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bigwally
May 13, 2004, 8:46 PM
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Registered: Sep 2, 2002
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Devils Tower National Monument Climbing Routes Open Following Falcon
Closure
Effective immediately, all climbing routes temporarily closed to protect
prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus) on Devils Tower are open. Surveys by
park professionals have not recorded a nesting site for falcons on the
Tower. The spring closure was implemented on March 15, 2004 to provide an
undisturbed nesting opportunity. Previously, prairie falcons have
successfully nested on the Tower during the years 1996, 1998 and 1999.
The falcon closure is an annual event established under the national
monument's Climbing Management Plan with authority from the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act. Areas on the west and northeast faces of the Tower were
included in this spring’s closure. The park thanks climbers for honoring
the closure and allowing the falcons an opportunity to nest.
Beginning in March of each year, park professionals survey the Tower for
prairie falcons. This year, falcons have been observed soaring and
perching on the east face of the Tower and flying from the area toward the
privately owned Missouri Buttes. A dramatic 1000 foot dive from the Tower
top to the prairie dog town below was also recorded.
Prairie falcons are extremely defensive of their nests and are easily
driven from the area. The presence of climbers near or above falcon nests
is distressing to parent birds. Too much disturbance from climbing
activities may force falcons to abandon eggs or chicks. The closure was
implemented not only for the protection of the species, but also for the
protection of climbers, as falcons are known to defensively dive in order
to protect their nests.
For further information
please contact Jim Cheatham, Chief of Resource Management, at (307)
467-5283 ext 12.
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climbs4fun
Moderator
May 13, 2004, 10:21 PM
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Registered: Mar 19, 2003
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climbs4fun moved this thread from General to Access Issues & Closures.
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coclimber26
May 15, 2004, 3:06 PM
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Registered: Sep 8, 2002
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That's good info...I didn't even know there were closures.
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tgreene
May 15, 2004, 3:14 PM
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Registered: Oct 22, 2003
Posts: 7267
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The month of June has a "voluntary" closure, in order to respect the Indians' religious ceremonies...
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