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Adopt-a-Crag 2007


raptors and climbers: how climbing restrictions are set up and managed

Occasionally crags are closed to humans to allow our cliff dwelling wildlife a chance to reproduce undisturbed. Wildlife closures come in all shapes and sizes and include closures for plants as well as animals. By far the most common are seasonal restrictions to protect cliff-nesting raptors targeted at peregrine falcons, prairie falcons and golden eagles. Other species also protected by closure include desert bighorn sheep, Mojave desert tortoise, chuckwalla and gila monster. Perhaps the most unusual restriction is in California for the protection of ancient wood rat middens, so old that they provide a fossilized seed history of the area.

Each year the Access Fund lists seasonal raptor closures for use in planning a visit to an area. Always check signs on site for the latest updates. Details can change and restrictions may have been shifted or lifted early. Updating our records is a major task for the Access Fund. We welcome your feedback. If you have new information or recognize info that needs changing, please contact us.

Seasonal wildlife closures give our cliff wildlife the protection it needs at its most vulnerable time. With climber's support such arrangements demonstrate that climbing can coexist with wildlife protection efforts.

Why are climbing restrictions necessary?

Seasonal climbing restrictions to protect cliff-nesting raptors-including closures of portions of cliffs-have been implemented since the 1970s in areas such as Yosemite National Park. Over half of the restrictions listed each year are for peregrine falcons, but they also apply to nesting prairie falcons and golden eagles. All these birds are protected at the federal and state level. Although seasonal wildlife restrictions were unusual as a management tool in the 70's, this situation has changed to the extent that resource managers have now implemented over 90 restrictions at US climbing sites. Seasonal wildlife restrictions give our cliff wildlife the protection it needs at its most vulnerable time. With climber's support such arrangements demonstrate that climbing can coexist with wildlife protection efforts.

When are climbing restrictions in place and why do the dates vary?

Restrictions run from early spring through to mid summer when birds are raising their young. Typically this is from February to August but may be a few weeks earlier or later depending on climate, elevation or the type of raptor concerned.

How can climbers find out the latest update and information?

  1. AT THE SITE: ALWAYS check signs or brochures at parking lots, trailheads and approach routes. Birds can shift nest sites, which means restrictions may be lifted early!
  2. AT THIS SITE: This Page is updated each year and names individual cliffs affected and provides website link and contact telephone numbers. The list is not exhaustive, because dates and details can change even between web updates. However it should give an idea of what's going on where, and how to find out more information.

Why has there been an increase in the number of climbing restrictions?

  1. Cliff nesting raptors species such as the peregrine falcon are recovering from the effects of pesticides in the food web in the 1960s. This means the status of the population is changing; falcons are returning to historic nest sites where they have been absent for more than two decades and expanding their range into new areas.
  2. As rock climbing has grown in popularity and modern technology has increased the spectrum of possible climbing experiences, climbing activity has spread into new areas. Some areas only recently explored by climbers may be historic nesting territory for raptor species, and this may lead to the introduction of new climbing restrictions.
  3. Cooperation between resource managers and conservation organizations has increased survey effort resulting in more effective raptor monitoring. As information is supplied on new nest sites, land managers are required to take measures to protect these species from disturbance.

How flexible is the restriction program?

Land managers are legally obliged to take measures to protect the nest sites of cliff nesting raptors from disturbance under the Migratory Bird Act, the Eagle Protection Act, and local state laws. This can be a difficult task because falcons and golden eagles alternate their choice of nest site from year to year. In addition, raptors may show breeding behavior but fail to nest, or delay nesting due to bad weather conditions.

Progressive resource managers operate flexible restriction systems. Examples include Eldorado Canyon State Park, CO, Pinnacles National Monument, CA, Zion National Park, UT and the White Mountains, NH. For all these sites, if the raptors fail to nest in a closed area, arrangements are in place for the restriction to be lifted mid-season (usually April-May) and for the public to be informed through signing on site.

The Access Fund · P.O. Box 17010 · Boulder, Colorado 80308 · 303.545.6772 · 303.545.6774 (Fax)
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