Prohibition imposed on rock climbers and hikers to safeguard vulnerable falcons and eagles during their breeding period at premier cliffs and trails.
Ranty Rambles:
America's rock-climbing enthusiasts have been met with a cruel twist this season - no access to their favorite crags, cliffs, and rock walls. You guessed it! Raptors are back in town, all set to build nests and raise babies, and the government isn't having it.
Playtime's over, folks. In the coming months, we're looking at a crackdown on climbers across the country, especially in popular spots like the Rocky Mountains National Park and Indian Creek wildlife area. Officials are banning climbers from scaling several prime routes, like Thunder Buttress and Bookmark Pinnacle in the Rocky Mountains, and a bunch of routes in Indian Creek, where falcons, eagles, and hawks return annually to nest.
Don't even think of setting foot in Zion National Park, either. They're planning on closing multiple routes at the end of March, right when the peregrine falcon nesting season kicks off. But it's not just climbers who are getting the boot. Hikers in Vermont will have to keep their legs to themselves to protect the state's sensitive peregrine falcon population.
Now, before you start cussing out these park officials, remember - it's all about the birds. Peregrine falcons are as delicate as they come, and a little human interference can jeopardize their success. It's tough love, but it's for a good cause. Bottom line - respect the divas of the skies, and they'll keep soaring overhead for our amusement.
But fear not, adventure seekers! These temporary closures won't last forever. Most trails are set to open back up by August 1. And who knows? Maybe you'll even be lucky enough to witness the miracle of a tiny falcon taking its first flight while you're out there (from a safe, respectful distance, of course!).
P.S. - If you're into climbing, don't forget to snag a pair of our top picks for climbing shoes and hiking hats. You'll need them when the trails reopen!
- PAndemonium Rock climbing shoes: Get a grip on all your indoor and outdoor climbs
- Full Throttle Hiking hats: Chillax with cozy beanies for mountains or sunny days
Sources:
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Bear Lake Road Closure Information. (2021). Retrieved from www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/bear-lake-road-closure.htm
- Yosemite National Park: Peregrine Falcons. (2021). Retrieved from www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/peregrine.htm
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Peregrine Falcon. (2021). Retrieved from www.fws.gov/ends/peregrine.cfm
- Bureau of Land Management: Rock Art Management. (2021). Retrieved from www.blm.gov/programs/resources/rock-art-management
- National Park Service: Raptors in the Parks. (2021). Retrieved from www.nps.gov/articles/raptors-in-the-parks.htm
- While the rock-climbing industry experiences temporary closures due to nesting peregrine falcons, environmental-science experts remind us of the importance of preserving our natural habitats for these delicate creatures.
- As renewable-energy sources continue to grow in the finance sector, some scientists argue that the generation of wind and solar energy might indirectly impact the migration patterns of raptors, potentially disrupting their climate-change adaptations.
- In response, the sports industry is stepping up with organizations like the Climbing Environmental Protection Association (CEPA), whose goal is to provide climbers with guidelines for responsible practice and to promote sustainable access to climbing areas.
- Meanwhile, the global industry is also investing in research and development of bird-friendly wind turbines and solar farms, demonstrating a commitment to both the production of clean energy and the protection of our environment.
