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All climbing routes and summit areas temporarily closed to protect prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus), on Devils Tower are open.  The nesting prairie falcon pair on the southwest face of the Tower has successfully fledged their young and will soon conclude their nesting season, as determined by NPS professionals.  The monument thanks climbers for observing the closure, implemented on March 15 of this year, which allowed the falcons an undisturbed nesting season.

The falcon closure is an annual event established under the Devils Tower 1995 Climbing Management Plan with authority from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  The initial closure this season included only the west and northeast faces but was later moved to the southwest face due to the location of falcon activity.  Previously, prairie falcons have nested on the Tower during the years 1996, 1998, 1999, 2005 and 2006. 

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.

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, Taryn Flesjer, at (307) 467-5283 ext 212.