News Release

For Release: December 22, 2003
Contact: Bill Dunkelberger or Jim Jennings 760-872-5000
CCal-04-09

BLM Continues Voluntary Closure for Portions of Chalk Bluff

The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office will continue a voluntary seasonal closure of the western part of Chalk Bluff from January 1 through July 31, 2004, to minimize disturbance during the raptors breeding season.

Observations since 1999 have shown a decline in raptors using the area, while an increase in human use has occurred. The voluntary seasonal closure, which began in 2002, encompasses the less-visited part of the bluff, west of the popular "Happy Boulders" and "Sad Boulders" climbing areas.

"While we don't have conclusive evidence of human disturbance to raptors, we request that people voluntarily avoid the closure area to reduce possible impacts to birds," BLM field manager Bill Dunkelberger says.

Biologists believe Chalk Bluff, with steep and complex cliffs just above a prey-rich riparian habitat and air currents conducive to soaring, provides valuable habitat for birds of prey. Several raptor species have been seen hunting and performing courtship display flights along the bluff, and cliff nesting species such as golden eagles and prairie falcons could potentially nest there.

The bluff began to surge in popularity as a "bouldering" recreation destination in 1998. Systematic raptor observations, begun in 1999, showed a golden eagle pair and a prairie falcon started to establish nesting territories that year but abandoned the attempt and did not return in the following years. The number of raptors observed perching and flying along the bluff also declined.

At BLM's request, PRBO Conservation Science (formerly the Point Reyes Bird Observatory) is assessing the need for a more intensive study to determine the extent and causes of the raptor decline. Meanwhile, BLM will continue working to identify and mitigate effects on other values and resources, while maintaining bouldering opportunities in the area.

For more information call the Bishop Field Office at 872-5000.

-BLM-
Bishop Field Office - 785 North Main St., Suite E - Bishop, CA 93514