BLM weighs keeping sacred site in Idaho closed to climbers

Tuesday, May 7, 2013  

The Bureau of Land Management might keep a sacred site in Idaho off limits to climbers.

Climbing at Castle Rocks has been barred since 2003. In April, the BLM announced a decision to keep the site closed due to concerns raised by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe.

The Access Fund, a climbers' group, is opposing the decision, saying there are ways to keep the site open while avoiding damage to cultural resources. The group is urging the public to contact BLM and members of Congress.

The BLM is expected to make a final decision on the Cassia and Monument Resource Management Plans later this month.

Get the Story:
Agency considers closing southeastern Idaho rock climbing area (AP 5/6)