there is a pair of peregrine falcons at index that nest around the cheeks area (near as i can tell). this pair has fledged young off and on for a number of years. while the species was downgraded last year from "endangered" to a "species of concern" by the federal government, it remains on the state "endangered" species list and is also protected under the migratory bird act. they can be sensitive to human activity during their nesting period from march through the first part of july. it would behoove us climbers to give them a break during this period and avoid the cheeks area or wherever they may be nesting for the year. a voluntary restriction similar to that on midnight rock seems like a good idea to avoid conflicts with the powers that be (the state and feds). besides, relatively few people seem to climb near the cheeks anyway.
