U.S. Forest Service Unveils National Policy for Recreational Climbing

The U.S. Forest Service has taken a significant step forward by proposing its first national policy directive aimed at regulating and promoting recreational climbing on national forests and grasslands. This initiative comes in the wake of the 2025 EXPLORE Act, which has formally recognized recreational climbing as an acceptable use in designated wilderness areas. The directive is a response to the increasing popularity of recreational climbing, with nearly 30 percent of outdoor climbing taking place on land managed by the National Forest System. According to Tom Schultz, the chief of the Forest Service, the proposed directive is essential for ensuring safe and accessible climbing experiences across these public lands.

This directive allows local Forest Service units greater flexibility in collaborating with various stakeholders, including climbing organizations, tribal nations, and community partners. The intention behind this collaboration is to create a framework for responsible climbing practices while also providing climbers access to the resources they need. The growing popularity of climbing necessitates infrastructure that ensures both safety and environmental sustainability, opening the door for significant procurement opportunities in the coming years.

With the new climbing policy, the Forest Service aims to establish guidelines governing the use and maintenance of fixed anchors and other climbing equipment. This focus on infrastructure speaks to a larger trend within federal land management that emphasizes outdoor recreation, aligning with recent legislative actions aimed at expanding recreational opportunities on public land. In addition to fixed anchors, climbing infrastructure encompasses various needs such as climbing routes, signage, and maintenance of climbing-approved areas.

Local Forest Service units are likely to respond by issuing solicitations for projects that may include the installation of climbing infrastructure and comprehensive maintenance services. As these procurement opportunities arise, contractors will be required to comply with specific safety and environmental standards. This integration of regulations signifies a paradigm shift where climbing equipment suppliers and infrastructure developers are poised to play a vital role in fulfilling the needs outlined in the directive.

Moreover, stakeholder organizations that advocate for tribal engagement or community partnership may find, in the evolving policy landscape, positions for involved participation in project planning and implementation. In order to maintain the intended objectives of safe and responsible climbing, these organizations will need to engage actively with the Forest Service and other partners.

The proposed directive not only signifies a policy shift but also acknowledges the potential economic benefits to local communities associated with increased climbing traffic. With an estimated 10.3 million climbers across the United States, and millions participating in various climbing styles, the Forest Service recognizes the outdoor recreation economy's growth potential. This growth is an opportunity for procurement professionals to anticipate and adapt to the emerging demands resulting from this policy change.

As the Forest Service moves forward with the public comment period, industry stakeholders should remain alert to upcoming opportunities stemming from the directive. By aligning with the procurement needs of the Forest Service, vendors specializing in climbing gear, infrastructure, and safety equipment could greatly benefit from this burgeoning market.