Boise Climbers Alliance

The Massacre Rocks closure has been listed on the Federal Register. That means you have thirty days to comment on the closure. BE HEARD, WRITE A LETTER. Send your letter and/or comments to the BLM by going to their website http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/info/nepa.html, emailing them id_burley_fo_@blm.gov, mailing them 15 East 200 South Burley, ID 83318 or faxing them at 208-677-6699 PLEASE ACT NOW!

Massacre Rocks has the potential to be shut down to climbing. Please read below and help us keep the area open to climbing.

An action is being proposed by the BLM to restrict or eliminate access to 600 acres of BLM that is currently used as a recreational climbing area. Before any decision is made final on the Proposed Action, the BLM must issue a public notice in the Federal Register. It is expected to be published soon. Once this notice is issued, the public will have 30 days to comment on this proposal. Once the comment period is ended, the BLM will initiate the National Environmental Policy Act process and conduct an environmental review of the area. This will take a year or so to complete.

The area in which climbing occurs is within the Cedar Field Archaeological site, an area officially designated as containing cultural resources. The Shoshone-Bannock tribes have expressed concern for the preservation fo the site. This is the reason for the proposed closure. It encompasses all climbs except a small area north of the All American Wall.

The area is NOT currently closed to climbing.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
1. Express your concerns either in writing or by telephone (writing provides a good public record) to Mike Courtney at the BLM office.
2. Provide comments in responses to the notice on the Federal Register public comment period within 30 days of the notice.
3. Spread the word of the closure and actions to take to other climbers.
4. Participate in an organized group effort to address this issue.
5. Ask to be added to a master email list by contacting Troy Neu at tneu@oldtownembroidery.com or (208) 251-9910.

Please contact Mike Courtney at the BLM Burley Field Office to express your concerns. Telephone number: (208) 677-6635 or email mcourtney@blm.gov

New Nesting Raptor Buffer Zones at the Black Cliffs

Greeting Boise Climbers!

Recent raptor nesting activity has prompted the establishment of two new nesting raptor buffer zones at the Black Cliffs.

I have placed a buffer zone sign approximately 15 feet to the left of the route “Chronic Load” to protect nesting Prairie Falcons in Scary canyon. The route “Chronic Load” is still open, but the climbs to the left will likely be closed until the young fledge in late July or Early August.

I have also established a buffer zone that includes the entire Nixon Head Crag to protect another pair of nesting Prairie Falcons. I have posted a sign on the Nixon Head side of the gully trail leading down to the Nixon Head and Easter Island. Due to the concentrated nature of the climbs at this crag and the fierce territoriality of these birds in the past, I feel that it is best for everyone if we give these birds their space until the young are ready to leave the nest. This will likely be until late July or early August….so if you have a project at this crag, you’ll have plenty of time to train hard so you can crush it in the late summer or early fall.

Finally, I have received reports that there may be some nesting great horned owls near the top of “Prominent Crack.” Right now, I’m advising that climbers avoid climbing this route and any routes in the immediate vicinity. While it is likely that the nestlings at this nest are old enough to tolerate some mild disturbance, adult great horned owls often will attack animals (and people) that intrude upon their nest areas.

I’ll update these buffer zones and advisories as I get more information from my next round of surveys.

Again, thank you for respecting these closures and giving Boise climbers the excellent reputation that they have when it comes to respecting our wildlife and being good stewards of our climbing areas.

Thanks,

Dusty Perkins
BCA Biologist
Science Outreach Coordinator

Walkthrough of the trails and cliffs to preview work to be done at Adopt-a-Crag 2011. Meet in the Short Cliffs parking lot.

Hello Boise Climbers,

I'd like to provide you with an update regarding current raptor buffer zones and voluntary closures at the Black Cliffs as of 5/23/2011.

Currently the only established buffer zone is in West Car Body Canyon neat “The Doug Scott Route” due to nesting owls.

I've posted a new buffer zone that includes only the immediate area near the nest site. It extends from "Road Kill" and includes "The Doug Scott Route," "Thin Line" (which share anchors) and “No Dental Records and "Boogers on a Lampshade" (also which share anchors. Climbers can climb further back continuing to the end of the canyon beginning with "Neon Nazi" and "Lancelot."

Thank you for respecting these voluntary route closures. They ensure that we can continue to access this public land that is home to many wild animals. If you encounter other raptors that appear to be nesting or who are displeased with your presence, please respect their boundaries. You may also report any raptor activity to bcaboard@boiseclimbers.org or dperkins405@yahoo.com.

Thanks everyone!

Dusty Perkins
BCA Biologist
Science Outreach Coordinator