Devils Tower National Monument/Bear Lodge (Wyoming)
Chapter 2 explores the non-interference model in contested sacred sites through the examination of the struggle over rock climbing at the Devils Tower National Monument/Bear Lodge (Wyoming). It begins (section A) with an examination of the voluntary coordination between climbers and indigenous community members, assisted by a “nudge” from the authorities, aiming to bring about, but not legally force, the reduction of climbing activities at the site. The chapter then turns (section B) to a succinct description and analysis of the general approach of the separation between religion and state. Section C turns to a critical examination of the non-interference model upon its structure, justifications, advantages, and weaknesses. The final section (D), moves to map out and differentiate among three subtle policy variations of the non-interference model: “signaling,” “nudging,” and “ushering,” all of which aim to achieve successful coordination of activities at such sites between competing groups.