Date: May 27, 2017
Contact: Nancy Stimson, 307 467 5283
Devils Tower, WY –
An updated climbing closure is in effect after peregrine falcons were observed in nesting behavior on the southeast face of the Tower.
For the safety of climbers and to protect the nesting falcons, a temporary closure is in effect. Routes on the southeast face and the southeast edges of the Tower summit, including the east side of the Meadows and the standard Meadows finish, are closed. The closure includes 31 routes between, “Hollywood and Vine” and “Belle Fourche Buttress” inclusive.
An earlier temporary closure implemented in March is no longer in effect. A complete list of all routes in the currently closed area is available at the climbing office, climber registration kiosk, and on the monument website and social media.
“The closure is implemented not only to protect the birds, but also to protect climbers, as falcons are known to dive in order to defend their nests,” said Tim Reid, Superintendent. Climber presence near or above falcon nests can be distressing to parent birds, and disturbance from climbing activities may force falcons to abandon eggs or chicks.
Climbers are asked to report any defensive falcon behavior to park staff. Park biologists will monitor falcon activity and the closure will remain in effect until the falcons are no longer dependent on the nest site. The falcon nesting closure will be actively patrolled and strictly enforced by park rangers.
Climbers are reminded that a voluntary climbing closure is also in effect for the month of June. The 1995 Devils Tower Climbing Management Plan established this voluntary closure for all climbing on the Tower out of respect for American Indian cultural values. Climbers are requested to consider not climbing the Tower during June.
To learn more about Devils Tower National Monument visit www.nps.gov/deto or www.facebook.com/Devils-Tower-National-Monument-Official-NPS-Site or twitter.com@DevilsTowerNM or Instagram at #devilstowernps
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~NPS~
