Seasonal NH Peregrine Falcon cliff closures for 2021

This years closures for NH.

"Greetings all –

Temporary climbing restrictions intended to benefit NH state-listed threatened Peregrine Falcons are currently in effect, and posted at the following 10 New Hampshire cliffs in 2021:

Cathedral Ledge (north end near “Diedre”) in Bartlett, NH

Eagle Cliff (south end) in Franconia, NH

Frankenstein Cliff (front/lower cliff) in Harts Location, NH

Holts Ledge (near cliff top overlook) in Lyme, NH

Kinsman Tsunami Wall in Woodstock, NH

Owls Head (The Big Wall, right of cliff center) in Benton, NH

Painted Walls in Albany, NH

Rumney Rocks (Main Cliff) in Rumney, NH

Russell Crag (Bird Murder and Alchemy) in Woodstock, NH

Woodchuck Ledge (central portion of cliff) in Albany, NH

Peregrine Falcons are also present at roughly a dozen additional NH cliffs where no closures have been posted since recreational use and risk of repeated disturbance is believed to be minimal.

Climbers who encounter an aggressive falcon during any climb at a NH cliff are advised to immediately alter their climbing plan, and to report such incidents to NH Audubon or to NH Fish & Game. 

All posted areas will be reopened no later than August 1, possibly sooner if conditions warrant.  Please share/distribute this list to your climbing colleagues, and THANK YOU!

Chris Martin

Senior Biologist, NH Audubon"

An update to the Eagle Cliff closure after talking with Chris:

Peregrine Falcons have taken up residence on Eagle Cliff. All routes from No. 9 “Hidden Treasure” left to No. 14 “Persistence” are temporarily closed to climbing. Eaglet and Cannon Cliff remain open.  Your cooperation is essential if these birds are to nest successfully. Peregrines are protected by both Federal and State laws. Harassing, pursuing, shooting, killing, trapping, capturing, or attempting to do so is illegal and subject to fines of up to $10,000. 

Anybody know if the Rumney closure is still on?  

Update on from NH Audubon Senior Biologist Chris Martin. 

On Thu, Jul 29, 2021 at 11:55 AM Christian Martin wrote:

Hello climbers and resource managers –

I just wanted to update everyone:

All seasonal climbing closures put in effect in Spring 2021 for NH Peregrine Falcon nest sites (see list below) have been lifted.  Climb on! 

This season, I especially want to acknowledge direct involvement by Bob Hall, Lee Hansche, Torie Kidd, and Andy Casler in management efforts at specific sites.  And thanks again to all for your support of Peregrine Falcon management here in NH! 

Please continue to send me updates when you encounter falcons at any of the areas where you climb.  I look forward to working with you in the 2022 falcon nesting season.