Date: May 21, 2007
Devils Tower west and northeast face climbing routes and summit edges, which were temporarily closed to protect prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus), are now open. Climbing routes on the southwest face are now closed between and including "The Thin Dagger" and "Centennial" (routes #173 to 199 in the Devil Tower climbing handbook). The southwest edge of the Tower summit is also closed to climbers. Over 190 other routes on the Tower remain open. Climbers may ask at the climber registration office to see a list of all closed routes.
This closure began March 15th to protect prairie falcon nesting sites. Since that time NPS professionals have surveyed the Tower and determined the location of a nesting pair. 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. Climbing routes closed may change based on the location of the nesting pair.
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 in order to protect their nests.
This closure is an annual event established under the monument's 1995 Climbing Management Plan with authority from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 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, and 2006. Continued monitoring will reveal whether the falcons will be successful on the Tower in 2007.
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 of resource management, Jim Cheatham, at (307) 467-5283 ext 212.
