While rock climbing has become increasingly popular at two state game lands in Fayette County, state game commission officials are restricting it to the animals that grew up there.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and state Fish & Boat Commission announced the closure of all rock-climbing activities at State Game Lands 51 and 138.
State Game Lands 51 is just west of Ohiopyle State Park and south of Dunbar. State Game Lands 138 is just southeast of Fairchance, near the Laurel Caverns.
“While state game lands importantly provide the public with places to hunt, trap and otherwise lawfully enjoy the outdoors, maintaining habitat that supports wildlife species, and protecting those species, is integral to the game lands system and the mission of the Pennsylvania Game Commission,” said Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans. “The daily carrying out of that mission is a big reason why we have the wildlife we do in Pennsylvania and places to enjoy it.”
Increased climbing has worn away lichen and moss on rock faces, cleared vegetation and naturally occurring woody debris and leaf litter from the base of climbing rocks, degrading natural habitat and impacting species that use it, officials said.
“The rocks provide protection from predators, overwintering habitat and grounds to hunt for food,” said Chris Urban, non-game, threatened and endangered species coordinator for the Fish & Boat Commission. “This habitat should be preserved in its natural condition if these species are to thrive here.”
While recreation on state game lands is permitted, their primary purpose is to provide wildlife habitat, along with hunting and trapping opportunities for those who purchase the required licenses.
Most game lands do offer rock-climbing opportunities, and those continue in areas where it does not negatively impact native habitat, officials said.
Game Commission Southwest Region Director Jason Farabaugh said the restriction is not meant to reflect negatively on rock climbers, but noted that the commission’s primary goal is to “manage and protect wildlife and their habitats while promoting hunting and trapping for current and future generations.”
In the agency’s strategic plan, the first guiding principle is “to place wildlife and habitat first.”
