Forest Service to Temporarily Close Vermont Cliffs for Peregrine Falcon Nesting

MENDON, VT (March 14, 2025) Two prominent cliff sites on the Green Mountain National Forest’s Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts are once again temporarily closed to protect critical nesting habitat for peregrine falcons. Beginning on March 15, the Rattlesnake Cliff Area (Salisbury) and the Mount Horrid / Great Cliff Area (Rochester) are closed until August 1. Please adhere to the closure signs posted on the trails leading to the cliff overlooks. 

Information regarding the specific locations for the closure areas is available on the Forest Service website. Disturbance of peregrine falcons and / or these nesting grounds is a violation of federal law and may result in a fine up to $5,000 and 6 months in jail. Please report any harassment of nesting peregrine falcons to 1-800-75ALERT. The Forest Service works with Audubon Vermont, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other non-profit organizations to protect peregrine falcons.

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