Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: 07/01/2012
Contact: Nichole Andler, Chief of Interpretation, Pinnacles National Monument
Phone: (831) 389-4486

CLIMBING AREAS REOPEN

Rock formations subject to advisory closures to rock climbing and off-trail hiking for protecting nesting falcons and eagles have reopened. According to Superintendent Karen Bepler-Dorn, "All sensitive areas have been reopened and will remain so until next January when the raptors return and begin to select nest areas again." A total of 8 prairie falcon nests successfully produced nestlings and fledged a total of 29 young, representing an average year for Pinnacles prairie falcon productivity. Other nesting raptor species at Pinnacles in 2012 included:

• Red-shouldered
• Red-tailed
• Sharp-shinned
• Cooper's Hawks
• Golden Eagles
• White-tailed Kites
• 3 owl species
• 1 Peregrine Falcon nest at Hawkins Peak

2012 marks the 26th consecutive year of raptor monitoring at Pinnacles National Monument. "We thank the climbers and hikers for their patience and support of our efforts to protect these spectacular birds of prey at Pinnacles. Without your cooperation in avoiding the advisory areas, this program could not be the success that it is," Bepler-Dorn explained. Pinnacles' rock climbing advisories are lifted a few weeks after the nests have fledged. This allows the new fledglings some time to practice flying without being interrupted or disturbed by people.

For more information regarding raptor activity at Pinnacles National Monument, or the park's raptor monitoring program, please call the office of Research and Resource Management at 831-389-4486 x270.