Grand Wall: falcon nest on right side of Bellygood

[harihari]

Did the Grand lite yesterday. Falcons are nesting on climber's right of Bellygood Ledge. I will let BC Parks know. If you are planning on doing the Grand, finish via Upper Black Dyke, Roman Chimneys etc-- do NOT walk off to climber's right. The momma falcon we saw yesterday was not happy to have us there.

[Anders Ourom]

The generic annual falcon closure notice is on the section of B.C. Parks' website relating to the park, at its start. See http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explor ... /stawamus/

Hopefully Parks can quickly determine where the nest is, and provide a detailed route closure notice for this spring/summer. It sounds for now as though climbers should not use the south part of Bellygood Ledge, or climbs from (about) the Black Dyke over to and past Millennium Falcon, at least - maybe more.

[Dooley]

Good job bring this to everyones attention. I wouldnt want a falcon dive bombing me. Had to deal with seagulls in Newfoundland doing this!

[Tyrone Brett]

Hi from the SAS,

We spoke with BC Parks yeseterday evening and they are monitoring the situation today (April 14th 2010) and will get back to us with confirmed closure information which we will post here and on our website.

In the mean time we advise that climbers avoid the area mentioned to the right of bellygood (roughly described by Anders above).

Some background:
Following last year's Grand Wall route closure, the falcon issue was raised last July in a meeting with the SAS and Parks about the best methodology to use in determining closures. Most recently it has been discussed this winter at the climbers advisory group which is working with Parks on a number of issues.

Parks has commited to an enhanced draft- monitoring program which includes the use of a wildlife bioligist specializing in Falcons. it is our understanding that the determination made in the next few days will be based on observations made by the specialist.

Again, we'll post promptly any details and Parks has committed to get clear signage up asap.

Thanks for all the climbers keeping a look out,
Tyrone
Squamish Access Society

[Tyrone Brett]

Hi,
Just an update that Parks has been monitoring a falcon presence on the Grand Wall to the right of belly good but to date has not confirmed nesting behaviour. As a result, there are currently (as of April 24th 2010) no closures in effect.

Tyrone Brett
Squamish Access Society