Prescott National Forest lifting closure order on bald eagle nesting area
Jun 29, 2019, 5:00 AM
(Photo By Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
(Photo By Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
PHOENIX — After seven months in isolation away from human influence, a bald eagle nesting area is reopening to the public.
The Ladders Bald Eagle closure area located just south of Camp Verde along the Verde River is expected to open Monday, according to a Prescott National Forest press release.
The area is closed yearly from December 1 to June 30 to help protect the animals from disturbances during their breeding and nesting period, the release said.
The bald eagle breeding grounds have had restricted access since the animals were officially listed as endangered in 1967, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Though the species, which has been the national bird since 1782, almost went extinct, it was eventually removed from the endangered list in 2007 following successful conservation efforts.
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This year, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has confirmed one young from the eagles, marking a successful reproduction period. Bald eagles typically lay up to three eggs each year, although it is unlikely all three will survive.
With the closure order lifted, the public will have access to Forest Road 9709R from its junction to Forest Road 574. Parts of Forest Road 500 and Forest Road 9244 south of Cottonwood Basin will also be open for public use.
