BLM asks climbers to avoid Long Canyon routes to protect bighorn sheep
MOAB, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management asks climbers to voluntarily avoid rock climbing in Long Canyon from April 1 through June 15 to help protect desert bighorn sheep during a critical time in their reproductive cycle. Climbing areas affected include all developed and undeveloped crags within Long Canyon, including Maverick Buttress and Reptilian Wall.
Bighorn are sensitive to human-caused disturbances and tend to seek remote areas to raise their young. Long Canyon, which provides vital “escape terrain,” is a prime example of irreplaceable wildlife habitat, serving as an essential refuge for this and other Canyon Country species. The cliffs allow the sheep to evade predators by navigating steep, rocky landscapes. Avoiding these areas ensures that ewes and lambs can remain undisturbed, maximizing the success of survival for bighorn in the area.
To help minimize disturbances, the BLM asks climbers to use alternative routes, which are many, during this window.
For more information, please contact the BLM Moab Field Office at [email protected], or call 435-259-2100.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.