See Below For:
- 8-27-25 Update on Continued Closure of SGL 138 and 51 to Climbing
- A helpful timeline of the history of climbing areas in State Game Lands 51 and 138
- Links to previous SGL closure related posts made by SWPACC
8-27-25 Update on Continued Closure of SGL 138 and 51 to Climbing
Greetings, fellow climbers! This latest update involves a recap of the work we’ve undertaken since the November 2024 ruling that PA State Game Lands 51 and 138 would remain closed to rock climbing.
In the time since, SWPACC filed an appeal with Commonwealth Court on the basis that the hearing officer erroneously concluded that the evidence presented during the April 2024 hearing justified the closure. Our stance remains that decisions to close these areas to rock climbing should be data-informed, and simultaneously, SWPACC seeks to collaborate with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to identify mutually agreeable, sustainable solutions to fulfill the missions of these state agencies while allowing a degree of rock climbing on these lands.
As our case made its way through Harrisburg, we learned that it was flagged for the Commonwealth Court’s Mediation Program. Mediation provides an opportunity for two parties to come to a resolution outside of the courtroom. We were thrilled for the opportunity to discuss potential solutions. Representatives from the Game Commission and SWPACC met in Harrisburg in April with a mediation judge and attorney from Commonwealth Court.
During the mediation conference, SWPACC presented the building blocks for a climbing management plan, created in consultation with Access Fund. Topics for consideration included seasonal closures, climbing zones, licenses, permits, education, communication, and stewardship. At the conclusion, representatives from the Game Commission expressed willingness this fall to review data they had been collecting in current studies, to determine whether it was possible to reopen a portion of the Game Lands. This was very exciting, as it left the door open for future conversations.
Unfortunately, this excitement was short-lived. After consulting with the Fish and Boat Commission, the Game Commission indicated that an analysis of data by this fall would not be feasible, and the agency chose to end mediation. SWPACC offered more time, recognizing the importance of keeping lines of communication open. However, the Game Commission opted to not move forward. We have since filed a brief with Commonwealth Court to continue the litigation process, which had been paused during mediation.
We continue to engage with Access Fund, and our fellow Pennsylvania Local Climbing Organizations on strategic next steps, which include sharing our story with elected leaders as well as the PA Board of Game Commissioners, to educate and inform these stakeholders. This is in addition to considering what level of mobilization we may need from the climbing community, and what it might look like if we pursued options related to a land swap, such as this example with Glen Onoko Falls in eastern PA.
While we are disappointed by this latest turn of events, we are pursuing opportunities to open new areas to climbing in other parts of southwestern Pennsylvania. We are excited by the prospects. We continue to work diligently to carry-out our mission to promote responsible development of rock climbing, to gain and preserve access, and to disseminate information. Thank you for your ongoing support of SWPACC!
History of climbing areas in State Game Lands 51 and 138
- Early 1990s: Climbing areas in State Game Lands 51 and 138, including Coll’s Cove and the Lost Crag, were popular destinations for climbers. However, over time, the climbing hardware at these areas fell into disrepair, raising safety concerns.
- 2014: The Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbing Coalition (SWPACC) was founded to promote responsible climbing and conservation efforts in the region.
- 2016: The climbing community in southwestern Pennsylvania grew significantly, leading to increased interest in the climbing areas within State Game Lands 51 and 138.
- 2017: SWPACC contacted the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to address the safety concerns at the Lost Crag.
- 2017 (cont.): SWPACC representatives met with PGC officials and received permission to replace the outdated climbing hardware at the Lost Crag. PGC provided guidelines for the replacement project, emphasizing the importance of minimizing environmental impact.
- 2017-2021: SWPACC completed the hardware replacement project at the Lost Crag, taking steps to ensure climber safety and minimize disturbance to the natural environment.
- 2021: SWPACC applied for a special-use permit for a promotional campaign aimed at educating climbers about PGC rules and regulations: “Be Seen, Wear Orange.”
- November 2021: During a meeting to discuss the permit application, PGC informed SWPACC of concerns about the impact of climbing on threatened species in the area. SWPACC expressed its willingness to collaborate on solutions to address these concerns.
- March 2022: The PGC shared with SWPACC news of the impending closure of State Game Lands 51 and 138 to climbing.
- April 2022: SWPACC sends letter to PGC requesting a delay of the closure to afford more investigation and communication.
- April 2022: The PGC publicly announces closure of the climbing areas, citing habitat degradation and negative impacts on various species, including reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. However, the PGC has not provided SWPACC with the specific data or research supporting this decision, despite multiple requests over the ensuing months.
- December 2023: PGC Game Commission Executive Director indicates SGL 51 and 138 are closed permanently to climbing.
- December 2023: SWPACC files a petition requesting a hearing pursuant to Title 58 of Pennsylvania Code.
- April 2024: Representatives from SWPACC and PGC participates in an administrative hearing at the Game Commission’s Southwest Office in Bolivar, PA to discuss closure.
- November 2024: After months of waiting, SWPACC receives word from the Hearing Officer that based on evidence provided at the hearing, his decision is to recommend the PGC keep SGL 138 and 51 closed. The Executive Director of the PGC, Stephen Smith, followed up with a formal memo indicating SGL 51 and 138 will remain closed.
- November 2024: SWPACC appealed the decision via Commonwealth Court.
- January 2025: SWPACC’s case is flagged for mediation.
- April 2025: Mediation conference takes place in Harrisburg with representatives from PGC and SWPACC. SWPACC presented a variety of topics for discussion related to creating a climbing management plan for SGL 51 and 138. PGC agrees, this fall, to revisit data they’ve been collecting to determine whether a portion of the game lands could be reopened.
- June 2025: PGC says a fall deadline would not be enough time for Fish and Boat Commission to evaluate its own data from its studies. SWPACC communicates our willingness to offer more time if that would keep the mediation process open. The Game Commission declines.
- July 2025: SWPACC files a brief with Commonwealth Court to continue the appeal of the November 2024 decision.