June 8, 2012 - City lifts some seasonal raptor closures early and adds a new closure

Media Contacts:
Eric Stone, Open Space and Mountain Parks, 303-441-3440
Sarah Huntley, Media Relations, 303-441-3155
www.bouldercolorado.gov
www.osmp.org

City lifts some seasonal raptor closures early and adds a new closure

Several seasonal raptor closures will be lifted early by the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) department.
 
The following closures have been lifted as of today, Friday, June 8:

• Lefthand Palisades
• Shadow Canyon (Matron remains closed)
• Diamond Head
• Mesa Sand and Gravel
• Damyanovich
• Walker
• Kelsall

OSMP Wildlife Biologist Will Keeley has determined these closures were not needed as there has not been nesting activity in these areas this year. These areas will be closed at the start of the nesting season again next year in the hope the birds will return.

“As part of our adaptive management strategy, OSMP routinely lifts closures when species do not nest in managed areas,” Keeley said.

A new closure to protect nesting burrowing owls has been established south of Lookout Road in the Gunbarrel Hill area, effective today. No designated trails will be affected by this closure. However, some undesignated trails will be. More details concerning this closure can be found on the OSMP website.

 “The City of Boulder has been monitoring raptor nesting and roosting areas since 1984 and it has become an important part of protecting the species in the area.  Volunteers are an integral part of the success of this program.  Thank you to all the volunteer raptor monitors! Additionally, OSMP relies heavily on the public to respect the closures, and the cooperation of visitors to these areas is greatly appreciated,” Keeley said.

For more information about these and other closures on OSMP properties, please call 303-441-3440 or visit www.osmp.org 

Last Updated on Friday, 15 June 2012 07:42