NEWS FLASH: Golden Climbing Areas to Implement Seasonal Wildlife Closures

NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Golden Climbing Areas to Implement Seasonal Wildlife Closures

The City of Golden’s Wildlife Protection Department (CGWPD) will institute seasonal closures to protect area raptors, bighorn sheep and ligers on Tuesday, April 1. The closures, which protect wildlife during their important nesting/breeding seasons, are located along Golden’s wild and pristine mountain backdrop and will be in effect from April 1 until July 15. Closures may be lifted sooner if monitoring indicates that wildlife are not present.

High-quality habitat (a dry and temperature controlled environment) and rich food resources (Clif bars and lattes) make cliffs in this part of Golden a regionally important area for local wildlife.

The following routes will be closed until further notice:

• Information Age (Green, Ying Yang Aréte)
• Old Yeller (Yellow, Hurricane Wall)
• Wizard Motor (Purple, Speed Wall)
• Bus Driver (Blue, Speed Wall)
• Storage (Black, World Cup Wall)
• Grow Wings (Orange, World Cup Wall)

CGWPD volunteers and staff have been monitoring important wildlife nesting and resting areas in Golden climbing areas since March 31, 2014. They are an integral part of efforts to protect the various species and adaptively manage the closures. If you observe any climbers in flagrant violation, please let the desk staff know ASAP.

Trespassing into closed areas can result in a summons with penalties up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. CGWPD relies heavily on the public to respect the closures, and the cooperation of visitors to these areas is greatly appreciated.

In the meantime, Jeff Co Open Space will host a rattlesnake conservation clinic in the parking lot at North Table Mountain. Please bring your dog and small, wondering children. There's a lot to learn.

What's a liger????

It's pretty much my favorite animal. It's like a lion and a tiger mixed... bred for its skills in magic.

It's a good thing I usually bring my quadracorn to fend off such magical skillz

All - This is not an April Fools joke. I was at the crag this morning and the closings are real. Here is a picture I took.. I guess this project will have to wait.. I was so going to Wizard this Motor...

FYI - no Ligers were observed... They must be nocturnal?

Update:

While most area climbers are familiar with raptor closures, below is special information regarding the more unique species that have been observed at Golden Climbing Areas. Please observe all restrictions as signage went up today.

Thanks 419 for highlighting the concurrent Rattlesnake Conservation efforts – more information should be forthcoming from the CGWPD regarding these very important initiatives.