Frequently Asked Questions

Is Williamson Rock closed to climbing?

Yes. Williamson Rock is currently closed to climbing. The duration of the closure is unknown at this point. You may read the Forest Service Press Release here.

Please do not attempt to access Williamson Rock during the closure. It is imperative that we act as a group — that is the reason Friends of Williamson Rock (FoWR) was formed.

Why is Williamson Rock closed?

The US Forest Service (FS) has closed WR to climbing in response to the proposed designation of critical habitat for the federally endangered Mountain Yellow Legged Frog (MYLF). Closure is based on protecting the MYLF, pursuant to the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), which the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has jurisdiction over. The FS has been urged by the USFWS to close WR to avoid any impacts until a comprehensive plan has been established and gone through the ESA and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes. The MYLF habitat is in the general area of WR, it is noteworthy that climbing at WR has not been show to negatively affect the MYLF population. The FS is very cooperative in providing an open dialog as well as suggesting guidelines to come to a solution and re–open WR to climbing as soon as possible.

What is FoWR?

Friends of Williamson Rock (FoWR) is a non-profit corporation [501(c)(3)] organized to preserve climbing access and activity, as well as protecting the natural environment of the Williamson Rock area.

FoWR was formed to address and react to any access and environmental issues at Williamson Rock.

FoWR will organize, oversee and manage any service projects that may be done at Williamson Rock in cooperation with the Forest Service and any other agencies involved. This may include projects such as trail building, trail maintenance, toilet installation / maintenance, clean-ups etc.

FoWR will be proactive in the education of wilderness ethics as they relate to the climbing community.

Who are you working with?

FoWR is working in conjunction with the Access Fund, the Forest Service, USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other private agencies toward solutions for climbing access and activity at Williamson Rock.

How can I help?

In addition, as a member of FoWR you may be called upon for donations of time, money, letter writing, petition signing, phone in campaigns etc.

Will I get spam if I join the mailing list?

No. FoWR will not sell or otherwise disclose your personal information to third parties without your express permission. The mailing list will only be used to send you official announcements from FoWR.

You may unsubscribe at any time by visiting this page, entering the email address you subscribed with and clicking the "Unsubscribe" button.