Big Bend National Park Restricts Access to Preserve Nesting Falcons

Big Bend National Park in Texas has announced the closure of select areas in the Chisos Mountains to protect nesting falcons. This closure will be in effect from February 1st to May 31st, according to a press release. The closure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the falcons during their nesting season.

The areas that will be closed to the public include a portion of the East Rim Trail, starting from the southern junction of the Boot Canyon Trail and extending to a point north of Campsite ER-4. Additionally, the East Rim Campsites ER-4, ER-5, ER-6, ER-7, ER-8, and ER-9 will also be closed during this period. Furthermore, technical rock climbing on rock faces within a quarter of a mile of known peregrine eyries will be off-limits.

The closure is necessary because the Peregrine falcon, although removed from the endangered species list in August 1999, is still considered a threatened species in Texas. As per the National Park Service policies, it is crucial to protect all state-listed species. While no other areas are currently planned to be closed, the NPS reserves the right to modify restrictions if the behavior or nesting sites of the falcons deviate from traditional trends.

Visitors to the park are encouraged to refer to the full release from the National Park Service for further details on the closures and restrictions. By adhering to these measures, visitors can contribute to the conservation efforts and help ensure the continued success of the Peregrine falcon population in Texas.