Dear Rock Climbing Community,

It’s the time of year to welcome back North Carolina’s peregrine falcons.  While the peregrine falcon was removed from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered species list in 1999, it remains listed as sensitive by the Regional Forester and endangered by the state of North Carolina. These designations continue to afford the peregrine falcon protection as the Forest Service and partner agencies work to conserve and protect the species.

Twelve pairs nested in 2009, seven of which were on Forest Service lands.  Only three of the twelve pairs produced fledglings, indicating that reproductive success continues to be a concern. Young chicks startled prior to acquiring full flight capability will run off the edge of the cliff attempting to escape the threat.  Entry into a closure site after the chicks have hatched but before they can fly will almost certainly cause this response. 

Until such time as western North Carolina can maintain a healthy reproduction rate and successfully raise young peregrine falcons, the existing closures will be maintained, posted, and enforced.

Closure areas:

1.    Whitesides Mountain, Nantahala Ranger District

2.    Big Lost Cove Cliffs and Linville Gorge (Shortoff Mountain and NC Wall), Grandfather Ranger District

3.    Whiterock Cliff, Madison County and Eagle Cliff, Mitchell County, Appalachian Ranger District

4.    Looking Glass Rock, Pisgah Ranger District

Entry into or upon the areas defined above is prohibited between January 15 and August 15.  Areas are defined by orange painted boundary or posted signs.  This closure is in effect whether or not signs are present.

Please contact Sheryl Bryan, Forest Wildlife Biologist (sbryan [at] fs [dot] fed [dot] us, 828-257-4271), with questions regarding these areas or would like a copy of the closure notice or maps.  This information is also available at the ranger district offices listed on the attachment.  Thank you for your continued cooperation with restoration efforts for this magnificent bird of prey.