Areas Temporarily Closed to Protect Nesting Bald Eagles

Date: March 5, 2007
Contact: Russ Weatherbee, 530-242-3442

Superintendent Jim Milestone announced that Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has temporarily closed selected areas of the lake and shoreline along with the Davis Gulch Trail to all public access in order to protect critical wildlife habitat for nesting Bald eagles. The closures will remain in effect as long as needed, but no later than July 31, 2007. “Critical Wildlife Habitat” signs are posted to designate boundaries where access is prohibited.

The closure limits all access including foot travel, horseback riding, mountain biking, boating and fishing. Floating buoy lines have been installed to restrict boat access to the three areas along Whiskeytown Lake’s shoreline near the nesting sites.  The National Park Service is asking the public for cooperation and compliance with the closures to help protect the eagles from disturbances, which can cause nest abandonment and failure. Maps have been placed at all public launch ramps to inform boaters of the closure locations. Historically Whiskeytown Lake has supported two nesting pairs of eagles with 2007 being the first year that three pair have nested along the shoreline of the 3200 acre reservoir. The National Park site encompasses over 42,000 acres and is dedicated to protecting its diverse wildlife populations.

For more information, contact Wildlife Biologist Russ Weatherbee at 530-242-3442.