Falcons monitored

With less than a dozen known nesting pairs in Texas, the peregrine falcon remains on the state's endangered species list.

While the raptor was taken off the federal endangered species list in August 1999, Federal Endangered Species policy requires that peregrine populations continue to be monitored. National Park Service policies require the protection and preservation of all state-listed species and all species of concern, regardless of federal or state classification. In keeping with this mandate, and to provide the nesting falcons with areas free of human disturbance, Big Bend National Park will again temporarily close or place restrictions on the use of certain park lands.

The areas closed to public entry from Feb. 1 through May 31 are:

>> The Southeast Rim Trail and a portion of the Northeast Rim Trail from the Boot Canyon/Southeast Rim junction to a point just north of Campsite NE-4.

>> All Southeast Rim campsites as well as Northeast (NE) campsites 4 and 5 are closed during this period.

Technical rock climbing on rock faces within ¼ mile of known peregrine eyries, as posted, will not be allowed between Feb. 1 and July 15.

The park doesn't plan to close any other areas, but restrictions may be modified if peregrine behavior or nesting sites do not follow traditional trends.

Through the efforts of federal, state and private agencies, the peregrine has staged a remarkable comeback since it was placed on the federal list in 1970.

"The small population found in Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River represents most of the peregrines found in Texas," Superintendent Bill Wellman said. "We appreciate the public support and cooperation that we continue to have for protecting these remarkable birds."