07/20/2026
Hey Southern Nevada Climbers!
Do you care about Mt. Charleston trail conservation, access to crags, fixed anchor maintenance, and new route development? These are all aspects of climbing management policy. The deadline is TODAY, July 20, 2026, at 11:59:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time), to voice your opinion on proposed implementation guidelines for climbing management on U.S. Forest Service public lands like Mt. Charleston Wilderness, parts of the La Madre, and also non-Wilderness areas within the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.
TL;DR if you want to ACT NOW, with the least amount of effort, then use the Access Fund FAQ HERE (https://www.accessfund.org/latest-news/federal-draft-climbing-management-guidance-faq) and Action Alert HERE (https://www.accessfund.org/action-alerts/action-alert-help-secure-the-future-of-americas-climbing), which includes a comment submission tool with a template for all 4 agencies.
Want to dig deeper? Prioritize the Forest Service version to meet its earlier deadline (today). Prepare yourself with the excellent analysis in the Call to Action by American Safe Climbing Association HERE(https://safeclimbing.org/federal-directives). Follow ASCA suggestions to personalize your support or opposition, however it matters most to you.
SNCC's Policy FAQs HERE (https://www.southernnevadaclimbers.org/faqs ) also include resources to help you better understand the potential consequences of the policy changes, gauge local impacts, and weigh pros and cons.
This climbing community is made up of people who climb trad, sport, ice, and boulders, with a wide range of opinions and perspectives on ethics and best practices. SNCC has reviewed policy resources including articles and analyses by various national-level nonprofit organizations, opposing watch groups, and the public comments left by other LCOs. We have brought these topics to SNCC Public Meetings over the past year, reached out directly to the SN community for feedback, and engaged on these topics through social media. Our Public Comment is a best effort to unify SN climbers towards common goals, and align with our mission to protect access to climbing in Southern Nevada, encouraging stewardship and local involvement.
You can review ALL Public Comments that have been submitted on the USFS proposal HERE (https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/ReadingRoom?List-size=25&project=Directives-4622&List-page=1&zlinkid=8c5c8d0b-771b-4ef6-a319-45ec6abd7f0a ).
NEXT UP: get ready for the August 14 deadline on the BLM version, which affects Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Want to make a difference with SNCC? Step up! SNCC needs help organizing events, establishing task forces, and coordinating volunteers... do you have experience with Local Climbing Organizations in other regions of the country? Can you lead or coordinate volunteers? Are you familiar with nonprofit governance? Can you commit to showing up for Southern Nevada climbers for the long haul, protecting access for generations? Come and get in on the action!
📸 Josh “Digs” Digrugilliers
