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Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte to Close

Peregrine Falcon in flight, California

Peregrine Falcon in flight, California

Sedona AZ (January 24, 2014) – Folks have one weekend for climbing opportunities before Prescott National Forest officials implement restrictions on climbing and other activities on the cliff faces of both Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte starting Saturday, February 1, 2014.

For Granite Mountain, the closure will be the same as it has been for the past nineteen years:  It is prohibited to be upon any part of the Granite Mountain rock cliff face or the rim above the rock face and extending 100 feet back from the edge of the cliff face by rock climbing or any other means of access. Trail 261 will remain open. Maps of the closed areas will be posted throughout the Granite Basin Recreation Area.

On Thumb Butte, both the north and south climbing faces, the top of Thumb Butte, and the areas at the base of the climbing faces will be closed to entry. Trail 33 will remain open for hiking. For the past twelve years, this closure has provided the protection peregrines need to produce young birds from their nest site on Thumb Butte. Maps of the closed area will be posted around the Thumb Butte area.

View of Bradshaw Ranger District

View of Bradshaw Ranger District

The closures will begin February 1 and last until July 15, 2014. Volunteers may be monitoring the peregrines at both sites to track their status and hopefully provide information about peregrine nesting progress.

Peregrine falcons were once listed under the Endangered Species Act. Due to many changes in management practices, peregrine falcons have since recovered from that vulnerable status. They continue to be managed under the requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which affords land managers the opportunity to provide peregrines the appropriate environment needed for successfully nesting and raising young birds.

If you have any questions about the peregrines and their management on Bradshaw District, please feel free to call Noel Fletcher 928-443-8020. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, visit the office at 344 South Cortez Street, Prescott, Arizona.

For the best in Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

For the best in Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

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