Peregrine Monitoring Begins

NPS photo, Peregrine Falcon

The National Park Service is again monitoring for Peregrine Falcons at the Endless Wall and Beauty Mountain areas within the New River Gorge National River. The park is asking the public to assist them by using other sites within New River Gorge for climbing, hiking and other outdoor uses starting in mid-February and ending in late-April.

The National Park Service has conducted limited monitoring every year since peregrines were reintroduced to the park in 1987-1990, but no nesting pairs have been found. The NPS believes human activity during the bird’s critical “courtship” period may be one of the key reasons that no nesting activity has been observed in New River Gorge.

Because of the peregrine’s sensitivity to human activities when seeking suitable nesting sites, NPS is asking the public to limit their use of the area located between Diamond Point on Endless Wall and Keeney's Creek drainage for a period of ten weeks - between February 13 and April 29, 2006.

If you plan to hike or climb near the Endless Wall, please consider alternative locations to ensure the effectiveness of this monitoring program. Sites offering similar recreational opportunities are listed below. Additional information can be obtained at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. If you have specific questions or concerns please call (304) 465-6542 or 465-6531.

The NPS is also asking for the public’s help. If you observe Peregrine Falcons near New River Gorge, or would like to participate in the monitoring program, please call the NPS at 304-465-6542.

Contact Information
Ken Stephens 304 465-6531

About the Park

A rugged, white water river, flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. Located in southern West Virginia, New River Gorge National River was established in 1978 to preserve and protect 53 miles of the New River as a free-flowing waterway. This unit of the National Park System encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River between the towns of Hinton and Fayetteville. The park and the surrounding area are rich in cultural and natural history, and contain an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.


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