Boise Climbers Alliance

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