Advocacy
The mission of the AMGA Advocacy Program is to expand opportunities for the public to access public lands with a guide.
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About AMGA Advocacy
Why AMGA Advocacy?
As America’s voice for guides, the AMGA is ensuring our community is at the table and actively shaping a positive future for guided access in the United States. The Advocacy Team works with lawmakers, agency officials, local land managers, guides, the public, and industry partners to promote policies that improve recreational access to public lands for guided groups.
AMGA's Advocacy Strategy
The mission of the AMGA Advocacy Program is executed through four strategic pillars:
- Working on national policy in Washington D.C.
- Engaging on local and regional access issues.
- Serving as an educational resource for land managers and AMGA members.
- Caring for the public and private lands we visit.
Core Values
We create the best solutions through active collaboration, fostering understanding and a solution-oriented mindset with land managers, guides, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
We support a well-informed membership and we serve as an educational body for land managers wishing to improve safety and enhance visitor experiences.
We deliver exceptional recreation experiences rooted in scenic landscapes, healthy ecosystems, and thriving wildlife, while fostering environmental stewardship to preserve these treasures for future generations.
We create the best solutions through active collaboration, fostering understanding and a solution-oriented mindset with land managers, guides, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
We create the best solutions through active collaboration, fostering understanding and a solution-oriented mindset with land managers, guides, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Recent Advocacy Initiatives
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Passage of the SOAR ActTopic 1The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (SOAR Act) modernizes and streamlines the outfitter-guide permitting systems of the federal land agencies. The SOAR Act will make it easier for guides to obtain permits to provide guided experiences on public lands. The SOAR Act was included in the first-ever recreation package, the EXPLORE Act, that was passed by the U.S. Congress on December 19, 2024.
Passage of the PARC ActTopic 1The Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC Act) protects the placement, use, and maintenance of climbing fixed anchors in designated wilderness areas. The PARC Act will ensure guides have access to fixed anchors for the safety of themselves and their clients when climbing in wilderness areas. The PARC Act was included in the EXPLORE Act recreation package that was passed on December 19, 2024.
Expanding Access on the Wasatch FrontTopic 1Over the last five years, the AMGA has defended multiple threats to access in the Wasatch including a proposed cancellation of the temporary permit program and severe restrictions on guiding in wilderness areas. In a breakthrough achievement, the AMGA worked with Congressman John Curtis (R-UT) and the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service to procure funding for the completion of a use-study that will lead to the issuance of new permits on the Wasatch Front.
Removal of Service Day Limitations at Black Canyon National ParkBlack Canyon National Park instituted a service day limitation in 2024 that would limit climbing guide services to only 7 service days per year. The AMGA met with Black Canyon officials to explain how the new policy would unnecessarily limit access for the public and would negatively impact businesses. Black Canyon National Park agreed to remove the service day limitations and restart a monitoring process to further evaluate climbing use in the park.
NPS Fixed Anchor Proposal WithdrawnTopic 1After extensive communication from climbers, guides, and members of Congress, the National Park Service withdrew draft guidance that would have caused climbing fixed anchors to be prohibited in wilderness areas. The AMGA submitted highly detailed comments on the draft guidance, encouraging NPS to withdraw the guidance and restart the process with more stakeholder engagement.
Collaboration with Joshua Tree National ParkThe AMGA collaborated with Joshua Tree National Park to identify appropriate qualifications for rock climbing guides operating in Joshua Tree National Park. The promulgation of guide qualification requirements will ensure guided climbing experiences for the public are always facilitated by a trained professional guide.
Donate to the AMGA and Share Climbing
Your donations help in supporting education, advocacy, and access, ensuring a strong future for professional guides and the climbing community.
