The National Park Service plans to review its no-climbing policy at the Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.

The voluntary policy discourages climbing during the month of June, when tribal members use the monument for the Sundance and other religious ceremonies. It was adopted in 1995 after complaints that climbers were disrupting the ceremonies.

Separately, NPS is considering a proposal to recognize the monument as a sacred site. Politicians in Wyoming, including Gov. Dave Freudenthal (R), are questioning the designation of the monument as the "Bear Lodge National Historic Landmark."

But Freudenthal said the monument doesn't need another name. Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-Wyoming) has introduced a bill to block the proposal.

Get the Story:
Governor: Devils Tower name fine (AP 3/27)
Devils Tower heritage woven into fight over name change (The Denver Post 3/28)

Relevant Links:
Devils Tower National Monument - http://www.nps.gov/deto

Related Stories:
Cubin bill blocks recognition of monument as sacred site (03/09)
Sacred site policy at Rainbow Bridge to stand (02/23)
Group's challenge to sacred site policy rejected (03/31)