For nearly 30 years, whether fixed anchors belong in wilderness was answered differently by every park superintendent who had to decide. In 2023, the National Park Service proposed prohibiting them outright, nationwide. Congress stepped in. The Protecting America's Rock Climbing Act, signed in January 2025, established that climbing and fixed anchors are appropriate in wilderness and required federal agencies to issue public guidance within 18 months. That guidance is now out, and the public comment window is open.

Erik Murdock, Deputy Director of Programs, Policy & Government Affairs at the Access Fund, has worked this issue for nearly three decades, from doctoral research at Joshua Tree National Park to the policy fight that produced the PARC Act. In the first episode of our Fault Lines bonus series, he traces the full history, explains what the draft guidelines actually say, and makes the case for why this comment period will shape wilderness climbing management for a generation.

Learn more about Erik and how you can take part in the public comment period at our website, thewildidea.com.