BLM mulls climbing ban at popular area in E. Idaho

POCATELLO, Idaho — Federal land managers are considering a plan that would close down several popular climbing areas in eastern Idaho in an effort to protect cultural and historic values.

The Bureau of Land Management is in the process of drafting a land use amendment that would impact climbs near Massacre Rocks State Park.

The Idaho State Journal reports the agency will hold public hearings on the plan later this month in Burley and Pocatello.

BLM Field Office Manager Mike Courtney says proposal is aimed at preventing future damage occurring to some archaeological and cultural resources near the base of the popular climbs.

The proposal is causing frustration for some climbing enthusiasts.

Climber Chris Barnes told the newspaper that Massacre Rocks offers some of the best basalt rock climbing in the nation.