Forest System Road 18 opens and climbing closures in Tensleep Canyon

The Bighorn National Forest has announced that Forest System Road 18, The Old Highway, opened June 16. This roadway provides additional access to recreation opportunities on the eastern side of Tensleep Canyon. 

The BNF advises that recent raptor monitoring confirmed nesting activity in Tensleep Canyon prompting a voluntary closure of the Moby Dick climbing area off Forest System Road 18. The named routes and walls affected are Dough Boy, Queequeg’s Coffin, Cetology Wall and Edge of Starbuck. The area is closed through Aug. 15. According to the Forest, the nest site will continue to be monitored throughout the summer.

According to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, land management agencies are required to prevent a ‘take’ of specific bird species. Among other actions, law states a take includes disturbing the birds while they are nesting.

If you have questions, please contact Bonnie Allison, south zone wildlife biologist, at 307-684-7806 or bonnie.allison@usda.gov.