Midnight and Noontime Rocks Closure

[jon]

MIDNIGHT AND NOONTIME ROCKS AND VICINITY CLOSED TO ENTRY APRIL 1 TO JULY 31

To Protect Nesting Raptors.

 

By Order 36 CFR 261.53 (a). Violations are punishable by fine and

imprisonment.

 

Attention Climbers

 

Raptors have been observed on and between Midnight and Noontime Rocks. To

protect these birds during the nesting period these rocks and the area

immediately above and between them is closed to all entry. During the

nesting period, the site will be monitored and if conditions warrant, some

restrictions may be lifted.

 

Climbers are not the only creatures drawn to Leavenworth's rock faces. The

walls are also crucial breeding areas for birds of prey. They are

sensitive to human disturbance during their nesting and roosting cycle.

Peole who stray too close to a nest can scare off parent birds or elicit an

attack. Even if the nest is not abandoned, disturbance can cause nest

failure. Eggs need to be constantly incubated so they do not become too

hot

or cold. Newly hatched raptors can not regulate their own body temperature

and frightened juvenile birds may attempt to fly before they are ready. It

is critical that everyone abides by posted seasonal closures in order to

protect the birds.

 

Thank you! Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests, Lake Wenatchee &

Leavenworth Ranger Districts (509)548-6977

[mattp]

I spoke to the biologist about this annual closure when she was at last Fall's cc.com ropeup. She explained to me that this pair is one of two pairs of Pergrine Falcon's that nest in the entire Leavenworth Disrict. It that is so, I think we ought to be willing to cooperate with this annual closure even though it comes in the part of the year where we're all itching to get out on the crags.

 

It's not like there is no place else to climb around Leavenworth.

[Szyjakowski]

10 more days...

[mattp]

Today, I received the following via e-mail:

 

MIDNIGHT AND NOONTIME ROCKS AND VICINITY CLOSED TO ENTRY APRIL 1 TO JULY 31

To Protect Nesting Raptors.

 

By Order 36 CFR 261.53 (a). Violations are punishable by fine and

imprisonment.

 

Attention Climbers

 

Raptors have been observed on and between Midnight and Noontime Rocks. To

protect these birds during the nesting period these rocks and the area

immediately above and between them is closed to all entry. During the

nesting period, the site will be monitored and if conditions warrant, some

restrictions may be lifted.

 

Climbers are not the only creatures drawn to Leavenworth's rock faces. The

walls are also crucial breeding areas for birds of prey. They are

sensitive to human disturbance during their nesting and roosting cycle.

People who stray too close to a nest can scare off parent birds or elicit

an

attack. Even if the nest is not abandoned, disturbance can cause nest

failure. Eggs need to be constantly incubated so they do not become too

hot

or cold. Newly hatched raptors can not regulate their own body temperature

and frightened juvenile birds may attempt to fly before they are ready. It

is critical that everyone abides by posted seasonal closures in order to

protect the birds.

 

Thank you! Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests, Wenatchee River Ranger

District, Leavenworth Ranger Station (509)548-6977