Kevin Rooney
New member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2003
- Messages
- 3,667
- Reaction score
- 354
Cliff tops closed
June 25, 2006
Staff Report
WATERBURY — Early summer is a great time to explore Vermont's hillsides. But, before you head out, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department recommends you make sure the cliff area you're planning to hike or climb is open.
Eight cliff areas are currently closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons.
"We close the cliffs to reduce the chance of people disturbing the nesting birds," said Doug Boldgett, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department biologist. "Peregrine numbers are steadily increasing, but the population remains vulnerable. We had 23 pair successfully rear young last year. The areas will be closed until Aug. 1, but if a falcon pair doesn't nest or if the nest is not successful, the areas will be reopened."
The areas closed include the portions of the cliffs where the birds are nesting and the trails leading to the cliff tops or overlooks. In many cases the lower portions of the trails are still open. Signs are posted at the trailhead or along the trail indicating which areas are off limits.
Cliff areas or portions of cliff areas currently closed include:
# Nichols Ledge in Woodbury — cliff top and overlook only.
# Fairlee Palisades in Fairlee – cliff top and overlook only.
# Deer Leap in Bristol – cliff top and overlook only.
# Bolton Notch in Bolton – cliff only – Preston Pond trail is open.
# Rattlesnake Point in Salisbury – southern overlook only – western overlook is open.
# Barnet Road Cut in Barnet – scenic pullout on Route 5 is closed.
# Snake Mountain in Addison – small portion of southern cliff top – all trails are open.
# Ryegate Quarry in Ryegate.
Peregrine falcons disappeared from Vermont in the mid-1900s when widespread use of pesticides caused reproductive failure. Recovery efforts, led by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, began in the 1970s with the first reintroduction of captive-bred peregrines.
The Vermont peregrine falcon recovery project, a partnership between Vermont Fish & Wildlife, National Wildlife Federation, Vermont Institute of Natural Science and others monitored and protected peregrine nesting sites over the past two decades, and has successfully restored Vermont's peregrine falcon population.
In April 2005, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources removed the peregrine falcon from Vermont's Endangered and Threatened Species List.
Updated information on cliff closures is listed on the Fish & Wildlife Department Web site: www.vtfishandwildlife.com.
or by calling 241-3700. You can report peregrine sightings by calling Vermont Fish & Wildlife or emailing [email protected].
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(courtesy of Barre Times Argus, 6/25/06)
June 25, 2006
Staff Report
WATERBURY — Early summer is a great time to explore Vermont's hillsides. But, before you head out, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department recommends you make sure the cliff area you're planning to hike or climb is open.
Eight cliff areas are currently closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons.
"We close the cliffs to reduce the chance of people disturbing the nesting birds," said Doug Boldgett, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department biologist. "Peregrine numbers are steadily increasing, but the population remains vulnerable. We had 23 pair successfully rear young last year. The areas will be closed until Aug. 1, but if a falcon pair doesn't nest or if the nest is not successful, the areas will be reopened."
The areas closed include the portions of the cliffs where the birds are nesting and the trails leading to the cliff tops or overlooks. In many cases the lower portions of the trails are still open. Signs are posted at the trailhead or along the trail indicating which areas are off limits.
Cliff areas or portions of cliff areas currently closed include:
# Nichols Ledge in Woodbury — cliff top and overlook only.
# Fairlee Palisades in Fairlee – cliff top and overlook only.
# Deer Leap in Bristol – cliff top and overlook only.
# Bolton Notch in Bolton – cliff only – Preston Pond trail is open.
# Rattlesnake Point in Salisbury – southern overlook only – western overlook is open.
# Barnet Road Cut in Barnet – scenic pullout on Route 5 is closed.
# Snake Mountain in Addison – small portion of southern cliff top – all trails are open.
# Ryegate Quarry in Ryegate.
Peregrine falcons disappeared from Vermont in the mid-1900s when widespread use of pesticides caused reproductive failure. Recovery efforts, led by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, began in the 1970s with the first reintroduction of captive-bred peregrines.
The Vermont peregrine falcon recovery project, a partnership between Vermont Fish & Wildlife, National Wildlife Federation, Vermont Institute of Natural Science and others monitored and protected peregrine nesting sites over the past two decades, and has successfully restored Vermont's peregrine falcon population.
In April 2005, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources removed the peregrine falcon from Vermont's Endangered and Threatened Species List.
Updated information on cliff closures is listed on the Fish & Wildlife Department Web site: www.vtfishandwildlife.com.
or by calling 241-3700. You can report peregrine sightings by calling Vermont Fish & Wildlife or emailing [email protected].
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(courtesy of Barre Times Argus, 6/25/06)
