Chris McNamara
SuperTopo staff member
|
|
|
Topic Author's Original Post - May 13, 2009 - 05:24pm PT
|
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior Devils Tower National
Monument
DEVILS TOWER NATIONAL MONUMENT
News Release
May 13, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2009-04
Devils Tower National Monument Lifts Current Prairie Falcon Climbing Route Closure
To protect prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) nesting sites, the National Park Service (NPS) temporarily closed climbing routes along the south face of Devils Tower beginning March 15, 2009. This closure is an annual event established under the monument's 1995 Climbing Management Plan, with authority from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. NPS professionals have been surveying the Tower to determine the presence or absence of nesting prairie falcons. To date, the surveys have documented falcons flying around the Tower, but no nesting activity has been observed. As per approved policy, areas without nesting falcons are to be reopened by May 15. Because no falcon nesting activity has been observed to date, the prairie falcon nesting closures currently in effect will be removed on Friday, May 15, thus opening these areas to normal recreational climbing activities. The areas to be reopened include climbing routes on the south face between and including the “P.O.T.C.” and “Waterfall” (routes #206-208, #1-21 in the Devils Tower Climbing Handbook).
NPS professionals will continue to survey the Tower to determine the presence or absence of nesting prairie falcons, and climbing and rappel route closures may change in the future based on the location and behavior of nesting falcons. Any areas closed due to nesting falcons will remain closed until young falcons fledge, generally between July 15 and August 1. Updated information on climbing access can be obtained at the climber registration office, the park climbing kiosk, or at the park visitor center or administration building.
These annual closures are implemented not only for the protection of the birds, but also for the protection of climbers, as prairie falcons are known to defensively dive in order to protect their nests. Prairie falcons are extremely protective of their nests and are easily driven from an area. The presence of climbers near or above falcon nests is distressing to parent birds; too much disturbance from climbing activities may cause falcons to abandon eggs or chicks.
Separate from the falcon closure, Devils Tower National Monument has a voluntary climbing closure in effect for the month of June, out of respect for American Indian cultural traditions. For further information on climbing closures, please contact the monument’s Chief of Resource Management, Mark Biel, at (307) 467-5283 ext 212.
-END-
|
Let us know!