USDA Forest Service Publishes Draft Tensleep Canyon Climbing Management Plan

The Bighorn National Forest, Powder River District Ranger has prepared a draft environmental assessment for the Tensleep Canyon Climbing Management Plan project and is asking for public comments. The project proposes to manage climbing and recreation in the Tensleep Canyon project area while protecting natural and cultural resources and providing diverse recreation opportunities. The project website is available here.

Bighorn National Forest staff need a climbing management plan to effectively manage rock climbing and associated recreational activities to support the continued enjoyment of rock climbing, to minimize user conflict, and to protect the area’s resources in a manner that is consistent with the Bighorn National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management Plan. To meet the purpose and need, the Proposed Action would implement a variety of management actions to manage rock climbing including trail work, dispersed camping, parking, and human and pet waste control. The Forest Service prepared a draft environmental assessment to guide planning, inform decision-making, and ensure transparency with the public. The draft plan seeks to improve public access while balancing cultural and natural resources

The Bighorn National Forest developed a StoryMap to provide an overview of existing conditions, alternatives considered, environmental issues, project timeline, and instructions for public comment. The StoryMap can be found here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c1475b79a499462aa5e7a3b65e74b097

The Forest Service is accepting comments on the draft environmental assessment for the Tensleep Canyon Climbing Management Plan for 30 days beginning on the first day after the date of publication of the notice in the Casper Star-Tribune, the newspaper of record. Project managers expect the notice to be published on December 20, 2025. Project documents will be available on the project website at this time. 
 
This comment period is a continuation of the conversation with the public, tribal engagement, and work with local climbing organizations. Public feedback is a critical component of the planning process. Comments should be site-specific and directly related to the proposed activities and project area. If you reference supporting materials, please include the source and explain its relevance to the project.

Please submit comments to the Forest Service’s Comment Analysis and Response Application (CARA) web comment form. All comments must be received prior to 11:59 p.m. MST, January 20, 2026, to be considered part of the project record.