Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 233 - Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism
Division 01 - Division of Parks
Rule 233.01.22-002 - Rock Climbing and Rappelling in Arkansas State Parks

A. Superintendents of state parks that have sites considered desirable for rock climbing and/or rappelling are encouraged to submit requests to the Director of Arkansas State Parks for approval.

B. Requests should include complete details of the site, including the site location, a detailed description, any potential impacts to the park's natural and cultural resources, any recreational uses, facilities, long term development or master planning, safety hazards, weather, time-of-day influences, proposed rules and signing for the site, and degree of supervision considered necessaiy for use by the public.

C. Approved sites may have signage indicating that the location is approved for rappelling and rock climbing. Signage should include any restriction which may apply, such as hours of acceptable use.

A. Rock climbers and/or rappellers must complete and sign the Rappelling and Rock Climbing Checklist Liability Release.

B. A parent or legal guardian must complete the checklist and liability release form for all minors (those aged 17 and under).

C. Rock climbers and rappellers shall minimize their impacts to the sites and follow leave-no-trace principles. Climbers bouldering shall guard against unnecessary damage to flora by limiting cleaning of boulders and keeping crash pads in the staging area.

D. Climbers and rappellers are expected to stay on established trails and refrain from establishing "social" trails.

E. Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism (ADPHT) recognizes that fixed hardware is an accepted and essential component both in safely facilitating rock climbing and in protecting natural resources. ADPHT shall allow the placement and maintenance of fixed hardware (i.e., "bolts") where appropriate and is encouraged to consult with a qualified local climbing organization (e.g. Arkansas Climbers Coalition) for the accepted best practices for the management of fixed hardware.

F. Chipping, gluing, or otherwise manufacturing holds is forbidden.

G. Rappellers/climbers shall use equipment and safety gear appropriate for the activity. ADPH T is not liable or responsible for any equipment used by rappellers or climbers, nor is ADPHT liable or responsible for any fixed hardware. Rappellers and climbers assume all liability and risk associated with the use of fixed hardware.

H. Rappelling and climbing participants shall conduct themselves in a courteous and orderly manner and abide by local, state, and federal laws, as well as obey all park rules and regulations.

I. In any and all cases, state park management shall have complete and final authority over all sites and retain the authority to revoke any privileges issued for rappelling/climbing activities.

Reviewed by the Arkansas Legislative Council - Administrative Rules Sub-Committee on________________________________,__________________.

ATTACHMENT: RAPPELLING AND ROCK CLIMBING CHECKLIST AND LIABILITY RELEASE Replaces PD 3085 dated July 1, 2014

APPROVED BY: ____________________________

SHEA LEWIS, DIRECTOR I DIVISION OF STATE PARKS

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM DIVISION OF STATE PARKS

RAPPELLING AND ROCK CLIMBING CHECKLIST AND LIABILITY RELEASE

* Rappeller/climber warrants that his/her equipment is in good working condition and is appropriately rated for the subject activities.

* Rappeller/climber warrants that he/she possesses and will use appropriate safety gear for the subject activities,

* Rappeller/climber acknowledges that the subject activities are inherently dangerous and involve the use of fixed hardware that was, and is, not provided, installed, inspected, maintained, or endorsed by ADPHT.

* Rappeller/climber acknowledges that ADPHT has made no warranties or representations about the conditions or suitability of the designated rappelling or climbing sites, and rappeller/climber enters such areas at his/her own risk "as is", "where is", and with "all faults".

* Rappeller/climber will not install any fixed hardware ("bolts") without permission from ADPHT.

* Rappeller/climber agrees to engage in the subject activities only in approved and designated sites in state parks and exercise all due caution.

* Rappeller/climber agrees to follow all signage including no trespassing markers or signage.

* Rappeller/climber agrees to immediately report any incident involving personal injury or damage to state park property to park staff.

I am about to participate in rappelling and/or rock climbing. I am participating entirely upon my own initiative, risk, and responsibility. I fully and completely accept any consequences that arise from conditions within designated rappelling/climbing areas, including but not limited to the failure of fixed hardware or other equipment that may exist, as well as all natural conditions.

I, or a member of my family shall be liable for any and all rescue and/or evacuation recovery costs incurred by the State as a result of my participating in rappelling and/or rock climbing in Arkansas State Parks.

I do hereby agree and adhere to all rules of Arkansas State Parks which are available at the park Visitor Center.

Therefore, in consideration of the permission extended to me by ADPHT, 1 do hereby, for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators remise, release, and forever discharge the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, and its officers, agents, employees, and assigns from any and all claims, actions, or causes of action on the account of my death, or on account of any injury to me or my property which may occur from any cause during such rappelling and/or rock climbing activities.