FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest officials are announcing the implementation of restrictions on climbing and other activities on a portion of the cliff face of an area known as the Peaks Crag in order to protect peregrine falcon nests.
Coconino National Forest officials report that biologists have observed nesting behavior by a pair of peregrines at the Peaks Crag site, and due to the location of climbing routes in relation to the nest location, the decision was made to close a portion of the climbing area and access trail to give the birds the opportunity to nest successfully.
The Forest Service will allow climbing on the northern portion of the Peaks Crag from the Kachina Trail, which is accessible from Arizona Snowbowl. However, climbing on the southern portion of the site, which is accessed from Forest Road 522 (Freidlein Prairie Road), is prohibited.
Peregrine falcons were once listed under the Endangered Species Act. They continue to be managed as Forest Service Sensitive Species and State Species of Concern.