H.R. 1380 — Reported in House

IB Union Calendar No. 774 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 1380 [Report No. 118–749, Part I] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 7, 2023Mr. Curtis (for himself and Mr. Neguse) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned November 18, 2024Reported from the Committee on Natural Resources with an amendmentStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic November 18, 2024Referral to the Committee on Agriculture extended for a period ending not later than December 19, 2024 December 19, 2024Additional sponsors: Ms. Stansbury, Ms. Lee of Nevada, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Lieu and Mr. Fitzpatrick December 19, 2024Committee on Agriculture discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printedFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on March 7, 2023 A BILL To require the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to issue guidance on climbing management in designated wilderness areas, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act. 2. Guidance on climbing (a) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, each Secretary concerned shall issue guidance for recreational climbing activities on covered Federal land. (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 (16 U.S.C. 1131 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 the date of enactment of this Act, in accordance with this Act. (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) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered Federal land The term covered Federal land— (A) means the lands described in subparagraph (A) and (B) of paragraph (2); and (B) includes components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. (2) Secretary concerned The term Secretary concerned means— (A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System lands; and (B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to lands under the jurisdiction of such Secretary. December 19, 2024Committee on Agriculture discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed