Raptor and Raptor Habitat Management
The Cleveland National Forest has been working to ensure that raptors and their habitat across the Forest are proactively managed. Area closures are used to protect nesting grounds and assist with the successful breeding abilities of Prairie Falcons, Peregrine Falcons, and Golden Eagles.
- Glencliff, Descanso Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest
- Corte Madera, Descanso Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest
- Eagle Peak, Palomar Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest
- Gower Mountain, San Diego County Parks and Palomar Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest
- Rock Mountain, Cleveland NF
- El Cajon Mountain, BLM administered by San Diego County Parks and Recreation Department
2023 - Advisories
The El Cajon Mountain and Glencliff Advisories are in effect Dec. 1 through July 31. The Corte Madera Advisory in effect March 1 through July 1.
Current nesting status
- El Cajon Mountain: Active
- Glencliff: Will be posted as information becomes available
- Corte Madera Mountain: Will be posted as information becomes available.
- Eagle Peak: Will be posted as information becomes available
Nesting Activities 2022 and prior
- Glencliff: Golden Eagle nests were initiated in 2008, 2009, and 2010; nests failed all three years. This nest fledged one eaglet in 2011. Nest failed in 2012, 2013, and 2014. No recent nesting activity. Eagles may be using an alternative nest site.
- Gower: Golden Eagles initiated nesting but were unsuccessful in Spring 2010 -2012; no activity in 2013 - 2022.
- Corte Madera: Peregrine Falcons nested successfully at Corte Madera in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, nested but success not confirmed for 2013 - 2022.
- Eagle Peak: Prairie Falcons nested at this site in 2009. Prairie Falcons and Peregrine Falcons attempted nesting in 2010; both nests failed. Both species of falcons nested successfully in 2011 and 2012; falcons nested but success not confirmed in 2013 - 2022.
- Rock Mountain: Nesting activity did not occur at the Rock Mountain site in 2009-2021; nesting may be at an alternate nest site nearby.
- El Cajon Mountain: Golden Eagles nested successfully at this site in 2009, after relocating twice between alternate nest sites. The Golden Eagle nest at El Cajon Mountain was not successful in Spring 2010. This nest was successful and fledged young in 2011 - 2022.
For additional information, please contact the Cleveland National Forest at 858-673-6180.
Closures:
Closures are legal actions implemented through special orders to close an area of National Forest System land to protect public safety, prevent resource damage, and protect wildlife populations, among others. Orders are issued under the authority provided in Title 36, CFR, sections 261.50(a) and (b). Forest Orders that close active nesting areas require people and activities to stay out of a designated area; these orders are enforceable with fines or imprisonment. Closures are employed at 100 or more places in national forests, national parks, state parks, and on other public lands to protect raptors.
Advisories:
Advisories are voluntary, asking people to avoid an area. In this case, to protect nesting birds. If advisories prove ineffective, they may be replaced by a Forest Order closing the area.