Popular climbing spots closed until July after discovery of raptor nests and roosts
Beginning on Feb. 1, the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks department temporarily closed many popular bouldering and rock climbing areas to protect nesting and roosting areas for golden eagles, bald eagles, prairie falcons and peregrine falcons.
Lefthand Canyon Palisades, Mount Sanitas First Buttress, Third Flatiron, including the East and West Ironing Boards, Skunk Canyon, Bear Creek Spire, Fern Canyon, Shadow Canyon and the entire Mickey Mouse wall will remain closed until July 31. Hiking trails around these areas will remain open.
The areas have been subject to temporary seasonal closures since the OSMP began monitoring raptor nesting and roosting in 1984. As a result, the volunteer-based program has greatly increased raptor populations, fledging 41 golden eagles, 170 prairie falcons and 65 peregrine falcons. In 2003 bald eagles and osprey returned to the protected areas. Volunteers have since observed several nests containing fledglings, a sure sign that the birds feel safe enough in the protected areas to nest.
For Boulder’s climbing community, the closures represents an unfortunate but necessary sacrifice.
“I have a lot of respect for wildlife, especially in Boulder. But it’s disappointing to be banned from those spots,” said Ben Salance, a sophomore engineering design major and frequent climber.
During the winter months Salance climbs at The Spot, a bouldering gym located at 3240 Prairie Ave. But many climbers can agree, nothing beats outdoor climbing on real rock. Also, Chautauqua Park, a popular climbing area, offers a close space for many residents of the Hill.
“The East and West Ironing Boards, in particular, are some great climbing. I don’t have a car so it’s really nice to be able to walk to those areas,” said Ryan Young, a sophomore engineering physics major. “I understand why they do it, but they shut down a lot of the better climbing in Boulder.”
Heather Swanson, an OSMP wildlife ecologist, said that despite the inconvenience, the closures have met minimal resistance.
“The local climbing clubs have been supportive and cooperative all along,” Swanson said.
The court can summon up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1000 fine for trespassing violations.
Boulder is home to many eco-conscious citizens who demonstrate their appreciation for wildlife with regular volunteer work.
“It has been a really successful program. We’ve got a fantastic group of volunteers who keep coming back year after year,” Swanson said.
As long as indoor gyms and other unprotected areas provide climbers with an alternative to the nesting areas, Boulder’s nature areas will be able to retain their feathered inhabitants.
“It kind of makes me wish I was an endangered species, so I could have priority at those spots,” Salance said.
For more information contact Ranger Rick Hatfield at (303) 413-7628.
See the City of Boulder Web site for a complete listing of exact area closures.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer James Collector at james.collector@thecampuspress.com.
