April 02, 2019 - 8:43 AM
GILLETTE, Wyo. - Climbing routes on the west face and southwest shoulder of Devils Tower National Monument are temporarily closed to protect nesting peregrine and prairie falcons.
The Gillette News Record reports that the temporary closure at the nation's first national monument began Monday and is implemented to provide the falcons with an undisturbed nesting location.
There are 47 climbing routes affected by the closure. However, more than 100 climbing routes on the monument remain open.
Nancy Stimson with the National Parks Service at Devils Tower says the closure will stay in effect as long as the falcons are nesting. That can take months, sometimes stretching into July or August.
Stimson added that staff biologists regularly monitor the birds so officials know when to open those routes.
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Information from: The Gillette (Wyo.) News Record, http://www.gillettenewsrecord.com
News from © The Associated Press, 2019