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For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carl Brenner, Chief, Interpretation & Education
Phone:  (831) 389-4486 x265

Climbing Areas Reopen at Pinnacles National Monument

    Rock formations subject to advisory closures to rock climbing and off-trail hiking for protecting nesting falcons and eagles have reopened.  "All sensitive areas have been reopened and will remain so until next January when the raptors return and begin to select nest areas," announced Eric Brunnemann, Superintendent of Pinnacles National Monument.  A total of 4 prairie falcon nests successfully produced nestlings and fledged a total of 12 young.  In addition to Golden Eagles, American Kestrels, Red-shouldered, Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper's Hawks producing young this year, 3 Peregrine Falcon young fledged from a nest at Hawkins Peak.

    2008 marks the 22nd year of raptor monitoring at Pinnacles National Monument.  "We thank the climbers and hikers for their patience and support of our efforts to protect these spectacular birds of prey at Pinnacles.  Without your cooperation in avoiding the advisory areas, this program could not be the success that it is," Brunnemann explained.  Pinnacles' rock climbing advisories are lifted a few weeks after the nests have fledged.  This allows the new fledglings some time to practice flying without being interrupted or disturbed by people.

    For more information regarding raptor activity at Pinnacles', or the park's raptor monitoring program, please call the office of Research and Resource Management at 831-389-4486 x270.  General park information can be obtained by visiting www.nps.gov/pinn or by calling 831-389-4485.