Recently, EPAC has received a number of inquiries from various sources regarding climbing at Tilbury. Our goal is always to support the climbing community and our land partners. We wanted to relay the information we have in hopes of providing accurate information and transparency:
- Currently, climbing has not been restricted at Tilbury. Pennsylvania State Forest favors dispersed recreation and DCNR allows climbing “in areas where ecological, environmental, geological, archaeological or historic resources or values will not be impacted to a significant extent.”
- The area commonly used for parking has always been private property with no permission from the land owner to use it as such. EPAC approached the land owner in 2021 with a land use agreement but they declined. Instead, we started down a path of acquiring the land with the express purpose of conveying it to DCNR to be used for legal parking and access. This process is still in progress and DCNR is now working directly with the land owner. However, a gate was installed due to concerns over illegal camping and destruction of property. EPAC is currently exploring short-term options for parking and access.
- DCNR recently communicated to EPAC their concern over the installation of fixed hardware and vegetation removal. The current DCNR ROCK CLIMBING, RAPPELLING, AND BOULDERING MANAGEMENT POLICY AND GUIDELINES state that these activities are not permitted without prior approval. District Managers have clarified that none of the climbable areas in the district have been assessed. They are asking for anyone interested in installing fixed hardware, cleaning routes and/or conducting trailwork to reach out to the Pinchot State Forest, fd11@pa.gov, 570-945-7133. EPAC has also requested a meeting with DCNR to discuss their concerns and explore options for the future.
- EPAC has been made aware that species of concern may exist in and around Tilbury. Navigating conservation efforts may require working with DCNR and the PA Game Commission on a management plan which may result in occasional closures.
How You Can Help at Any Climbing Area:
- Please park in legal, public parking areas only
- Use trails on public property for access and respect private property boundaries
- Seek proper permission from the land owner for any fixed hardware installation and/or vegetation removal (this applies to routes and trails)
- Follow Leave No Trace principles and other best practices such as the Access Fund Climber’s Pact
EPAC exists to protect access to climbing. However, this can only be accomplished when we work with the land owners and managers. We know Tilbury is valued by climbers. We also know that it holds great ecological and conservation value as a natural resource. We look forward to engaging with our partners at DCNR as well as the climbing community to ensure both conservation and responsible recreation at Tilbury.
Questions and concerns can be directed to info@epaclimbers.org or Pinchot State Forest: fd11@pa.gov.
