-
Big Creek Peregrine Falcon Nesting Area Closure
A closure order is now in effect in the Big Creek Area on the Rexford Ranger District, an area identified as a peregrine falcon nesting spot. The closure is to eliminate potential disturbance from recreational climbers or other recreationists on nesting peregrine falcons.
The closure will be in effect either until it is confirmed no nesting has occurred, when any fledglings have left the nest, or by August 31st, 2025.
Please view the full closure order and map for more information or call the Rexford/Fortine Ranger District at 406-296-2536.
Alert Start Date: March 31st, 2025
Alert End Date: August 31st, 2025
Order Number: 01-14-01-25-03
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Order Number 01-14-01-25-03
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Kootenai National Forest
Rexford/Ksanka Ranger District
Big Creek Area Closure
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and roads, in the Rexford Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area”):
It is prohibited to go into or be upon any area which is closed for the protection of Threatened, Endangered, Rare, Unique, or vanishing species of plants, animals, birds, or fish. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(a) Special Closures.
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
Persons with a Forest Service Permit, specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty. 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e)(4).
DESCRIBED AREA/ROADS/TRAILS
Portions of the Big Creek cliff face and the ridge top areas immediately adjacent to this face, located in Township 35 North, Range 29 West, Section 35, including: the SW ¼; the portion west of, but not including, the FDR road of the south half of the Northeast ¼; and the portion west of, but not including, the FDR road of the SE ¼ ., as depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A and herby incorporated into this Order.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to enact a closure within an area identified as a peregrine falcon nesting area. The closure was designed to eliminate the potential disturbance from recreational climbers or other recreationists on nesting peregrine falcons within the Big Creek nesting area. Disturbance can displace individuals and cause nest abandonment (USDI 1999) during the peak summer season. This is consistent with the goals and desired conditions outlined in the 20 l 5 Kootenai Forest Plan.
IMPLEMENTATION
This Order shall be in effect from March 31, 2025, through August 31, 2025, unless rescinded.
A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/alerts
Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
Contact the Rexford Ranger District in Eureka, MT, (406) 296-2536, for more information about this Order.
This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.
Signed & issued on March 31st, 2025
Chad W. Benson
Forest Supervisor
Kootenai National Forest