If you like to climb in Shenandoah National Park you might just want to pay attention to the park's work on updating its rock outcrop management plan, which includes climbing guidelines.

Up until December 19 the park will be accepting comments on its “Rock Outcrop Management Plan (ROMP) and Environmental Assessment (EA), including Climbing Management Guidelines." The EA has been prepared to provide the decision framework for the following:

* Analysis of a reasonable range of alternatives to meet management objectives;

* Evaluation of potential issues and impacts to natural and cultural resources and values and the human environment; and

* Identification of mitigation measures to lessen the degree of those impacts.

Shenandoah officials recently completed an extensive three-year project to inventory the natural resources of and assess recreation use and impacts to rock outcrops and cliff areas in the park. The result is a Rock Outcrop Management Plan and Climbing Management Guidelines that meet the park’s mission goal to preserve resources and allow recreation activities at an acceptable level of impact.

The plans are based on scientific inventories and research, with involvement of hikers, climbers, nature enthusiasts and other park supporters who could be affected by park management decisions.

You can review the proposal and offer comments at this site. Or you can send your thoughts to : Superintendent, Shenandoah National Park, Attention: ROMP EA, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA, 22835.

Requests for a printed copy of the EA can also be made by calling 540-999-3300. Printed copies of the EA are available for review at park headquarters.