While most climbing now occurs just outside Sinks Canyon State Park on land overseen by the federal Bureau of Land Management , many climbers camp in the park . And when implemented , a key recommendation of the Master Plan will turn an area of the park into a rock-climbing adventure spot for those new to the sport .
That recommendation calls for creating a “ via ferrata ” just inside the park in the Sawmill District .
As described in the Master Plan , “ a via ferrata ( Italian for ‘ iron path ’)” is a “ permanently cabled cliff-side trail that allows nontechnical climbers to have a guided climbing and traversing experience in vertical terrain .”
Or as Ashby describes it : “ It ’ s basically a rock-climbing course where all the infrastructure is provided . Folks new to the sport can strap in and have this safe , guided experience .”
Floyd is particularly enthusiastic about this planned addition to the park due to the strong support it received in the master planning process .
“ Lander is a huge climbing community , and the via ferrata is an adrenaline-fueled entryway into the world of rock climbing ,” he said . “ Once you feel that rush , you ’ re going to want to come back .”
While there is no entry fee at Sinks Canyon State Park , it ’ s expected that some of the fees charged for the via ferrata experience will provide revenue to help offset development and operating costs at the park .
ECONOMIC IMPACTS
The Wyoming economy is based on natural resource extraction – primarily coal , oil , and gas . But officials are looking to a future with a greater emphasis on tourism and outdoor recreation , Floyd said . But that sector of the state economy has long been dominated by what he calls “ the big three ” – Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and Devils Tower National Monument .
While the primary goal of the new Master Plan is attracting more visitors to Sinks Canyon State Park while maintaining excellent stewardship of its natural resources , an important secondary goal is presenting the park as an economic stimulus for Lander , a town of about 7,500 residents .
Ayres ’ valued client partner Carly-Ann Carruthers of Wyoming State Parks recently received the Sheldon D . Gerber Merit Award for 2021 for her work on the Sinks Canyon project . The award , presented at the 2021 Western States conference in Phoenix , recognizes excellence in environmental planning .
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