Opportunity to retract Wisconsin SNA climbing closures

There is an opportunity to participate in the revision of the State Administrative code NR 45, which governs the management of Wisconsin public lands. Among this code is NR 45.13(1)(e), the infamous climbing ban in Wisconsin State Natural Areas (with a few exceptions, e.g. Devil's Lake, Interstate Park,...). Every 25-30 years this code is reviewed, revised, and signed off by the State Legislature and Governor. We are in phase that includes public hearings and public comment until Dec 10th 2023. If you would like to submit a public comment, email them to: DNRFWPPRGuidance@wisconsin.gov

I am including a draft of my public comment below, which calls for the retraction of NR 45.13(1)(e), if you would like to copy-edit-paste. There is also NR 45.04(3)(r), which allows the state to enforce climbing permits. Some have opinions about this, so it could also be discussed in your public comment. 

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Subject: Public Comment on Proposed Changes to Administrative Code NR 45

Dear Members of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,

I am writing to advocate for proposed changes to the administrative code NR 45 during this public-comment period, specifically for the retraction or revision of NR 45.13(1)(e), which prohibits rock climbing on most State Natural Areas. I believe that this prohibition is unwarranted and lacks a basis in evidence of adverse impact. In fact, the climbing community is known for its commitment to conservation, and climbers engage with the DNR in stewardship initiatives to preserve the natural areas they enjoy. 

There is no compelling reason to assume that rock climbing is incompatible with conservation, necessitating a special regulation beyond what applies to other recreational activities. I urge you to reconsider this provision and retract NR 45.13(1)(e). Alternatively, the code should be rewritten to align with existing language in NR 45.13(2)(c), which prohibits off-trail hiking, so that prohibitions are appropriately implemented based on evidence of adverse environmental impact. This approach would ensure that rock climbing is treated on par with other outdoor recreational activities.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I hope you will consider the merits of my argument during this public comment period. I appreciate your commitment to effective and equitable land management policies in Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

This opportunity only comes around once every 25 years.

I realize it's a bit fatiguing to send comments into the seeming DNR void. But if there is one issue you should ever comment on, it's this one.

We want the DNR to be a partner, helping climbers take care of the places we love. As it stands, the DNR has mostly ignored our efforts to address heavily impacted areas (Devil's Lake is an exception), while banning us from what are mostly lightly used areas. They've got things backwards.

NR 45.13(1)(e) , which bans climbing in most State Natural Areas, stands in the way of productive cooperation and good land management.  It fundamentally assumes climbing is incompatible with conservation.

Send your email to the DNR, DNRFWPPRGuidance@wisconsin.gov, and get your friends to do the same.

thanks for spreading the word, Michael!

commented.

Commented! Thank you for your efforts in bringing awareness to this

Commented. Thanks! And fingers crossed.

Commented. Out of curiosity, are there are specific SNAs that people have their eyes on if the ban is overturned?

Cole, all the ones we used to climb in.  Several are documented here!  Gibralter Rock, Rattlesnake Mound, Castle Mound (Black River Forest), Mill Bluff, South Bluff @ Devils Lake, parts of High Cliff ....

Commented.