The BLM completes first phase of nesting surveys in the Indian Creek area
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) appreciates the public’s help in avoiding potential raptor nesting areas in the Indian Creek climbing area. The first phase of surveys are complete. There are several active nests in the area, in part, because of climbers and hikers voluntarily avoiding the identified areas. The BLM will continue to monitor the area and conduct additional surveys with our partners.
The BLM asks climbers and hikers to continue avoiding areas with walls commonly referenced in climbing guides and websites as The Wall, The Meat Walls, Cliffs of Insanity, Public Service Wall, Disappointment Cliffs, Fin Wall, Cat Wall, and Reservoir Wall as monitoring is ongoing in these areas. Please see the attached map of the avoidance areas. Over a thousand other climbing routes are available, anticipated to be free of active nests, and can be approached without risk of endangering young birds or successful fledging. This includes several routes previously avoided that have been cleared by biologists. If you observe raptors mating or nesting, please avoid them and report the locations to the BLM or Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration.
The BLM will continue monitoring efforts throughout the season. The BLM will notify the public once young birds have fledged and when the remaining avoidance areas are lifted (likely before the fall climbing season begins). Trailhead notices and maps will be updated as avoidance areas are lifted.
For questions about raptors and migratory bird habitat or recreational climbing in the Indian Creek area, please contact Melissa Wardle, Wildlife Biologist, or Jason Byrd, Recreation Planner, at the BLM Monticello Field Office 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.
The BLM manages more than 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.