In recently proposed changes to the National Park Service wilderness management policies, permits or prior authorization may be required to add or replace fixed anchors in national park wilderness areas. Currently, most parks do not require prior authorization for hand drilled anchors. Under the new policy, national parks will be required to specify the process for obtaining authorization in their climbing management plan.

Although this policy will not directly impact the New River Gorge, it will affect other major climbing areas within national parks, including Yosemite, Zion, Black Canyon and Rocky Mountain. You can read more about the proposed policy and submit feedback at the Access Fund website. They are currently collecting feedback from climbers and are actively advocating on behalf of climbers regarding this issue.