West Rock South Buttress Temporarily Closed for Peregrine Nesting 2020
Due to nesting Peregrine Falcons, the South Buttress (ballfield slabs) at West Rock State Park is temporarily closed to rock climbing.
Affected Areas
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The Ragged Mountain Foundation urges hikers and climbers to avoid the some routes located on the South Buttress of West Rock State Park during this critical nesting period (likely March to early August).
The temporary exclusion zone includes all routes in the Ballfield Slabs area, including Nickel & Dime, West Rock Crack and others.
This closure does not affect the Overlook Area or Old Quarry Wall at this time.
Notices will be posted at trailhead areas, online and near crag access locations. Please adhere to any marked route and trail closures posted by CT DEEP, New Haven Parks and the Ragged Mountain Foundation.
According to State of Connecticut biologist, any disturbance that causes nest failure could be a violation of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Why Temporarily Close West Rock?
Peregrine Falcons are considered a State Threatened Species by the State of Connecticut and each spring these raptors return to the West Rock area for nesting. Falcons and other migratory birds use shallow depressions on ledges, cliffs and rock walls, often returning to the same site year after year to raise their young.
Raptors are most vulnerable during their reproductive season and are easily stressed when humans are near their nests. If disturbed, adults may leave the nest making eggs and fledglings vulnerable to exposure and predators.
How it Works
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Volunteer begin surveying nesting areas in late February to determine which historic nest sites are active. By mid March biologists can often determine which nest sites raptors have chosen to use and thus, which areas need to be temporarily closed. CT DEEP officials and biologists will monitor nesting activity throughout the season and keep the public informed of potential changes.
Going Forward
The RMF will continue to post updates to the outdoor and climbing community as soon as CT DEEP is able to lift the closure, likely by August.
RMF and the Access Fund are working together to establish a better working relationship with DEEP around raptor closures at West Rock. The climbing communities willingness to voluntarily refrain from climbing at West Rock will assist those efforts.
The RMF Thanks
Martin Torresquinterro, New Haven Parks, Recreation & Trees
Brian Hess, CT DEEP Wildlife Division
Header Image: Peregrine_Falcon_in_flight.jpg: Kevin Cole CC BY 2.0
