Draft Guidance on Managing Climbing in Federal Wilderness Areas
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The notice opens public comment on draft Fish and Wildlife Service guidance for managing climbing activities in wilderness areas within the National Wildlife Refuge System and, where relevant, the National Fish Hatchery System. The proposal would clarify how climbing routes and climbing equipment are handled under wilderness policy. Climbers, outdoor recreation groups, conservation organizations, Tribes, local governments, and refuge managers may want to review the draft and submit comments by August 14, 2026.
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Key Changes
- Opens public comment on draft national guidance for managing climbing in federal wilderness areas
- Proposes revisions to two Fish and Wildlife Service Manual chapters
- Adds clearer policy language on climbing routes and climbing equipment in wilderness areas
Obligations
What this law requires
Written comments on the draft guidance memorandum and Service Manual revisions must be received by the Fish and Wildlife Service on or before August 14, 2026.
All comment submissions must include docket number FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1618.
Electronic comments must be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov by searching for docket number FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1618 and submitting a comment on the correct document.
Comments submitted by U.S. mail must be sent to Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1618, Policy and Regulations Branch, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB (JAO/3W), 5275 Leesburg Pike.