ecological impact

Ecological impacts are those impacts that have a potential effect on the biological and physical characteristics of a site or resource, making the area less natural. While some climbing impacts are similar to those found in other recreation environments (for example camping and hiking), managing rock climbing activity poses special challenges due to the unique character of the climbing environment, which is spatially diverse and encompasses both a horizontal and vertical perspective. Some of the ecological issues presented by climbing include climber trails, bivouacking and backcountry camping, human waste disposal, vegetation, water resources, and wildlife.

For more details on the ecological impacts of climbing and associated climbing management guidelines, please download:

Climbing Management: A Guide to Climbing Issues and the Development of a Climbing Management Plan