Date: June 14, 2008
Contact: Dona Rutherford, 307-467-5283 x 221
Devils Tower National Monument superintendent Dorothy Firecloud announces a voluntary climbing closure for the month of June. The 1995 Devils Tower National Monument Climbing Management Plan established a voluntary closure for all climbing routes on the Tower out of respect for the traditional cultural activities of American Indians. The voluntary closure has been implemented each June since 1996.
Although the closure is voluntary, it has been successful. The average number of climbers in June has seen an 85% reduction. The National Park Service appreciates the efforts of those climbers who choose to observe the closure. Rangers at the Monument can provide information on alternative rock climbing sites in the area. The Access Fund, a nonprofit organization working to maintain access to climbing areas and to protect the climbing environment, fully supports the June Voluntary Closure.
American Indians have long regarded the Tower as a Sacred Site. Many tribal elders feel that recreational climbing desecrates the Tower. Traditional cultural activities at the park occur throughout the year; however, June is an especially significant time when many ceremonies take place.
The Tower boasts a rich and colorful climbing history that dates back to the late 1800s when it was first climbed by two local ranchers using a wooden ladder. Climbers from all over the world consider Devils Tower to be a unique and premier climbing area. Currently, about 4500 visiting climbers come to Devils Tower each year. Although it is generally assumed that climbing damages the rock, contemporary climbers leave little trace of their ascent. The 1995 Climbing Management Plan provides direction for managing climbing activity at the Tower in order to protect the natural and cultural resources.
The 1995 Climbing Management Plan was updated in 2006 in order to address issues of resource protection, climber education and climbers safety. Both plans, as well as updated closure information, can be found at www.nps.gov/deto.
In addition, a number of the Tower’s south face climbing routes remain closed for protection of nesting prairie falcons. All south face climbing routes will reopen later this summer.
For further information please contact Devils Tower National Monument at 307-467-5283 ext 221.
