03/11/2010

Red Rocks Wilderness Plan Still in the Works

Date: 3/12/2010

Despite several starts and stops over the last few years, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues to work on a wilderness management plan that will affect climbing policies at Red Rocks near Las Vegas. This plan is also likely to serve as a model for how fixed anchors are authorized at other wilderness areas around the country.

In 2007 the BLM proposed new climbing and bolting regulations for the La Madre Mountain and Rainbow Mountain wilderness areas (most of Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area). However, after a public comment period, the proposal proved controversial with respect to potential safety issues, an overly complex permit process, arbitrary bolting standards, and the enforceability of the plan. For more background, click here.

Several changes in the local BLM staff over the past three years have prevented the plan from proceeding, but the Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council continues to communicate with the BLM to represent climber interests and work on collaborative conservation projects. The BLM hopes to have another draft plan completed by October 2010, at which point the public will have another opportunity to comment. For more information, contact the Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council at [email protected], or [email protected].