Climbing Management Plan

Final Climbing Management Plan Available
The Final Climbing Management Plan for New River Gorge National River is now available --

NERI FINAL CMP (5.7 MB Acrobat File)

or send a request for a printed copy to:

Gary Hartley
Chief Ranger
New River Gorge National River
P.O. Box 246
Glen Jean, WV 25846

What is the history of the Climbing Management Plan?

A scoping report for the climbing management plan was prepared back in the mid-1990s. This report took a look at both management options for climbing at the park and known resource impacts from climbing. During the last five years the National Park Service (NPS) has worked on refining these into alternatives. As part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) the NPS is required to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to document the purpose and need of the plan, alternatives, affected environment and the environmental consequences of the alternatives. This is the process the NPS is now beginning and as part of this process public input on what you see as issues and concerns is important.

What will the Climbing Management Plan do?

All National Park Service sites that have climbing activities are required to prepare a Climbing Management Plan (CMP). Growth in the popularity of climbing, changes in climbing styles, and advances in technology have all contributed to the need for a plan that specifically addresses recreational climbing.

What are the Objectives of the Plan?

Objectives that the plan will meet are:
· Protect natural and cultural resources within the park, and the scenic integrity of the area
· Provide the opportunity for climbing related recreation
· Maximize input from public and climbing community
· Determine appropriate commercial use as related to climbing
· Develop an effective interpretive and educational program to enhance compliance

What are the Planning Steps and how can I become involved?

As development of the plan goes forward there are key times when public input is needed. Below is a brief schedule of the project. Where public involvement is needed those steps are highlighted in gray.

Proposed Schedule for New River Gorge NR CMP

November 2000 CMP Newsletter

Charleston Gazette-Mail article on the first public meeting.

Climbing Related Links

Request information about the park: NERI Information
Send comments about this site to: NERI Webmaster
http://www.nps.gov/archive/neri/cmp/index.htm
Last Update: Wednesday, 03-May-2006 07:30:51 Eastern Daylight Time