USFS Special Uses Webinar

Are you interested in providing guided climbing or skiing experiences for the public on Forest Service land? The USFS Special Uses Webinar will provide you with helpful information about the USFS recreation special uses program. You will learn how to submit a proposal and navigate the application process to obtain a special use authorization for guided activities […]

New AMGA Advocacy Program Website

The Advocacy and Policy Program has a new web presence on the AMGA website. Four new webpages provide resources for AMGA members. The pages include: Advocacy and Policy Program (mission, strategic pillars, and core values) Projects and Policy Statements (catalog of recent access projects and policy work) Current Initiatives (projects underway in the advocacy department) […]

AMGA Establishes MOU with the Forest Service

Matt Wade shakes hands with Tinelle Bustam, USFS National Assistant Director for Recreation, Heritage, and Volunteer Resources, after signing the AMGA-USFS MOU. The AMGA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) that creates a formal line of communication for the AMGA and USFS to cooperate on mutually-beneficial programs, […]

New NPS Commercial Use Authorization Website

The National Park Service (NPS) has a new website for its Commercial Use Authorization program. A commercial use authorization (CUA) allows an individual, group, company, or other entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park unit. The NPS issues CUAs for a wide range of commercial visitor services such […]

Access Secured in Ouray Ice Park

A new management agreement has been adopted by the City of Ouray and Ouray Ice Park, Inc. that secures 25% of visitor capacity for commercial and institutional group use. “This is a very positive outcome for the guiding community and is the result of a strong advocacy effort by Ice Park guides and guide services, […]

AMGA Climbing The Hill for Facilitated Access

Climb The Hill is an annual advocacy event hosted by the Access Fund and the American Alpine Club to educate Congressional representatives, policymakers, and top land management administrators on the importance of public lands, outdoor recreation, and improved climbing management. For the first time, the issue of facilitated access was part of the playbook for […]

Memorandum of Understanding Established with NPS

The AMGA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Park Service (NPS) that strengthens the guiding community’s relationship with NPS and creates new avenues for collaboration on land-use management, stewardship, and planning. “The MOU establishes the AMGA, its members, and accredited businesses as a primary resource for NPS on matters related […]

Access Opened at Gate Buttress

We are pleased to announce a new access opportunity at the Gate Buttress in Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT. After extended negotiations with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church), an agreement has been signed to allow guided rock climbing on 140 acres of private LDS Church property around the Gate Buttress. […]

New USFS Recreation Special Uses Guide

The United States Forest Service (USFS) issues over 8000 special use permits every year for outfitting and guiding activities. These permits authorize the holder to conduct business on public land managed by the Forest Service. For decades, the process of obtaining a permit has been unpredictable and difficult due to variations in requirements from one […]

Possible Yosemite Guiding Opportunities | COMMENT TODAY!

Overview The comment period on the Yosemite Wilderness plan ends this Friday! Based on current regulations, this is the only opportunity in the next twenty-plus years for increasing guided access in the park. While options for increased guiding have not yet been released to the public, our comments now can help influence the options that […]