Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

CROSS-POSTED TO ACCESS ISSUES FORUM

 

I just had another pleasant conversation with John McGowan, the manager of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area, across the street from Royal Columns. The annual eagle nesting closure went into effect on February 1, and is in effect now for the reach of the Tieton River Trail from the Tim Pond Wall to the west (upstream) end of The Bend. This closure includes all points uphill of the trail, not just the trail itself. So that there is no confusion, that means the cliffs are closed to climbing.

 

The closure will be in effect until about April 1, at which time the closure will be limited to a 300-yard-radius around any active nest(s). Normally, this will allow most of the trail to be opened and access to certain cliffs or parts thereof. It has been John’s experience that the eagles are migrating upstream a little further each year. In recent years, the upstream limit of the trail closure would terminate at the metal suspension bridge used to access The Bend. You could go right (upstream) to Moon Rocks, but the trail was closed to the left.

 

So the upshot is if you want to climb in the Tieton River Canyon, go upstream of The Bend. You can start your climbing at Moon Rocks or further upstream and you’ll be all good. And if you see any eagles or falcons up the canyon, be a good steward of wildlife and call John at 509-653-2390 and let him know. Remember, we can all get along!

 

  • Replies 9
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Posted

If you are venturing into the closed area you are putting other areas at risk - nothing happening with raptor closures in WA happens in isolation from all the other areas and crags.

Posted

When I was in engineering school, I thought I studied efficiently.

It involved a calculus text and a 6-pack of cheap beer every night. :)

  • 2 weeks later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




×
×
  • Create New...