WELSFORD ACCESS - OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS

[john]

Welsford Cochrane Lane cliffs are now reopened for climbing access with a few restrictions to accommodate nesting peregrine falcons. I would like to thank Joe Kennedy, DNR Biologist and Base Gagetwon for their hard work, accommodation and support of access for the UNB Rock and Ice Club.

As previously, members of the rock an Ice Club are to call Base Range Partol (number below) for use of the Area 40 Cochrane Lane cliffs, state your name and that you are a member of the Rock and Ice Club and you will be allowed to climb. Members of the general public must stop by the base to get a day pass.

Due to the presence of nesting Peregrine Falcons sections of the cliff are closed during nesting seasons (approximately March-August, depending on the year). Once the birds have left the nest the whole cliff will reopen until next nesting season, at which point the situation will be evaluated based on that seasons nesting. This is excellent for climbers and birds since the birds will be protected if they nest, if not all access will remain open year round.

Affected Area

The areas affected by the temporary nesting closure are everything left of Minkey Wall, Minkey itself is open. Closed areas until further notice (estimated: the end of August) include: Striated, Gollumns Cave Cheekbone to Honey Pot Wall, Amphitheater and Waterfall Wall for this year. The closed areas are indicated by signs at the trails head of various access paths, as posted. Soon the closed areas will also be indicated on the sign in box map, attached to the pine tree above the box.

Below is a message from Joe Kennedy about the situation:

"CFB Gagetown has removed the temporary closure of Area 40 (Welsford), however all users must notify Range Control prior to entrance by calling 422-2000 (ext. 3121). Also, the area between Waterfall Wall and Gollums Cave is out of bounds until further notice (likely mid August). Peregrine falcons are nesting in that area and have had 3 chicks. CFB Gagetown and NB DNR have established a "no trespass zone" around the nest site in order to protect the critical nesting habitat. The trails leading to Gollums Cave and Waterfall Wall are closed, indicated by signs and ribbons. All climbs left (north) of the Minkey Wall are off limits. Do not trespass within this area. Range Control will be conducting random foot patrols, and DNR Welsford will also enforce protection.

It is an exciting occurrence to have peregrine falcons nesting in Welsford. Once the chicks fledge (leave the nest), the Waterfall Wall area will be opened to climbing again. The chicks will fly around the valley, and climbers will be able to watch the parents tend the young. We as climbers must respect these birds and protect them. Do not violate the no trespass zone, and if you see anyone in this zone, please act responsibly. Inform them they are harassing an endangered species, and to leave the area. If they do not, please call DNR Welsford 486-6000 or DND 422-2000 (ext. 3121). For those who are curious about the nest, it is under an overhanging section of the cliff, therefore not visible from above. There are no photo opportunities, so do not go looking.

Please recognize that climbers access to the cliffs of Welsford is a privilege granted by CFB Gagetown. If we violate any of the regulations, our access may be revoked. Obtaining a day pass from Range Control is a very small fee to pay in order to maintain our continued access. Again, please act responsible. Individual actions affect us all. Thanks for your understanding."

Joe Kennedy
Wildlife Biologist, DNR.

Again, I would thank the Base and Joe for their cooperation in dealing with this issue, as quickly as was done.

John Bowles
President UNB Rock and Ice Club