The BLM announces annual spring avoidance areas to protect raptors in Indian Creek

MONTICELLO, Utah – Each spring, raptors return to the Indian Creek area for nesting. Eagles, falcons, hawks, and other migratory birds use shallow depressions on ledges, cliffs, and rock walls to build nests, often returning to the same site year after year to raise their young. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) asks visitors and recreationists to avoid these areas during critical nesting periods, which typically start in early March and last through late August. The BLM asks visitors to avoid recreational activity in the vicinity of the nest sites along the Indian Creek corridor and maintain a safe viewing distance.

Beginning March 1, the public is asked to avoid climbing in areas that are historically known to have raptor nesting activity or have a high potential for nesting. Areas that have potential nesting activity are referred to in many climbing guidebooks as: The Wall, Far Side, The Meat Walls, Cliffs of Insanity, Public Service Wall, Disappointment Cliffs, Fin Wall, Broken Tooth, Cat Wall, Slug Wall, Reservoir Wall and Critic’s Choice. While this list serves as a guide, it does not indicate every avoidance area or encompass all known names of the affected climbing areas. Please refer to the provided “Raptor Protection Map” to identify avoidance areas. The BLM is coordinating these raptor protection efforts with the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, who is the administrator of the climbing areas known as Disappointment Cliffs and portions of the Second Meat Wall climbing area. The avoidance areas only cover a portion of Disappointment Cliffs, see the map for additional details.

In March, BLM biologists will begin the annual surveys of raptor activity to verify which historic nest sites are being used. Typically, by late April or early May, biologists can identify the nesting areas the raptors have selected. At that time, the areas without active nests will be cleared for recreational use. The BLM asks climbers, campers, and hikers to completely avoid areas with active nests until the young birds have fledged, which is usually by late summer. Biologists will monitor nesting activity throughout the season and keep the recreation community informed of potential changes. Avoidance area notices and maps will be posted throughout the Indian Creek Corridor during the recreation season. 

While falcons and eagles are not overly common sights in southeastern Utah, they are present throughout the Indian Creek area. Keen-eyed observers are sometimes rewarded with their aerial acrobatics. Visitors can watch adult birds hunt or observe the antics of young raptors perfecting their flying techniques. In Utah, these species continue to recover, thanks in part to cooperation from the public, climbing communities and governmental partners. The BLM would like to remind the public there are private land holdings throughout the Indian Creek Corridor. Please respect private landowners’ boundaries and signage.

For questions about raptors, and migratory bird habitat in the Monticello area, please contact Melissa Wardle, Wildlife Biologist. For question regarding climbing routes and avoidance areas please contact Jeremy Martin. Both are with the BLM Monticello Field Office and can be reached at 435-587-1500. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.