Annual peregrine nesting closures starting soon on Granite Mountain, Thumb Butte

Rock climbing will be prohibited on Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte for peregrine falcon preservation efforts from Feb. 3 to July 15, 2020. (PNF/Courtesy)

Rock climbing will be prohibited on Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte for peregrine falcon preservation efforts from Feb. 3 to July 15, 2020. (PNF/Courtesy)

Climbers have two more weekends to explore the cliff faces of Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte before Prescott National Forest (PNF) officials implement area closures on Monday, Feb. 3.

As they’ve done every year since the 1990s, the PNF will be using the authority granted under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to close these areas between Feb. and July 15, according to a PNF news release.

Both sites have been consistently occupied by peregrines annually for more than 22 years, the release states. The closures have allowed this to happen by ensuring an undisturbed setting and quality nesting habitat essential for peregrines to successfully raise their young.

For both locations, the closures will be the same as previous years, the release states.

On Granite Mountain, it is prohibited to be upon any part of the Granite Mountain rock cliff face or the rim above the rock face and extending 100 feet back from the edge of the cliff face by rock climbing or any other means of access.

On Thumb Butte, both the north and south climbing faces, the top of Thumb Butte, and the areas at the base of the climbing faces will be closed to entry.

No system trails are impacted by the closures, the release states. Trails 33 at Thumb Butte and 261 in Granite Basin Recreation area will remain open for hiking

Maps of the closed areas will be posted throughout both the Thumb Butte and Granite Basin Recreation Area.

The Prescott National Forest is asking local birders to share their field observations of peregrine falcons with their resource managers to provide a better picture of peregrine nesting progress. All observations, photos and information may be sent to Noel Fletcher at noel.fletcher@usda.gov.

Peregrine falcons were once listed under the Endangered Species Act. They continue to be managed under the protection of the federal code of regulations as well as state and federal law.

“Land managers consider the needs of the peregrines and the recreation desires of people to strike a balance where both can effectively use the same space at different times for their respective purposes,” Fletcher stated in a news release.

Any questions about the peregrines and their management on the Bradshaw District may be directed to Fletcher by calling 928-443-8020.

Visitors of the Prescott NF can obtain additional information via the following:

• Prescott NF Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/prescott

• Twitter: @PrescottNF

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/PrescottNF

• Local Ranger Stations: Bradshaw Ranger District, 928-443-8000; Verde Ranger District 928-567-4121


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