Boulder Canyon Closures Protect Nesting Birds
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - The U.S. Forest Service will be implementing annual closures in Boulder Canyon beginning Feb. 1 in order to protect nesting golden eagles.
The closures will be along Colorado Highway 119, less than two miles east of Boulder Falls. Areas include popular rock climbing spots at Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress, and Security Risk in Boulder Canyon.
These are long-established golden eagle nesting territories, and will be closed through July 31, 2015. Happy Hour, Bihedral and Riviera will remain open with restricted areas.
These closures are important because they, "allow the birds to choose a nest site without human disturbance. The chosen site remains closed until the eagles fledge in late July, but we typically reopen other parts of the area earlier," said wildlife biologist Bev Baker.
It is prohibited by federal and state laws to disturb any nesting bird of prey, and respecting the closures helps to protect wildlife. Signs will be posted at key access points into the closed areas as well as at local climbing shops.
Nesting progress is monitored by the Boulder Ranger District, who has partnered with the Boulder Climbing Community and the Access Fund to also inform climbers about the importance of giving eagles space to raise their young.
