Three hikers violated a wilderness closure at Acadia National Park/NPS
Acadia National Park rangers are hoping to learn the identities of three individuals who violated a closure order in place to protect nesting peregrine falcons on the east face of Champlain Mountain.
According to a park release, two men and a woman were seen partway up the Precipice Trail on the morning of July 24. Most of the east face of Champlain Mountain, including the entirety of the Precipice Trail, is closed for several months every year to support the protection of Peregrine Falcons, their nesting sites, and surrounding habitat. Peregrine Falcons are a federally protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Precipice Trail Closure/NPS
Research has shown that nesting peregrine falcons are particularly vulnerable to human activities, which can disturb the adults and make them less attentive to the eggs or chicks. Human activities near a nesting area can lead to temporary or permanent abandonment of the nest by the adults leaving chicks susceptible to hypothermia, starvation, and predation.
This closure is clearly marked at the trail site, and it is widely publicized across various platforms, including Acadia National Park’s official website and social media accounts. Information from other visitors is often very helpful to investigators. If you were in the area of the Precipice Trail on July 24, 2024, or if you have information that could help, please contact the park. You don’t have to tell rangers who you are, but they ask that you share what you know.
CALL the NPS Tip Line 888-653-0009
ONLINE go.nps.gov/SubmitATip EMAIL [email protected]
EMERGENCY dial 9-1-1
Closeups of two men who the Park Service said violated a trail closure/NPS
Comments
The consequences for these transgressions should be high fines and long jail times. Obviously a slap on the hand is not enough.
Severe fines should be imposed on the individuals if they are apprehended and a required course on wildlife importance.
Might be helpful to have a system to lock down Acadia. Kinda like what they had in effect when the CDC had their research lab right next door. Which is also questionable judgement, but hey.
Why lock down Arcadia because of these stupid individuals that don't know how to read signs. Give them ALL a hefty fines and have them do some trail maintenance in the park. Maybe then they will learn to have some pride in our parks.
People having no consideration for the health of park inhabitants are just total idiots! My family , without me, did the Behive trail. That was enough for them!
Geez3! Are you serious? Long Jail Time? Rather Draconian and out of proportion to the offense here
Who makes the rules D.A.? Surely not you D.S.
More, and discreet, trail cams.