Some Boulder foothills open spaces closed until August to protect golden eagles

Some of the Boulder Flatirons and foothills open spaces are closed until August to help bolster golden eagles’ nesting and breeding.

Lefthand Palisades, Flagstaff Mountain and Skunk Canyon are closed through July 31, starting Tuesday. Golden eagles are known to nest in the Boulder Flatirons, according to a city of Boulder press release.

Under federal law and state wildlife protection plans, Colorado must conserve the birds’ ability to make nests and lay eggs, the release states.

The Flatirons are one of the top nesting spots for raptors across the western United States, and city officials monitor the birds’ behavior annually to make sure seasonal closures help during nesting season, according to the release.

Closures can be lifted early if officials determine the birds aren’t nesting. During the previous closure, officials documented two successfully fledged golden eagle nestlings, which the city touts as a promising sign for golden eagles in the area.

Residents and climbers are asked to use the Open Space and Mountain Parks’ seasonal closure map for the most current information throughout the season.

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