Date: May 5, 2008
Contact: Dona Rutherford, 307-467-5283 x 221
Effective May 5, the National Park Service opened Devils Tower West and North face climbing routes and summit edges, which were temporarily closed to protect prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus). Climbing routes on the South face are now closed to protect a pair of nesting prairie falcons. This closure is an annual event established under the monument's 1995 Climbing Management Plan with authority from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The West and North routes and summit edges were closed March 15th to allow the falcons an undisturbed opportunity to nest. Subsequent to that closure, NPS staff located the nesting pair on the South face of the Tower.
Closures are necessary because 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 is implemented not only for the protection of the species, but also for the protection of climbers, as falcons are known to defensively dive (rarely striking climbers) in order to protect their nests. Please report any defensive falcon behavior towards climbers to a park ranger.
Climbing routes on the South face are now closed between and including “P.O.T.C.” and “Waterfall” (routes #206-208, #1-21 in the Devils Tower climbing handbook). “Durrance”, “Bailey Direct”, “Bowling Alley”, and “Meadows” rappel routes are also closed. The South edge of the Tower summit is closed to climbers with the exception of the “Summit South” rappel. Alternate south face rappel routes from the meadows are “Bon Homme”, and “El Cracko” which remain open. Climbing and rappel routes closures may change based on the location and behavior of the nesting pair.
Over 190 other climbing routes on the Tower remain open including the standard meadow finish to the summit for other routes that terminate in the “Meadows”. Climbers can find a list of currently closed routes at www.nps.gov/deto/planyourvisit/currentclimbingclosures.htm, the climbing kiosk, or ask at the climber registration office.
Prairie falcon activity will continue to be monitored to determine the success of the nesting falcons. Climbing routes in the area of the nest will remain closed until young falcons fledge, generally between July 15 and August 1.
The park thanks climbers for continued observance of the closure and allowing the falcons an undisturbed opportunity to nest. Previously, prairie falcons have nested on the Tower during the years 1996, 1998, 1999, 2005-2007. Continued monitoring will reveal whether the falcons will be successful on the Tower in 2008.
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 the climbing closures please contact the monument’s chief ranger, Dona Rutherford, at (307) 467-5283 ext 221.
