Lyons Speaks on Anchor Ban Issue

Outdoor industry members were cautiously optimistic on August 14 when Undersecretary Jim Lyons announced in Salt Lake City that the U.S. Forest Service will stay its nationwide ban on fixed-climbing anchors in Forest Service Wilderness for one year.

However, the ban will remain in Sawtooth Wilderness while governmental officials, outdoor industry members and environmental agencies discuss a permanent national policy.

The Forest Service backpedaled from its initial position—issued in a June press release—after being pelted with criticism by industry members and environmental agency officials who wanted to be included in the decision-making process. Lyons says he wants talks to begin within 30 days so a national policy can be finalized by next summer.

Myrna Johnson, director of government affairs for ORCA, was encouraged to learn the process will be open to the public. "We're planning to look into what the negotiation process really entails before we endorse his suggestions,"she adds.

"I'm cautiously optimistic," adds Peter Metcalf, president of Black Diamond. "It's a step in the right direction." Still, Metcalf says he's frustrated. "We spent 10 years reaching consensus among all the mainstream environmental agencies, the climbing industry, the outdoor industry and it seems like for what?"

To those wondering why the ban wasn't temporarily lifted in Sawtooth Wilderness, Lyons explains that the area will serve as an "experimental opportunity," where industry members and government agencies can see the ramifications of a change in policy. Then, he adds, that information can be used to shape, clarify and guide future policies.

The fixed-anchor issue wasn't the only topic of discussion. Recreational facilities throughout the National Forest System are falling into a state of disrepair, according to Lyons. Visits have increased from 729 million in 1993 to more than 900 million in 1998, while budgets for recreation programs have declined from $261 million in 1993 to $218 million in 1998. Also, Lyons says there's a Senate bill amendment, soon to be debated, that could prevent the Forest Service from using the concept of solitude in making wilderness management decisions. —J.B.