The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that effective immediately, a section of the West Rock Ridge cliff face at West Rock Ridge State Park in New Haven will be closed for purposes of recreation safety and the protection of state-threatened peregrine falcons.
At the recommendation of both the DEEP State Parks and Wildlife Divisions, this closure is being enacted to reduce the likelihood of interactions between territorial falcons which can be highly aggressive in the defense of their nests, presenting a significant safety hazard to climbers, and to avoid human disturbance of the immediate nesting area which would lead to nest failure and territory abandonment.
Area closed signs and caution tape will be placed at the base of the cliff to clearly identify which section of the cliff has been closed to recreational use. This temporary closure will remain in effect until July 31, 2018. If the Falcons have completed their nesting period prior to that date, the closure will be lifted.
*Image courtesy CT.Gov
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