Falcon closures

Peregrines were de-listed in 1999. The ESA requires a minimum of 5 years of post-delisting monitoring occur. The peregrine team decided that a longer monitoring period would be needed, with a status reassessment to occur in 2015. It's my understanding that Arizona began the post-delisting monitoring process late, so AZGFD might need to continue monitoring the state's falcon population past 2015; they've removed their monitoring plan document from their website...

azgfd.gov/w_c/nongameandend…

If you read the latest AZGFD monitoring report (2012), you'll notice a general assumption that populations may be shrinking. They do note some limitations to their monitoring protocol, however, and I believe these may limit their ability to realistically model changes in falcon populations.

In any event, as far as I know the peregrine is still protected under the ESA's post-delisting process (as well as the IMBA and other regs).

I don't agree with blanket closures, I'd rather see one based on a rational model. The AZGFD uses such a model. I am sure we could get some volunteers to help but we have to convince the rule makers. An area of particular concern is Isolation Canyon. I have seen falcons there since I arrived in 2003 and they continue to live and breed in close proximity to climbers.

Thanks Andy for the link: "The monitors at the tenth site of concern (Pine Canyon) suggested this pair may have been impacted by rock climbers as there is an obvious climbing route through the eyrie cliff"; the entire cliff has routes. The closest route to this breeding pair is Dos Cojones on the southern side of the Main Wall in Isolation Canyon.

I have seen these birds for years. On an early first ascent, Gone Gray, one of the falcons landed on a tree not far from my top out. It just stared. Since then, more people have been climbing here. They continue to nest and produce young occasionally.

I think closures will start to be reduced and follow more logical boundaries once the current generation of wildlife biologists retire and the next takes over. At least that's how it seems here in CA. Lots of "this is how we've always done it and it's easier to just continue" attitudes around here. I'm a volunteer peregrine monitor and biologist myself and still can't get anyone to even consider reviewing the current protocols. (well, the biologist in Sequoia NP has said he will look over the closure for next season, so that's a start. Sequoia National Forest is another story...)

The only more widespread bird species on earth is the rock dove aka pigeon aka sky rat.

The current state of closures only encourages the us vs. them climber vs. conservation attitude that doesn't help anyone!

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to repeat my little rant even though it didn't specifically address your question :)