using permanent fixed anchors in Wilderness, and many instead support a climbing ethic with a strong Wilderness ethic.
If H.R. 1380 were to become law and effectively amend the Wilderness Act for a subgroup of recreationists, it would certainly invite other users to try and do the same. There is a long list of user groups all vying for a piece of the Wilderness pie—from mountain bikers, to commercial filmmakers, motorboat users, airplane pilots, and much more.
Reflection/Evaluation
Contacted Senator Cantwell, Senator Murray and Representative Gluesenkamp Parez regarding HR 1380.
With the increase of people embarking on wilderness areas and wanting to recreate in diverse ways, education, limits and protection to minimize destructive impacts is crucial in protecting the wilderness both in landscape and wildlife. More public awareness and concerned voices are needed to be heard.