Pursuant to 36 CFR l .5(a)(1), the National Park Service (NPS) is temporarily closing certain areas within the boundaries of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park to public use. This closure will apply to public use on and around the cliff face of Maryland Heights, Washington County, Maryland.
Portions of Maryland Heights, identified as areas closed to visitor use activities, beginning February 15th and remaining in effect until July 31st, or until further notice are considered as ideal habitat for breeding peregrines.
Notice of this temporary and partial closure and public use limitation will be made through an orange fence barricade and multi-language signs posted at 25ft. intervals in the affected park areas, such as normal points of entry and reasonable intervals along the boundary of the affected park locale. Finally, pursuant to 36 CFR 1.5 (c), this determination is available to the public upon request.
Justification: Park staff has observed adult peregrines near the cliff face of Maryland Heights engaging in courtship and pre-nesting behavior signaling the birds’ intentions to nest and raise chicks during the spring and early summer. To help ensure their nesting success, a temporary closure will be in effect for areas around the Maryland Heights overlook and cliff face, focusing on The Gully, Sign Wall, ABC Ramps, Train Tunnel Wall and Confederate Walls. Union Wall overlook is the only overlook to remain opened during this temporary closure, all other overlooks will be closed. Union Wall climbing routes will remain open as well. Research has shown that nesting peregrine falcons are particularly vulnerable to human activities on or above cliff faces.
/s/ H. Tyrone Brandyburg
Superintendent, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
January 21, 2022
