The U.S. Forest Service announced it would ban rock climbing at Cave Rock on the southeastern shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada, calling the site a cultural resource worthy of protection. The decision, eight years in the making, was signed by Maribeth Gustafson, forest supervisor of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. The Washoe Tribe considers the volcanic formation a sacred site that has historical and cultural significance to the Washoe people, including religious rituals that were practiced there until 1965. Gustafson said she weighed the decision like she would any other, backed by guidelines that exist in the forest plan and that it is no different than other resource decisions she makes on behalf of the American public. The Forest Service said it expects the decision will be appealed. If not appealed, the ban would take effect September 2nd. Read more here.