A climbers group called The Access Fund filed papers in federal court challenging the U.S. Forest Service's ban on climbing at a sacred site.

The Access Fund contends the ban promotes the religion of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. Only medicine men are allowed near Cave Rock.

The U.S. Forest Service adopted the ban as part of a management plan,which is on hold pending the legal challenge.

Get the Story:
Judge asked to end Cave Rock climbing ban (The Tahoe Daily Tribune 4/5)
Rock climbers say ban at Tahoe promotes religion (AP 4/5)

Relevant Links:
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu

Relevant Links:
The Access Fund - http://www.accessfund.org
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu

Related Stories:
Climbing group sues over ban at sacred site (12/16)
Forest Service upholds ban on climbing at sacred site (11/11)
Forest Service bans climbing at sacred rock (07/11)