((a)) ** In general** Not later than 18 months after , each Secretary concerned shall issue guidance for recreational climbing activities on covered Federal land.January 4, 20252025-01-04
((b)) ** Applicable law** The guidance issued under subsection (a) shall ensure that recreational climbing activities comply with the laws (including regulations) applicable to the covered Federal land.
((c)) ** Wilderness areas** The guidance issued under subsection (a) shall recognize that recreational climbing (including the use, placement, and maintenance of fixed anchors) is an appropriate use within a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, if undertaken—
((1)) in accordance with the Wilderness Act ( et seq.) and other applicable laws (including regulations); and
((2)) subject to any terms and conditions determined by the Secretary concerned to be appropriate.
((d)) ** Authorization** The guidance issued under subsection (a) shall describe the requirements, if any, for the placement and maintenance of fixed anchors for recreational climbing in a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, including any terms and conditions determined by the Secretary concerned to be appropriate, which may be issued programmatically or on a case-by-case basis.
((e)) ** Existing routes** The guidance issued under subsection (a) shall include direction providing for the continued use and maintenance of recreational climbing routes (including fixed anchors along the routes) in existence as of , in accordance with this chapter.January 4, 20252025-01-04
((f)) ** Public comment** Before finalizing the guidance issued under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall provide opportunities for public comment with respect to the guidance.
((g)) ** Covered Federal land defined** In this section, the term “covered Federal land”—
((1)) means the lands described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2); and
((2)) includes components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.