The proof? A remarkable show of support for the controversial voluntary closure at Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.
Only 193 climbers chose to climb the Tower this June, compared to some 1300 the previous year-an 85% drop in visitation. Superintendent Deb Liggett was "very pleased," and said, "We are watching diverse user groups support a management plan based on mutual respect. If the climbing community can self-regulate at Devils Tower, I believe they will be given the opportunity to do so on other public lands."
The voluntary closure was suggested by climbers as a "gesture of respect," an alternative to a proposed ban on climbing during periods when Native Americans conduct religious ceremonies at the Tower.
In fact, during early stages of preparing the Tower's Climbing Management Plan, Native Americans (for whom the Tower is sacred) pressured the Park Service to prohibit climbing on the formation altogether. Climbers countered this would violate their constitutional rights under the Establishment Clause (which defines separation of church and state). The voluntary climbing closure was accepted as a compromise, although the plan states the closure could become mandatory if compliance is not satisfactory.
Unfortunately, there is no definition given for satisfactory climber compliance. Also, beginning in 1996, Devils Tower will not issue permits for guiding during the month of June, making the closure mandatory for guides and their clients. This policy decision was made internally, without public input-new language simply appeared in the final version and was approved summarily.
The Access Fund worked in partnership with Devils Tower officials to prepare the Climbing Management Plan and promote the voluntary closure, and the outreach obviously paid off. However, the Access Fund did not endorse the final climbing plan. Said Executive Director Keith Lenard, "The Access Fund fully supports the voluntary closure but cannot support other elements of the climbing plan." Lenard cited the lack of assurances that the closure will not become mandatory, and the ban on guided climbing, as "matters of great concern." Minault added, "Some climbers felt the last-minute changes were a breach of faith." The Access Fund has pledged to challenge any policy that infringes the constitutional rights of recreational climbers.
The Access Fund thanks all those climbers who honored the voluntary closure at Devils Tower this year: actions like this demonstrate a recognition of the diverse values associated with resources like Devils Tower, and improve the image of the climbing community.
The Fund urges all climbers to continue to honor the voluntary closure, but also to continue to advocate increased opportunities to climb.
For more information on climbing policy at Devils Tower, call 307.467.5283.