BNF Announces Climbing Closures in Tensleep Canyon

The Bighorn National Forest has announced that due to current raptor nesting activity, climbing routes on the Munitions and Oblivion climbing walls in Tensleep Canyon have a voluntary closure. The closures are effective immediately through Aug. 15 and the nest sites will be monitored throughout the summer.

A news release from the Bighorn National Forest states this closure includes all climbing on the Munitions and Oblivion climbing walls in the Valhalla area. The BNF stated the agency is not involved in the naming of rock climbing routes, they are named by route developers and first ascensionists.

The BNF warns nesting raptors can be very aggressive, for your safety and the safety of the birds please respect the closure. According to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, land management agencies are required to prevent “a take” of specific bird species. Among other actions, the law states that “a take” includes disturbing the birds while they are nesting.

If you have questions, please contact Tracy Pinter, wildlife biologist, at 307-674-2600 or tracy.pinter@usda.gov. 

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