Attention hikers: COVID-19, mud, and nesting falcons could affect trail access

April 2, 2021 | By Waterbury Roundabout

Photo courtesy Vt. Fish & Wildlife Dept.

Vermont hikers have multiple factors to consider before heading out to the trails this spring. Some trails may be closed to limit the spread of COVID-19. Many trails are closed due to mud season conditions for the next several weeks. And a third reason a trail may be temporarily shut down: nesting peregrine falcons. 

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation website has information on mud season conditions and the annual call for hikers to steer clear of muddy trails until Memorial Day. In addition, the Trail Finder website offers updates on trail conditions in Vermont and New Hampshire. The site is maintained by the Upper Valley Trails Alliance with support from Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation, the University of New Hampshire and the National Park Service. 

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department along with Audubon Vermont recommend that people check to see if the area they are planning to hike or climb is open and to be on the lookout for nesting falcons.

“Peregrine falcons are very sensitive to human presence during their breeding season, so we ask climbers and hikers to please maintain a respectful distance from all nests,” said state wildlife biologist Doug Morin.  “The areas closed include the portions of the cliffs where the birds are nesting and the trails leading to cliff tops or overlooks.” 

Biologists and community scientists are just now identifying which cliffs are occupied by peregrines, and not all sites have been visited yet. Once closed, these sites will remain closed until August 1 or until the department determines the risk to the birds has passed. A list of closed areas will be posted on the department website and updated in April as visits are completed.

So far, several areas with trails closed due to peregrines within a reasonable distance from Waterbury include Bolton Notch-UUW cliff where cliff access and climbing are closed; portions of Bone Mountain in Bolton; and the southern cliff access at Red Rocks Park in South Burlington. 

The rebound of peregrine falcons from the endangered species list in 2005 is attributed in part to cooperation from the public in avoiding nesting areas, according to wildlife experts. 

Audubon Vermont conservation biologist Margaret Fowle works with volunteers and  conservation professionals to monitor the known nesting sites throughout the season. She said there are several steps people can take to help the conservation efforts. In addition to respecting marked cliff closures, hikers should retreat from any cliff where they see peregrines. Any disturbance of nesting peregrines should be reported to local state game wardens, she said. 

“In many cases the lower portions of the trails remain open, and we encourage people to enjoy watching peregrine falcons from a distance with binoculars or a scope,” Fowle said.  

Finally, report sightings to Fowle with an email to margaret.fowle@audubon.org.