Climbing Advisories In Effect (01/17/2008)
January 17, 2008
For Immediate Release
Eric Brunnemann (831) 389-4486
Annual measures to protect nesting raptors of Pinnacles National Monument will be reinstated as of January 17, 2008, according to Park Superintendent Eric Brunnemann. Last year 12 pairs of prairie falcons produced a total of 33 fledglings. Additionally, the monument had successful nesting by Peregrine Falcons, American Kestrels, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and Golden Eagles. Park researchers will continue to monitor raptors to better understand these interesting and beautiful birds. “We ask you to refrain from any off-trail hiking and climbing in sensitive areas which include the High Peaks, the Balconies Cliffs area, Little Pinnacles, Citadel, Goat Rock, Pipsqueak Pinnacle, Gargoyle/Piedras Bonitas, Frog/Hand, Egg Rock/Teapot Dome, and the Scout Peak area,” said Brunnemann. "Without your cooperation in avoiding the advisory areas, this program could not be the success that it is," he continued.
The specific locations of these sensitive areas are posted on information boards at trailheads, at the visitor centers, on our Web site or by calling (831)-389-4486 ext 0. You may also find the most current closure information on the FOP Web site.
For more information regarding the monument’s raptor monitoring program, please call the office of Research and Resource Management at 831-389-4486 extension 270.
Pinnacles Begins Centennial Celebration with Rededication Ceremony (01/11/2008)
- Where: Pinnacles National Monument - Bear Gulch Nature Center (West Side)
- When: Jan 18th, 2008 (10:30 AM)
Pinnacles National Monument will begin its yearlong Centennial Celebration on January 16th, 2008 with a Rededication Ceremony. Through a great effort of community initiative and support, Pinnacles was established as a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. The monument was created to protect the unique geological formations and caves, and also to offer recreational opportunities for visitors. Pinnacles has grown to include areas of cultural importance to Native American communities, historical significance such as the trails built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and to preserve habitat for California’s native plants and animals.
The Rededication Ceremony will be held to honor the legacy of community involvement and stewardship that has been crucial to Pinnacles National Monument. It is because of this long-standing support that we pay tribute to the local community during our centennial and beyond. We are strengthening our commitment to these communities by reciprocating the dedication and support to those who have sustained us through the years. As we commemorate the past, we look to the next generation of stewards to ensure that Pinnacles National Monument stays relevant for the next 100 years.
The ceremony will begin at 10:30 am at Bear Gulch Nature Center with a Color Guard ceremony, a special appearance by Teddy and Edith Roosevelt and a proclamation from San Benito County Supervisor Reb Monaco. Presentations and proclamations will honor current and former park employees, and will be followed by remarks from the park Superintendent. Light refreshments and ranger programs will follow the ceremony.
Community Outreach Update (11/02/2007)
FOP had tons of fun at the October 14th Rangers' Community Outreach Party at the Monument!
FOP was among about a dozen participants with informational booths. There were Hispanic and Native American dance troupes putting on some amazing performances, the rangers were leading nature walks, and a taco truck was on hand to provide yummy eats for all.
The event was staged on the West side in the picnic area, next to the main parking lot, and entrance fees were waived for the day. The FOP booth was towards the end of the line, but we made it bright for maximum impact, and lots of people stopped to ask questions, chat, and pick up the #5 cam with a quizzical look.
Kelly brought Bruce's Bolt Board with various bolts pulled from routes in the Monument during FOP's rebolting efforts. This was a great example of "bad" protection, and also turned out to be a great way to demonstrate the most basic climbing concept--how you are protected by the rope and the bolt. Using the Bolt Board, Kelly was kind enough to show visitors how that worked over and over again; kids, and many adults, were fascinated. Climbing gear is basically a bunch of toys, which worked in our favor.
The group next to us, Naturalists-at-Large, had ropes on "Big Bad West" and "Passion Play" where they were belaying anyone who wanted to participate. So, people talked to us and got all excited about climbing, and then we passed them on to Naturalists-at-Large, where they got to apply what they learned from us.
People seemed to really enjoy themselves and the Park Service had the opportunity to educate the local community about the best ways to use their National Park. Most importantly, FOP got some great "face time" with the rangers and the Superintendent, discussing ideas for ways to increase our value to the park and to our members.
Special thanks to Bruce for the bolt board, Kelly for making the trip and being so darned entertaining, Denise for organizing the event and Eric and Carl for making us feel so welcome.
Here are some photos from the event <click thumbnails to enlarge> The FOP Booth Dancer Dancers Tarantula Tarantula
New Pinnacles Climbing Guide Released (10/21/2007)
Pinnacles climbers have been waiting for over ten years for an updated guidebook and now that guide is here. Brad Young has put together the most thoroughly researched and fully comprehensive guide ever published:
- Over 800 Route Listings
- 96 Topos
- 27 Finely Detailed Maps
- Photos to supplement Maps and Topos
- 14 Page Climbing History
- First Ascent Notes
- Routes By Rating
- Complete Index
The new guide should be shipping in November and will be available for purchase at local gyms, climbing shops and Pinnacles National Park itself. We do not have information regarding Web resources for the guide, but FOP will keep you posted.
- and more!
A huge shout out to Brad for all his work and to those who assisted him with the work. The new guide will definatley enhance the Pinnacles climbing experience.
New East Side Pinnacles Visitor Center (10/17/2007)
Beginning October 17, 2007, Pinnacles east side Visitor Center operations will move to the monument's campground store and Saturday, December 1, 2007, the monument will transition into operating the campground. "The Pinnacles Visitor Center will become the new starting point for visitors as they arrive on the monument's east side," explained Eric Brunnemann, Superintendent of Pinnacles National Monument. Fees for monument entrance and camping will be collected; sales of books and educational materials, in addition to camp store items will be available in the new Pinnacles Visitor Center. Additionally, visitors should stop at the Pinnacles Visitor Center to buy park passes, receive information about trails, ask questions, and get a park map. "This move begins to place our visitor services for the east side away from the heart of the monument's resources, and property locates them closer to the periphery," continued Brunnemann.
The Pinnacles Visitor Center phone number will be 831-389-4485. However, Pinnacles business number will change to 831-389-4486.
This new Pinnacles Visitor Center will be open from 9:00am until 5:00pm daily with hours increasing during the spring busy season. "This is a short term transitional operation as the monument begins to run the campground operation. Long term plans are being developed through the General Management Planning process currently underway," explained Brunnemann.
By late 2007 or early 2008, campers wishing to make reservations need to contact Reserve America at www.reserveamerica.com. Between December 1, 2007, and when reservations are handled by Reserve America, campsites are available on a walk-in basis only. At this time, Pinnacles does not have a specific date that reservations will be handled by Reserve America.
Please check the monument's web pages for updates.
The building that previously hosted the visitor center will now become the Bear Gulch Nature Center. The Nature Center will be open and operated by monument staff, Western National Parks Association, Volunteers, and park partners with reduced hours. The monument will continue to have exhibits, educational opportunities, and book sales from the Nature Center.
Road signage will be changed by late November to direct visitors from Highway 146 to the new visitor center. Park-wide changes in maps, trail signs, and our web site, will begin in earnest, but will take at least 12 months to complete. We ask for everyone's patience and understanding during this transition.
End of Season Raptor Report (09/21/2007)
The Park Service has posted a summary of the 2007 raptor season and there is a lot of good news: "During the 2007 breeding season, a total of 33 prairie falcons fledged from nine nests. Peregrine falcons also returned to the park, fledging three falcons from a nest in the High Peaks."
FOP would like to thank the entre climbing community that continues to help make this kind of result possible. Here's to continued success in 2008.
Condors Have Highest Recorded Blood Lead Levels (08/15/2007)
Release Date: 08/07/2007
Contact: Carl Brenner, Supervisor, Interpretation & Education
Phone: (831) 389–4485 x265
Biologists at Pinnacles National Monument have captured all of the Pinnacles' flock of California condors, and any Big Sur birds in the area, after observing five condors feeding on a pig carcass shot outside the monument with lead ammunition. Tests revealed that nearly half of the 17 tested condors had elevated lead levels and condors 306, 318, and 242 have blood-lead values indicating lead poisoning, requiring immediate transport to the Los Angeles Zoo for emergency chelation. Chelation is a process for removing heavy metals such as lead from the bloodstream and lead poisoning is defined as levels of lead in a condor's bloodstream exceeding 40 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (µg/dL). Of the remaining birds tested thus far, 10 had blood lead values indicating they were exposed to lead (15-30 µg/dL).
306 had a blood lead level of 164 µg/dL, the highest recorded for a Pinnacles bird and 242 from Big Sur had a 610 µg/dL reading, the highest recorded in California. "The level of lead found in these condors is alarming not only because they are some of the highest recorded levels but because we are unsure of the extent of developmental and long term health problems resulting from the significant amount of lead they have ingested" explained Court VanTassell, Wildlife Biologist for Pinnacles National Monument.
Pinnacles is assisting the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) in conducting research to identify the pathways for transmission of lead to California condors. Prior research has shown that lead ammunition is a significant source of lead exposure and poisonings in California condors. Biologists observed condors feeding on the carcass of a pig killed by lead bullets. Tissue samples from the pig carcass, the bullets that killed the pig, feather samples from the condors with elevated blood-lead levels, and blood samples from all of the birds suspected of feeding on this carcass were collected and sent to UCSC for analysis and possible identification of the pathway for lead transmission.
The Pinnacles condors may still face health problems because of the elevated levels of lead in their blood. Even in the birds where levels are not high enough to warrant emergency measures, the effects of long term exposure to non-lethal levels remains a significant question for researchers and biologists. Lead in a condor's bloodstream can be absorbed into its bones, where it can slowly leach back into the blood for an unknown length of time.
The vast majority of research on the health effects of lead exposure is based on humans, but comparisons can be made for animals. When a child's brain is developing, even low levels of lead in the body can slow the child's development and cause learning and behavioral problems. It can change the way blood-forming cells work, alter the way nerve cells signal each other, and disturb or destroy the way the brain makes connections for thinking. Lead is also known to be highly toxic to the kidneys and immune systems. Some of the Pinnacles condors are testing at four times the level that would initiate a medical response in humans as outlined by the Center for Disease Control. At this time, the effects of lead exposure on juvenile condors are only measured in mortality rates.
The local community has shown increasing support for the Condor Reintroduction Program. Local ranchers have helped biologists by notifying the park when condors are roosting on their property, voluntarily granting access to private property to allow biologists to better monitor the condors, and some have committed to using non-lead ammunition (or, if using leaded ammunition, some are burying or hiding carcasses from the condors.). Without community support, this opportunity to bring California condors back into the wild will not succeed.
Pinnacles Centennial Celebration (08/15/2007)
Release Date: 8/07/2007
Contact: Carl Brenner, Supervisor, Interpretation & Education
Phone: (831) 389 – 4485 x265
Save These Dates
- January 16th, 2008 - Rededication Ceremony
- March 28-30, 2008 – Pinnacles Centennial Celebration
Additional Programs and Events to be Announced
Present And Former Pinnacles National Monument Employees:
- March 29, 2008 – Pinnacles Centennial Alumni Reunion
Alumnus can email michael_rupp@nps.gov to participate in the reunion festivities or to become re-involved with Pinnacles.
CONTACTS:
- Michael Rupp, 831-389-4485 ext. 243, michael_rupp@nps.gov
- Carl Brenner, 831-389-4485 ext. 265, carl_brenner@nps.gov
- General Park information 831-389-4485 x0 or Pinnacles National Park Web Site
Climbing Areas Reopen (08/03/2007)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: 8/02/2007
Contact: Carl Brenner, Supervisor, Interpretation & Education
Phone: (831) 389–4485 x265
Climbing Areas Reopen
Rock formations subject to advisory closures to rock climbing and off-trail hiking for protecting nesting falcons and eagles have reopened. According to Superintendent Eric Brunnemann, "All sensitive areas have been reopened and will remain so until next January when the raptors return and begin to select nest areas."
A total of 9 prairie falcon nests successfully produced nestlings and fledged a total of 33 young. In addition to Golden Eagles, American Kestrels, Red-shouldered, Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper's Hawks producing young this year, 3 Peregrine Falcons fledged from a nest at Hawkins Peak. 2007 marks the 21st year of raptor monitoring at Pinnacles National Monument.
"We thank the climbers and hikers for their patience and support of our efforts to protect these spectacular birds of prey at Pinnacles. Without your cooperation in avoiding the advisory areas, this program could not be the success that it is," Brunnemann explained. Pinnacles' rock climbing advisories are lifted a few weeks after the nests have fledged. This allows the new fledglings some time to practice flying without being interrupted or disturbed by people.
For more information regarding raptor activity at Pinnacles National Monument, or the park's raptor monitoring program, please call the office of Research and Resource Management at 831-389-4485 x270.
FOP Adds Online Trip Reports (06/27/2007)
Friends Of Pinnacles has added a Trip Report section to their Web site. Now you can see what other people are doing at the park AND send in your own reports for others to read.
This is a great way to share your experiences and report on important climbing issues. Did you find loose rock? A bad bolt? Get some interesting news from one of the rangers? Put it all in a Trip Report and send it our way and we will post it online.
To view trip reports and send in your own go to our Trip Report section.
FOP
Help Us Preserve Climbing At Pinnacles (05/08/2007)
Help us preserve climbing at the park!
Work has begun on the creation of a General Park Management Plan for Pinnacles National Monument. This plan will include a Climbing Management Plan which will effect us all.
At this point the Park is doing what it calls: "scoping" for the plan. This basically means soliciting feedback from Park users regarding what they use the park for and what they would like to see done with the park in the future.
So, what does this mean to you?
Well, it is simple: NOW is the time to let the park know that there are a lot of us out here that climb at the Park and that it is important to us that climbing remain a supported activity for the Park Service.
What can you do to help?
Easy, Fill out the Parks scoping questionnaire.
Even easier - FOP has put the form on the FOP Web site so you can fill it out and send it in one easy step.
Pinnacles National Monument Awarded Junior Ranger Ambassadors Grant (04/27/2007)
Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Release Date: April 24, 2007
Contact: Carl Brenner, Supervisor, Interpretation &
Education Phone: (831) 389 – 4485 x265
Paicines – April 24, 2007 – Pinnacles National Monument announces that they have been selected to receive a 2007 Junior Ranger Ambassadors grant to support the development of a three level Junior Ranger booklet, design and implement its first fully articulated companion program for outreach (both within and outside of the monument), and make the entire program accessible to all children and families who visit or would like to visit Pinnacles. The Junior Ranger Ambassadors Initiative in its second year is made possible through the generous support of the National Park Foundation.
"This grant will create a Jr. Ranger program that is more meaningful to our younger visitors and their families," said Eric Brunnemann, Superintendent of Pinnacles National Monument. "We will be able to make connections to a more diverse audience of kids and include our visitors who speak languages other than English," continued Brunnemann.
National Park Foundation Junior Ranger Ambassador grants, awarded to 30 national parks sponsor Junior Ranger Ambassadors across the country to assist in developing and improving National Park Junior Ranger programs. The Junior Ranger Ambassador program, initiated in 2006, employs Student Conservation Association interns to assist with the design, delivery and promotion of National Park Junior Ranger Programs
The Junior Ranger program, created by the National Park Service in the 1960s, engages kids in age-appropriate activities that introduce them to the treasures of the national park system, allowing them to discover the significance of these special places and to understand the importance of protecting them. Today, the Junior Ranger program serves 383,639 children in 297 Parks and includes an online component, WebRangers which receives over 1 million visitors annually. Vist the WebRangers Web Site.
This announcement is the latest in the National Park Foundation's nationwide support of the Junior Ranger program. Since 2005, the Foundation has directed more than $2.5 million dollars in support of the program including support for the first ever Jr. Ranger Day, an annual celebration of Junior Rangers and the Junior Ranger Program during National Park Week.
"We know how important it is that our children have a connection to America through our national parks," said National Park Foundation President and CEO, Vin Cipolla. "We are proud to support the Junior Ranger program as part of our nationwide effort to connect children to America's heritage so that they can develop the sense of pride and ownership necessary to be the future stewards of these magnificent places."
About the National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to continue a century-long tradition of private philanthropy ensuring funding to preserve and enhance the legacy of our National Parks. As the official non-profit partner of America's National Parks, the National Park Foundation does not receive federal appropriations for their support. The National Park Foundation serves to strengthen the connection between the American people and their national parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. Support of the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich heritage of our Nation remains vital and relevant.
Two California Condors Take First Free Flight at Monument (04/27/2007)
Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: April 24, 2007
Contact: Carl Brenner, Supervisor, Interpretation & Education
Phone: (831) 389 – 4485 x265
Two California Condors Take First Free Flight at Pinnacles National Monument
Tuesday, April 24, two California condors took their first flight to freedom at Pinnacles National Monument. Condors 400 (a female reared by parents, hatched on 04/11/06 at the World Center for Birds of Prey, The Peregrine Fund) and 401 (a male reared by parents, hatched on 04/13/06 at the World Center for Birds of Prey, The Peregrine Fund) are now members of the parks free flying flock of 15 condors. "Each took short awkward flights with a few of the previously released birds," explained Jim Petterson, Supervisory Wildlife Biologist at Pinnacles National Monument. "We will monitor these two for a couple days and if they integrate well with the flock, we will continue to release the remaining three birds," continued Petterson.
While the new condors are experiencing their first taste of freedom, previously released condor 332 is recuperating at the Los Angeles Zoo from an injury to his wing that occurred last week. He underwent a two hour operation to clean up a five inch wound on the leading edge of his left wing. The tendons and bones associated with that wing were not seriously damaged and the prognosis for his recovery is good. He will probably be at the zoo for a few weeks before returning to Pinnacles for re-releasing. The likely scenario that led to his injury was that he struck something while flying (e.g. a powerline or tree branch) and there was no evidence of a gunshot wound.
The two newest free flying condors were released using the same method attempted at the publicly attended release event over the weekend. Over 500 people made the journey to Pinnacles for this year's condor release event. Even though no condors ended up leaving the flight pen, several of the free-flying Pinnacles condors were soaring near the viewing area, which gave everyone a chance to see these endangered birds.
All of the Pinnacles releases have been "soft releases" using a double-door trap because it is less stressful on the birds. This technique relies on using a special trap built into the side of the flight pen, one door being open to the inside of the pen and the other to outside and freedom. The interior door normally remains open to allow the condors to become familiar with the interior of the trap. For release purposes, once a condor enters the trap, the inner door is closed and the outer door is opened to allow it to fly free.
Ultimately, project biologists anticipate releasing a sustainable population of up to 30 condors at Pinnacles, a historic breeding ground for the massive birds. The reintroduction of California condors to Pinnacles is a cooperative effort between the Ventana Wildlife Society, Pinnacles Partnership, and the National Park Service in partnership with the California Condor Recovery Team.
Celebrate National Park Week with Pinnacles (04/21/2007)
Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: April 17, 2007
Contact: Carl Brenner, Supervisor, Interpretation & Education
Phone: (831) 389 – 4485 x265 Celebrate National Park Week with Pinnacles National Monument
Join Pinnacles National Monument in celebrating National Park Week through a series of programs and events. Festivities begin with a public release of California condor on Saturday April 21, and culminate with Junior Ranger Day on Saturday April 28, 2007. The expanded schedule of National Park Week events is below.
National Park Week is an annual Presidentially proclaimed week to underscore our commitment to conserve our natural and historical treasures and encourage all people to enjoy, learn from, and protect these important parts of our heritage. This year's theme, "Connecting our Children to America's National Parks," reflects the National Park Service's commitment to encouraging young people to enjoy outdoor recreation and better appreciate our Nation's beauty and history.
On Saturday, April 21, up to three California condors will be released into the wild at Pinnacles National Monument, 80 miles south of San Jose. The public is invited to attend the event, which begins at 9:30 a.m., to witness the first free flights of these condors. The release will take place on the east side of the park off of Highway 25. Shuttle services from designated parking areas will transport guests to within a mile and a quarter of viewing area. Guests unable to walk the remaining mile can request special assistance. Spotting scopes, binoculars, water, layered clothing and good hiking shoes are highly recommended. Parking is limited, and is on a first come, first served basis. Car pools are encouraged; arrival by 7:30 a.m. is recommended. Additional information is available at Pinnacles’ web page http://www.nps.gov/pinn/naturescience/condors.htm.
Junior Ranger Day centers around encouraging participation in the Junior Ranger program, which is designed to engage children and families in the stories embodied in their national parks. Children complete activity books that lead them through the park in a kid-friendly way. They are drawn to parts of the park story to which they can relate. When completed, they present their booklets to a ranger to earn a patch or badge and a certificate.
Date Event Location Time Note April 21 California Condor Release Event East Pinnacles Recommended latest arrival 7:30 am www.nps.gov/pinn for more information Ranger-led hike Bear Gulch Visitor Center 10:30 am Ranger Talk Bear Gulch Visitor Center 3:00 pm Campground Program Campground Amphitheater 8:00 pm April 22 Ranger-led hike Bear Gulch Visitor Center 10:30 am Ranger Talk Bear Gulch Visitor Center 3:00 pm April 28 Junior Ranger Day* Bear Gulch Visitor Center 10 am to 2 pm Ranger-led hike Bear Gulch Visitor Center 10:30 am Junior Ranger Hike* Bear Gulch Visitor Center 12 noon Reservations required, limit 35 Ranger Talk Bear Gulch Visitor Center 3:00 pm April 29 Ranger-led hike Bear Gulch Visitor Center 10:30 am Ranger Talk Bear Gulch Visitor Center 3:00 pm
- Junior Ranger Activities are for families with children from 3-13 years of age; parents must be in attendance.
General park information can be obtained by visiting our Web site or by calling 831-389-4485 extension 0.
More California Condors Will Fly Free at Pinnacles National Monument (04/10/2007)
Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: March 29, 2007
Contact: Carl Brenner, Supervisor, Interpretation & Education
Phone: (831) 389 – 4485 x265
More California Condors Will Fly Free at Pinnacles National Monument
On Saturday, April 21, up to three California condors will be released into the wild at Pinnacles National Monument, 80 miles south of San Jose. The public is invited to attend the event, which begins at 9:30 a.m., to witness the first free flights of these condors from a viewing area located approximately ľ mile from the facility. The release will take place on the east side of the park off of Highway 25. Shuttle services from designated parking areas will transport guests to within a mile and a quarter of viewing area. Guests unable to walk the remaining mile can request special assistance. Spotting scopes, binoculars, water, layered clothing and good hiking shoes are highly recommended. Parking is limited, and is on a first come, first served basis. Car pools are encouraged; arrival by 7:30 a.m. is recommended. Because of the significance of this event, Superintendent Eric Brunnemann has waived the entrance fees for the day so that everyone has the opportunity to participate.
"We are extremely encouraged by the success of this program and the support of the local communities and park neighbors," said Park Superintendent Eric Brunnemann. "The birds are thriving, the visitors are thrilled with routine condor sightings in the park, and we are proud to be a part of the recovery of this magnificent species."
Five juvenile condors -- 2 female and 3 male -- will be set free in Pinnacles National Monument this spring, joining the park's thirteen wild resident condors. Up to three birds may be "soft released" through a double-door trap on April 21, and once these birds give indications that are acclimating to their new surroundings, the others will likely be released over the following week. There is a chance that no birds will enter the trap. If this happens, the release will be postponed. The five juvenile condors are 10 months old and were hatched at the Peregrine Fund World Center of Birds of Prey in Boise, ID and the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
All of Pinnacles' releases have been "soft releases" using a double-door trap because it is less stressful on the birds. This technique relies on using a special trap built into the side of the flight pen, one door being open to the inside of the pen and the other to outside and freedom. The interior door normally remains open to allow the condors to become familiar with the interior of the trap. For release purposes, once a condor enters the trap, the inner door is closed and the outer door is opened to allow it to fly free.
This is the fourth release of the endangered birds at the park. Ultimately, project biologists anticipate releasing a sustainable population of up to 30 condors at Pinnacles, a historic breeding ground for the massive birds, over the next several years. The reintroduction of California condors to Pinnacles is a cooperative effort between Pinnacles Partnership, the Ventana Wildlife Society, and the National Park Service in partnership with the California Condor Recovery Team.
Pinnacles Partnership, a friends group formed by several local citizens, was established last fall to support projects at Pinnacles that are critical to protecting and restoring park lands. These projects range from sustaining the California condor reintroduction project, celebrating the park's centennial anniversary, and supporting schools' abilities to use Pinnacles as an outdoor classroom. This fledgling organization exists thanks to caring contributors in the community.
Ventana Wildlife Society, which has been conducting condor releases in Big Sur, California since 1997, teamed up with the National Park Service in 2003 to reintroduce condors to Pinnacles National Monument.
The San Diego Wild Animal Park, Los Angeles Zoo, the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho and the Oregon Zoo breed condors destined for release in California, Arizona, and Baja, Mexico. The Pinnacles condor release is an important link in the overall condor recovery effort.
From a population low of 22 birds in the mid-1980s, condors have rebounded through intensive captive breeding efforts and rigorous educational programs explaining the connection of lead to condor mortality and the availability of non-lead alternatives. As of March 1, 2007, 151 California condors are in captivity, and 128 are in the wild. The initial goal for California is to have 150 free-flying condors in the state.
Further details of the release event are available on the Pinnacles National Monument website or by calling Pinnacles National Monument at 831-389-4485 extension 265.
General park information can be obtained by visiting our Web site or by calling 831-389-4485 extension 0.
PROPOSED Fee Increase for Pinnacles National Monument (03/30/2007)
Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: March 29 2007
Contact: Carl Brenner Supervisor Interpretation & Education
Phone: 389 – 4485 x265
PROPOSED Fee Increase for Pinnacles National Monument
The National Park Service proposes a fee increase for Pinnacles National Monument Beginning January 1 2008 entrance fees will increase from $5.00 to $10.00 per vehicle and from $3.00 to $5.00 per individual entering on bicycle by foot motorcycle or other individual means. Both are valid for a period of 7 days. Pinnacles Annual Pass will change from $15.00 to $20.00. The monument is one of the National Park Service areas selected to participate in a program which returns fees collected directly to the park in which they are collected.
"Eighty percent of the user fees collected are being returned to the parks where they are collected and they provide direct benefits to our visitors" said Superintendent Eric Brunnemann. "The proposed user fee increase will provide needed revenue which will be applied to our highest priority visitor needs" added Brunnemann. In recent years at Pinnacles user fee dollars have replace picnic tables improve trail accessibility upgrade restrooms and provide educational displays.
Sixty percent of the user fees returned to the park are required to go directly into deferred maintenance projects or to remove accessibility barriers and all must have a direct visitor connection. Some of the projects are: installing lower counter tops in the Bear Gulch Visitor Center; installing grab bars and lever type door hardware; harden sections of the Bench Trail tread to meet ADA standards for wheel chair accessibility; replace the deteriorated drinking fountains and surrounding walkways; repair 1930's CCC constructed roof on the Bear Gulch Visitor Center a severely deteriorated culvert and the historic walls along the lower section of the High Peaks Trail; replace damaged picnic tables & fire rings & rehabilitate camp sites in newly acquired campground; and rehabilitate and bring into compliance the waste disposal system for the Bear Gulch area; construction and maintenance of trails; reintroduce California condors to the park; maintain and improve the park's transportation system.
General park information can found on the NPS Web site
or by calling 831-389-4485 extension 0.
2007 Condor Release (03/01/2007)
Excerpted from Pinnacles Park Web Site
We are proud to announce that we will be welcoming the public to attend a California condor release on Saturday, April 21, 2007. The public can watch the release from a viewing area that is within sight of the release facility.
The time for the event has not been set yet, but it will begin sometime between 9:00 and 10:30 am on the east side of the monument.
The hike to the viewing area from the trailhead is about a mile and a quarter. Please bring water, snacks, hats, and sunscreen.
Parking spaces at Pinnacles are limited; we encourage carpooling. A shuttle will be in operation to provide transportation from parking areas to the trailhead for the viewing area.
More information about the event will be posted in the weeks to come.
Raptor Monitoring/Climbing Closures Update (03/01/2007)
Here is a raptor monitoring update for the past three weeks. Prairie falcons (PRFAs) and the Hawkins peregrine falcon (PEFA) pair have established territories and are inspecting potential cliff-cavity sites for nesting, with copulations and food exchanges from males to females becoming more frequent. At present there are 12 territories with PRFA pairs, 2 more territories with single prairie falcons, and the PEFA territory. These are listed below:
- Goat Rock / Scout Peak : PRFA pair
- Teapot Dome / Egg: PRFA pair
- Hawkins Peak: PEFA pair
- Crowley Towers: PRFA pair
- Pig Canyon : Single PRFA pair
- Pipsqueak Pinnacles / Scout Peak: PRFA pair
- North Chalone Peak: Single PRFA, pair likely
- Willow Spring Slide: PRFA pair
- Little Pinnacles (Yaks) / Frog / Hand: PRFA pair
- South Balconies: PRFA pair
- Machete / Citadel: PRFA pair
- North Wilderness Rock / Mating Rocks: Single PRFA, pair likely
- D. Soto Canyon / High Trail West of Chalone Housing: PRFA pair
- Drywall Slide: PRFA pair
The following territories are currently unoccupied, with no falcons observed within them:
- Resurrection Wall
- North Balconies
- Prescribed Burn Cliffs
South Wilderness Rock, South Chalone Peak, and Marion Canyon have not yet been checked for raptor territorial status.
Prairie falcon pairs have been documented at South Balconies and at Machete Ridge this year. No prairie falcon nests have ever been confirmed at Machete, but the pair PRFA pair in the territory has been observed inspecting historical raven nests on several occasions. Active prairie falcon nests at Balconies and Machete could set up the possibility of the majority of west side climbing routes being under advisory this year. I will keep everyone posted on the developments! Otherwise, PRFA pairs are actively engaging in courtship displays, copulations, food exchanges, and site inspections in preparation for egg-laying and incubation.
The peregrine falcon pair has been observed perching at and circling above Hawkins Peak, engaging in copulations and nest site inspections, and stooping on turkey vultures and California condors in the Hawkins area.
Please note that climbing and hiking advisories are in effect. Raptor advisory signs have been placed at Hawkins, Scout, Balconies, Little Pinnacles, and on the path to Frog / Hand to protect these sensitive species from the pressures of hiking and climbing during the upcoming nesting season. 2 climbers were observed climbing on Hand in the Frog/Hand territory within the past 2 weeks. Any assistance park staff can provide in diverting visitors from advisory areas, and reporting incidents of climbers and hikers in advisory areas to law enforcement staff, is highly appreciated
Golden eagles have also been seen regularly in and near the park over the past three weeks. Of note is a golden eagle nest that was recently confirmed within park boundaries, on the west side of North Chalone Peak . This marks the first golden eagle nest documented within the park in several years. The golden eagle pair at the Eucalyptus Grove near the west side entrance to the park has also been confirmed nesting, currently incubating eggs at the historical site used for the past 4 years. A golden eagle pair has also been seen in Frog Canyon, ranging east to Drywall slide, and an additional golden eagle pair has been observed circling near the condor facility ridge on several occasions. Near Little Pinnacles, a single adult golden eagle with white-mottled plumage was also seen. This bird represents a rare but naturally occurring race of golden eagles rarely seen throughout the country, and documented nesting at Pinnacles National Monument occasionally in past years.
Red-tailed hawks have been observed throughout the park, with pairs active in the Kingman Land North, Upper Condor Gulch, South Wilderness North, Grassy Canyon, Western Front, Crowley Drainage, and Frog/Hand areas. Red-tailed hawk pairs are currently preparing stick nests on pine trees and cliff ledges, adding new nest material to sites. Red-tailed hawks have also been observed circling over Willow Spring Slide, near Guard Rock, and along the North Wilderness Trail.
Red-shouldered hawk pairs have been confirmed in the following territories: Kingman Land North, Pinnacles Campground, McCabe Canyon, the Bench Area, and the South Wilderness. Like red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered pairs are actively preparing nest sites, adding nest material to new and existing sites in riparian trees, and defending territories from other raptors with stooping and vocalizing.
Other raptors observed in the park in February include American kestrels, and the increasing presence of turkey vultures above the High Peaks . Cooper?s and sharp-shinned hawks are active throughout the park along riparian corridors, and have been observed in the Kingman Land North, near the Reservoir, along the North and South Wilderness Trails, near the Moses Spring parking lot, in Lower Condor Gulch, and on the west side near Chaparral Ranger Station, South Balconies, and Juniper Canyon. Great-horned owl vocalizations have been documented in upper Condor Gulch, at the base of Pipsqueak Pinnacles, and near the Reservoir. Long-eared owls have been heard again in the Chalone Housing to Trails Building area, hooting in the live oak overstory. Western screech-owls have been heard vocalizing near the Bear Gulch Visitor Center and Condor Gulch Road, and in the Pinnacles Campground. Immature northern harriers have been seen soaring over Little Pinnacles and near Scout Peak to Resurrection Wall in the High Peaks . Ospreys have also been seen circling over the central High Peaks on several occasions.
If you have any observations within the park to report, or any raptor-related questions, please contact me through email or my work extension, 270. Thanks
Gavin Emmons, Raptor Monitor Pinnacles National Monument 5000 Highway 146 Paicines, CA 95043 (831) 389-4485 x270
Join Pinnacles National Monument in Planning for the Next Century (02/16/2007)
Join Pinnacles National Monument in Planning for the Next Century.
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input for a new general management plan (GMP) for Pinnacles National Monument. The general management plan will serve as a "blueprint" for guiding the park, which was established in 1908, into its second century. A general management plan identifies important park issues, visitor opportunities, and development goals while setting program objectives and directing resource protection programs for the next twenty years.
Everyone who is interested in Pinnacles National Monument is encouraged to participate in the planning process. The NPS is hosting public meetings in the area to explain the general management plan process and listen to public ideas and concerns.
Meeting Dates:
- Wednesday, March 7th (7-9 pm)
- Soledad High School Mission Room
- 425 Gabilan Drive Soledad, CA
- Monday, March 19th (7-9 pm)
- San Benito County Board of Supervisors Chambers
- 481 4th Street Hollister, CA
- Tuesday, March 20th (7-9 pm)
- Jefferson School Meeting Hall
- 221 Old Hernandez Road Paicines, CA
- Saturday, March 24th (1-3 pm)
- Santa Clara University Arts and Sciences Bldg (Building 804), Room 129
- 500 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA
The public is also invited to share thoughts and ideas by mail, e-mail or through the park website. Comments can be mailed to: Pinnacles National Monument GMP, 5000 Highway 146, Paicines, CA95043, or e-mailed to pinn_gmp@nps.gov. The public comment period for this phase of the planning process extends through May 31st, 2007.
Background
- Pinnacles National Monument preserves an ecologically rich, geologically spectacular, and culturally significant landscape in the Central Coast region of California. Established in 1908 and named fordramatic rock formations that are the remains of an ancient volcano, Pinnacles reflects a landscape shaped by earthquake, fire, and flood. Protected for nearly a century, Pinnacles today represents an unspoiled piece of historic California. The national monument is rich in plant and animal life residing in diverse habitats which include talus caves, chaparral, and oak woodland.
- The early history of Pinnacles National Monument was characterized by local initiative and participation. Once established, its success and, at times, its very survival depended on the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment of local citizens and county organizations. The same holds true today.
- The last general management plan for Pinnacles National Monument was completed in 1976. Since then, the national monument has grown in size and its staff and researchers continue to learn more about the significance of the Pinnacles' geology, ecosystems, and history. Pinnacles has made advances in resource protection, reintroducing California condors and California red-legged frogs, removing invasive exotic plants and destructive non-native pigs, restoring Chalone Creek, and rerouting Bear Gulch Cave Trail to protect Townsend's big-eared bat colonies while keeping cave routes open to visitors.
- This general management planning effort initially started in 1998 but was put on hold until the purchase of Pinnacles Ranch was completed in March 2006. The Ranch provides new planning opportunities for the monument, including options for better parking and transportation, camping, education, and a wider range of opportunities for people with different interests and abilities.
- A draft general management plan is expected to be available for public review in fall 2008. The final general management plan is scheduled for completion in 2009.
For more information:
- Carl Brenner, Supervisor, Interpretation & Education, (831) 389-4485, ext. 265
- Martha Crusius, Project Manager, (510) 817-1447
- Pinnacles General Management Plan, Newsletter #1 (attached)
- Pinnacles planning website
General park information can be obtained by visiting our Web Site or by calling 831-389-4485 extension 0.
Climbing Advisories Are In Effect (01/18/2007)
Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: January 11, 2007
Contact: Eric Brunnemann, Superintendent
Annual measures to protect nesting raptors of Pinnacles National Monument will be reinstated as of January 12, 2007, according to Park Superintendent Eric Brunnemann. Last year ten pairs of prairie falcons produced a total of 30 fledglings. Additionally, the monument had successful nesting by Peregrine Falcons, American Kestrels, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, and Golden Eagles. Park researchers will continue to monitor raptors to better understand these interesting and beautiful birds. "We ask you to refrain from any offtrail hiking and climbing in sensitive areas which include the High Peaks, the Balconies Cliffs area, Little Pinnacles, Citadel, Goat Rock, Pipsqueak Pinnacle, Gargoyle/Piedras Bonitas, Frog/Hand, Egg Rock/Teapot Dome, and the Scout Peak area," said Brunnemann. "Without your cooperation in avoiding the advisory areas, this program could not be the success that it is," he continued.
The specific locations of these sensitive areas are posted on information boards at trailheads, at the visitor centers, on our Web site or by calling (831)-389-4485 ext 0.
For more information regarding the monument's raptor monitoring program, please call the office of Research and Resource Management at 831-389-4485 extension 270.
Pinnacles Partnership Program Launch (12/13/2006)
Pinnacles Partnership is a new not-for-profit organization that supports Pinnacles National Monument's priority projects.
We invite you to celebrate this special part of rural California and contribute to projects ranging from youth and education programs, habitat restoration, and the recovery of the California condor.
Together we can make a difference!
Your financial support at any level is deeply appreciated and is tax deductible through the Community Foundation of San Benito County.
To learn more or to make a donation please contact:
- Pinnacles Partnership
- 5000 Highway 146
- Paicines, CA 95043
- www.pinnaclespartnership.org
- info@pinnaclespartnership.org
- (831) 389.4485 x239
<Click here> to view the Partnership Poster.
Machete Ridge Rescue Update (11/04/2006)
Brett Hergert
Search and Rescue/Emergency Medical Services Coordinator
In case there are still lingering questions, I was among the Pinnacles team that responded to the September rescue and am happy to provide additional details:
One climber was stranded after completing a partial descent of the West Face route. He ran out of rope on his descent, ending up in the 5.12/A1 section. His partner, who remained on the ridge, asked two passing climbers for assistance. Additional rope was lowered to the stranded climber. Communication between the parties was difficult or non-existent. After deciding their partner was either out of reach or unable to ascend the line, they called 911 via cell phone.
As with most cell phones, 911 calls do not go directly to NPS Dispatch. This call was routed to Monterey County. Upon arriving at the Monument, Monterey County SAR contacted the Chaparral Rangers. While additional Rangers were enroute from the east side of the monument, responding agencies utilized a CDF helicopter to perform two short-haul evolutions before dark. We were then able to contact the two remaining climbers via cell phone. They agreed to stay on the ridge, rather than attempt the gully descent in the dark. Early the next morning, a NPS team began climbing Old Original in order to contact the climbers. However, the party was able to complete the descent without assistance.
This incident emphasizes the need for self-rescue skills, including the ability to reverse your descent if necessary.
Opening of the Upper Portion of the Bear Gulch Cave (10/25/2006)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Bear Gulch Cave at Pinnacles National Monument will be completely open for the last seven days of October, October 25-31, 2006. After October 31st, only the lower half of the cave will remain open until mid May. The entire cave is open each March and October for approximately one to four weeks, depending on the presence of a colony of Townsend’s Big-eared bats. The bats, which are listed by the state of California as a species of special concern, raise their young (pups) and hibernate in the cave. The entire cave will be closed from about May 15th through July 15th to allow the bats to raise their young. After July 15th, the lower half of the cave will reopen. These dates are tentative depending on the activity of the bats.
2006 marks the 10th season for the maternity colony of Townsend’s Big-eared bats at Pinnacles National Monument. The success of this sensitive species reinforces the importance of the closure areas, and the part that all visitors play in ensuring the continuing species success. We thank the climbers and hikers for their patience and support of our efforts to protect our bats at Pinnacles.
When visiting the cave, please remember that it is the home of a sensitive species. To avoid disturbing the bats, please keep voices down and refrain from flash photography. If you happen to see a bat in either of the Park’s caves, please do not disturb it or shine your light directly on it.
The Bear Gulch Cave (closer to the east entrance of the park) and the Balconies Cave (closer to the west entrance) both offer the opportunity to explore a talus cave. Please remember to bring flashlights and wear sturdy shoes. Seasonal streams run through both caves, and the rocks can be slippery when the stream is flowing.
General park information can be obtained by visiting our Web site or by calling 831-389-4485 extension 0.
Park Roads Temporarily Closed for Maintenance (10/16/2006)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
East Side Road Closure
Some park roads, on the east side of Pinnacles National Monument, will be partially closed on Wednesday, October 18 through Friday, October 20 for road maintenance. The road will be closed to traffic from the bridge at Chalone creek to the Moses Spring, Condor Gulch, and Bear Gulch (headquarters) areas. Only emergency traffic will be allowed to access these areas. The road will reopen on the morning of Saturday, October 21.
Visitors to the monument during the road closure will be able to park at the Peaks View area, the Old Pinnacles trailhead (in the Chalone area), and at the wayside before the closure. From the Peaks View and wayside parking areas, there is approximately a 1-mile walk to the visitor center area via the Bear Gulch Trail. Once in the visitor center area, all trailheads and restrooms will be accessible by foot, although brief waits may be necessary if equipment is present.
West Side Road Closure
The west side of Pinnacles National Monument will be closed for the entire day on Thursday, October 19 as the entrance road is being resurfaced. Due to the heavy equipment used and the lack of trails from the entrance into the park, the west side will be closed for the day. The road into the west side will reopen on the morning of Friday, October 20.
If you are traveling in the park after this maintenance, please drive carefully as the road surface may be slick.
General park information can be obtained by visiting our Web site or by calling 831-389-4485 extension 0.
Climbers Rescued Off Machete Ridge (09/20/2006)
Park Service Release
Additional Press Coverage:
The rescue of four stranded rock climbers ended successfully Monday morning, September 18, when the second two climbers, Hein Roehrig and Daniel Preda, safely made a short repel then scrambled down the remaining portion of their route. The first two climbers, Andre Herrera and Michael Fosnowski, were air lifted from the cliff Sunday evening by a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) helicopter.
The rescue of the stranded rock climbers began Sunday evening when one of the less experienced climbers left the planned route and was unable to climb back up. He and one other climber were airlifted from Machete Ridge, one of the tallest cliffs in the park, before it became too dark to safely use a helicopter. "After Park Rangers, CDF, and Monterey County Sheriff's Deputies assessed the remaining climbers’ condition, gear, and supplies to survive the night, we suspended the entire rescue operation finding it too risky to continue in the dark," said Dana Sullivan, Supervisory Law Enforcement Ranger at Pinnacles National Monument. "Two rangers remained in the field to monitor the climbers overnight." Just before 7:00 a.m., cold and tired, the remaining two climbers safely made the short repel then scrambled down the remaining portion of their original route. By 8:30 a.m. they were back on the trail and walking with rangers to the Chaparral parking area.
No one was injured during this incident. However, the outcome could have been tragically different. Whether hiking or climbing at Pinnacles, always remember you are in a wilderness area and help may be many hours away. Plan your trip ahead of time and take plenty of water and snacks. If you are planning a longer trip, let friends and/or family know where you aregoing, when you plan to return, and bring a jacket and flashlight incase you become lost or stranded.
General park information can be obtained by visiting the Web site or by calling (831) 389-4485 extension 0.
Unexpected Closing of the Bear Gulch Cave (09/15/2006)
Pinnacles National Monument has closed the Bear Gulch Cave because of an uncharacteristic movement by a maternity colony of Townsend's big-eared bats. The bats moved into the lower portion of the cave, which was open to the public, Labor Day weekend. The park is unsure why the colony has moved from the closed portion's quiet recesses to the open portion of the cave on such a busy weekend. "One possible explanation is that someone entered the closed portion of the cave and disturbed them," suggested Paul Johnson, Pinnacles Wildlife Biologist. "People illegally enter the closed part of the cave. This can cause major disruptions for the bats as they attempt to raise their young and are especially sensitive to human disturbance. We appreciate everyone's cooperation as the park manages this sensitive resource. Although we may never know, it's quite likely that the colony was ousted from its preferred location in the upper portion of the cave by human intrusion." The park will conduct surveys twice per week to monitor the presence and movement of the bats. When the colony has moved out of the lower portion of the cave, it will reopen.
2006 marks the 10th season for the maternity colony of Townsend Big-eared bats at Pinnacles National Monument. Though it is difficult to obtain the exact number in the maternity colony, park biologists have counted more than 350 during the hibernation season.
In October of 2004, the park installed a set of gates allowing the lower section of the cave to be enjoyed for approximately 10 months of the year. The entire cave is open each March and October for about one and up to four weeks, depending on the presence of the Townsend's Bigeared bat colony. The bats, which are listed by the state of California as a species of special concern, raise their young (pups) and hibernate in the cave. The entire cave is normally closedfrom mid May through mid July to allow the bats to raise their young. Cave openings are not fixed dates and depend solely on the habits of the bats.
When visiting the cave, please remember that it is the home of a sensitive species. To avoid disturbing the bats, please keep voices down and refrain from flash photography. If you happen to see a bat in either of the park's caves, please do not disturb it or shine your light directly on it.
The Bear Gulch Cave (closer to the east entrance of the park) and the Balconies Cave (closer to the west entrance) both offer the opportunity to explore a talus cave. Please remember to bring water, flashlights, and wear sturdy shoes. Seasonal streams run through both caves, and the rocks can be slippery when the stream is flowing. Check the park's web page or call the Bear Gulch Visitor Center for updates remembering that at any time a closure could occur if the bats alter their habits. Additional information about the park's talus caves and the bats who call them home, please visit the park's Bat Web pages
General park information can be obtained by visiting www.nps.gov/pinn or by calling 831- 389-4485 extension 0.
5000 Acres of Pinnacles Land Targeted for Development (08/28/2006)
Plan Summary
On August 16th a meeting sponsored by Philippine-based developer Romeo G. Roxas, and conducted by his daughter, Yvette Sullivan of Salinas along with Roxas' representative, Leon Katz was held at the Windmill Restaurant in Soledad. At this meeting a proposal to convert some 5000 acres of land in the hills above Soledad into a "city of learning" was presented to a group of concerned citizens, including Eric Brunnemann, Superintendent of the Pinnacles National Monument.
The plan itself is quite ambitious, the details of which are outlined in an excellent article in the Sunday Pinnacle written by Kate Woods.
What We Know
According to information gathered by Friends Of Pinnacles, this is not the first time that this sort of project has been proposed in the area. All previous attempts have met with fierce resistance and been dropped. Initially, fierce resistance seems to be the direction things are going to go this time around as well. The LandWatch Organization is spearheading organization of opposition to the plan.
The Next Meeting
A second meeting, in opposition to the plan, is being conducted today (Mon, Aug 28th) at 2 pm at the Soledad Information Center, 641 Front St., Soledad. LandWatch will be meeting with anyone who shows up. FOP will report on the results of that meeting as soon as we hear.
What Can You Do?
Friends Of Pinnacles will continue to monitor developments regarding this issue and report them as best we can, but we also urge those of you who are concerned to get involved.
Your best bet would be to contact LandWatch directly at (831) 422-9390.
Raptor Update - July 2006 (07/18/2006)
Hey everyone!
Here is the raptor monitoring update for mid-June to mid-July.
The 2006 raptor monitoring season at Pinnacles is finally wrapping up, with most raptor nests having succeeded in producing fledglings. This has been the best Pinnacles raptor monitoring season on record in regards to confirmed breeding records, nest sites, and species diversity, with 62 breeding records and 58 nests confirmed this year representing 12 species of raptors.
Prairie falcons (PRFAs) and the peregrine falcon (PEFA) pair have ended their breeding efforts for the year, with 10 PRFA nests producing 32 fledglings, and 4 PRFA nests failing due to predation or abandonment. The PEFA nest at Hawkins successfully fledged 3 young falcons for the second consecutive year. Perhaps the two most noteworthy PRFA nests were in the Pipsqueak Pinnacles and Mating Rocks territories, both fledging young falcons for the first time during the 20-year span of the raptor monitoring project.
Please note that all climbing and hiking advisories have been ended for the rest of the year. Climbers did a great job of staying out of the advisory areas this season. Only 1 of the 4 PRFA nest failures this year: the Teapot Dome nest - was in a high visitor-use area, and likely failed due to predation. This suggests that the raptor advisories did succeed in minimizing visitor disturbance to nesting raptors. Thanks to all the park staff that diverted visitors from advisory areas, and reported incidents of climbers and hikers in advisory areas. I really appreciate the information and assistance!
In addition to prairie and peregrine falcon nests, 43 other raptor nests were confirmed this year, as well as an additional 4 breeding records (with fledglings discovered very soon after flying from nest sites). Record high nest numbers were confirmed for many species, including red-tailed hawks (7), red-shouldered hawks (5), Cooper's hawks (7), great-horned owls (2), and barn owls (3). Nest records for 2 species - long-eared owls and white-tailed kites represent the first confirmed breeding records for both species in the 20 years of the raptor monitoring project. 1 of the white-tailed kite nests, along the South Wilderness Trail, still has kite nestlings and likely represents a second attempt after fledging a clutch of young observed earlier in the season.
Another exciting discovery this year has been the confirmation of 2 active turkey vulture nests in the park, one discovered by Ben Nugent (of the IWS pig crew) high on the south side of Mt. Defiance, and the other discovered by Eric Temple and Brendan Lukas of the Trails crew on the west side summit of South Chalone Peak. Turkey vultures likely nest within the park every year, but their behavior is cryptic and their nests can be very remotely located. Both nests have 2 vulture young and represent the first active vulture nests confirmed at Pinnacles since 1984!
Thank you to all the staff that have continued to provide assistance to the raptor monitoring project throughout the season. I sincerely appreciate the raptor observations and wildlife cards, the trail sign assistance (thank you Lisa!), and the observations of visitors in advisory areas through the season. Your contributions as park staff have made possible the comprehensive breeding and nesting records that I have been able to confirm this year. I sincerely appreciate the support and interest!
If you have any observations within the park to report, or any raptor-related questions, please contact me through email or my work extension, 270. Thanks! I will be sending out a copy of the 2006 report on breeding raptors at Pinnacles within several weeks!
Gavin Emmons, Raptor Monitor
Pinnacles National Monument
5000 Highway 146
Paicines, CA 95043
(831) 389-4485 x270
New Waste Displosal Option (07/14/2006)
Friends Of Pinnacles generally does NOT promote products or services unless they are non-profit and climbing related, but in this case I think we can make an exception:
With the many long hikes at Pinnacles and the lack of bathroom facilities, waste displosal is a serious concern. We all know that we are supposed to pack out our waste, but how many of us really do that?
Restop's new Waste Containment Pouch actually makes packing out waste doable. Not only can you contain the waste, but the smell as well. Inside the bag is a powder, a polymer/enzyme blend, which biodegrades and gels the waste, giving it EPA approval to be simply thrown in the trash after use.
Check out their Web site at whennaturecalls.com
The Future of the California CondorCommunity Meetings To Discuss Future Of California Condor (07/13/2006)
Pinnacles National Monument invites the public to a series of Community Forums to discuss how we can work together to help the California condor survive in the wild. We would like to hear everyone’s ideas and concerns. Pinnacles will provide the latest information about how our 13 free flying condors are doing.
- Tues. July 25 (6:30 – 8:00 pm)
- Jefferson School
- 221 Old Hernandez Rd
- Paicines, CA
- Wed. July 26 (6:30 – 8:00 pm)
- King City Library
- 402 Broadway
- King City, CA
- Thurs. July 27 (6:30 – 8:00 pm)
- San Benito Co. Library
- 470 5th St
- Hollister, CA
- Mon. July 31 (6:30 – 8:00 pm)
- Soledad High School
- Mission Room
- 425 Gabilan Dr
- Soledad, CA
Pinnacles would like to expand the discussions in light of the recent traumatic recapture and emergency testing for rodenticides and lead in its California condors. Only one of the 13 birds from the monument underwent chelation treatment (the process of removing a heavy metal from the bloodstream) but all of the birds are at risk of re-exposure.
Additionally, anyone interested in establishing a Friends/Partnership Group for Pinnacles, please come to a meeting at San Benito Co. Library on Friday, July 21 from 12:00 – 5:00 pm.
General park information can be obtained by visiting the Web site or by calling (831) 389-4485 extension 0.
Condor 307 Treated For Elevated Blood Lead Levels (07/13/2006)
Biologists at Pinnacles National Monument were alarmed to find California condor 307 had dangerously elevated blood lead levels after finally capturing her last week. Initial field tests returned readings or 46.8 and 47.4 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (µg/dL). "Field readings at this level are disturbing because lab results have consistently been 40 to 50% higher" explained Court Van Tassell, Wildlife Biologist for Pinnacles National Monument. Park biologists immediately began chelation treatments (shots of calcium EDTA, a compound that 'collects' lead in the blood and allows the bird to eliminate it from their system) on the evening of July 3, 2006. "Capturing 307 was difficult because she became spooked when we began trapping and she flew over to the San Luis reservoir area for three days before returning to the monument" said Van Tassell. "Her weight is still lower than we would like, about 15 lbs, but she is becoming more active and feeding more. We will be holding her for further observations and feedings for at least another week." The remaining captured birds have been re-released into the wild.
The Pinnacles condors may still face health problems because of the elevated levels of lead in their blood. While the levels measured are not high enough to warrant emergency measures, long term exposure to non-lethal levels remains a serious problem. Lead in a condor's bloodstream will be absorbed into its bones, where it can slowly leach back into the blood for more than a year.
Because the potential for re-exposure still exists, Pinnacles is organizing a series of community forums to discuss how everyone can work together to help the California Condor survive in the wild. They will be held from 6:30-8:00 pm at Jefferson School (Tues. July 25), King City Library (Wed. July 26), San Benito Co. Library (Thurs. July 27), and the Soledad High School Mission Room (Mon. July 31).
The vast majority of research on the health effects of lead exposure is based on humans, but comparisons can be made for animals. When a child's brain is developing, even low levels of lead in the body can slow the child's development and cause learning and behavior problems. It can change the way blood-forming cells work, alter the way nerve cells signal each other, and disturb or destroy the way the brain makes connections for thinking. Some of the Pinnacles condors tested at three times the level that would initiate a medical response in humans as outlined by the Center for Disease Control. At this time, the effects of lead exposure on juvenile condors are only measured in mortality rates.
The local ranching community has shown increasing support for the Condor Introduction Program. Ranchers helped biologists place a remote trap to capture the condors roosting outside the park after the birds were seen feeding on rodents that had been shot with lead ammunition and ranchers many have committed to using non-lead ammunition. Without their efforts, this opportunity to bring California condor back into the wild will not succeed.
Contacts:
- Jim Petterson, Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, Pinnacles National Monument, (831) 389-4485 x 223
- Denise Louie, Chief of Research and Resource Management, (831) 389-4485 x 222
- Chris Ketchum, Ranch Foreman, Paicines Ranch, (831) 801-7910 (Local rancher who switched from lead ammunition to copper in response to the condor reintroduction.
General park information can be obtained by visiting the Web site or by calling (831) 389-4485 extension 0.
Possible Condor Poisoning (06/19/2006)
Biologists were alarmed to observe as many as 11 endangered California condors feeding outside the monument on rodents that had been shot with lead ammunition and/or poisoned with rodenticides. National Park Service biologists are now attempting to trap 11 of the monument’s 13 condors that were observed feeding on these rodents during the past week.
The monument’s Chief of Natural Resources, Denise Louie, explained, “We’re going to trap them and field test their blood for lead residues. We will also give them immediate treatment for the rodenticide. If their blood shows high levels of lead, then we’ll drive them straight to the Los Angeles Zoo for treatment.” Once at the Los Angeles Zoo, veterinarians will x- ray the affected birds to determine if lead fragments are still in their crop. If lead is found, the veterinarians will remove any fragments. The birds will then be held for an extended period while receiving daily shots of a compound (calcium EDTA) that ‘collects’ lead in the blood and allows the bird to eliminate it from their system. As of yet, no behavioral symptoms of poisoning have been observed, but due to the possibility of ingesting multiple poisons, immediate action must be taken.
In 1987, the last wild California condors were taken to zoos for an intensive captive- breeding program. In 2003, Pinnacles National Monument, a historic breeding area, partnered with the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the Ventana Wildlife Society to become the fifth area to reintroduce California condors. Both captive- breeding efforts and the reintroduction of condors back into the wild have been a great success, raising the overall population of condors from 22 to just under 300 birds. The monument is surrounded by undeveloped ranchland and the local ranching community has shown steady support for the reintroduction program.
The monument is the most accessible to the public of all the condor release sites, and is the only reintroduction site that invites the public to attend all releases. The reintroduction of such a "signature species" has already begun to increase visitation, and the Pinnacles Condor Program has drawn substantial positive public attention and national press. All partner agencies agree that the reintroduction is succeeding. Biologists have tracked condor flights ranging from northern Santa Clara County to the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County. During an exploratory flight to the Big Sur coast this month, two condors from Pinnacles met with condors from the Big Sur flock for the first time.
As the condors increase their range, they also expose themselves to potential hazards, such as lead poisoning. The consumption of lead fragments occurs when condors feed on animal carcasses that have been shot using lead bullets. Even microscopically small pieces of lead can be fatal for these birds because they become unable to process food when the lead paralyzes their digestive system. The poisoned bird quickly becomes very weak, mentally impaired, and either dies from starvation or is preyed upon by predators. Pinnacles’ biologists have been working with the local ranching community and have been largely successful in their efforts to reduce the use of lead ammunition by encouraging the use of non- lead alternatives.
The threat from lead poisoning is precisely why National Park Service biologists monitor condor movement patterns on a daily basis, as well as track them remotely using GPS technology and cameras. Earlier this year Pinnacles began posting photographs on its web page, taken by remote cameras at the monument’s feeding site. Now with the CondorCam, http://www.nps.gov/pinn/condor/condor.htm visitors can see these birds close up, while researchers use the same photos to gain critical information about the health of each animal. Contacts:
- Jim Petterson, Pinnacles National Monument Senior Biologist, 831.389.4485 x 223
- Denise Louie, Chief of Research and Resource Management, 831.389.4485 x 222
- Chris Ketchum, Ranch Foreman, Paicines Ranch, 831.801.7910 (Local rancher who switched from lead ammunition to steel in response to the condor reintroduction)
General park information can be obtained by visiting www.nps.gov/pinn or by calling 831- 389- 4485 extension 0.
2006 Raptor Nesting Report (06/08/2006)
The 2006 season continues to go extremely well in regards to confirmation of raptor nesting at Pinnacles. To put this in perspective a bit, last year’s numbers were 27 raptor nests and 9 species of nesting raptors confirmed, both record highs through all previous years of the project. There are currently 54 documented raptor nests in the park, representing 12 species of raptors. These numbers represent the most nests, and the most nesting species, ever confirmed at Pinnacles in a single season.
Prairie falcons (PRFAs) and the peregrine falcon (PEFA) pair are actively feeding nestlings throughout the park, with falcon young already fledging (or flying for the first time) from a few nests. At present there are 6 active PRFA nests, 3 nests that have produced fledglings, 5 failed PRFA nests, a non-nesting PRFA pair at Little Pinnacles, and the PEFA pair with a confirmed nest.
The following territories are currently unoccupied, with no falcons observed within them:
PRFA nestlings at most nest sites are actively exercising their wings and have fully developed juvenile plumage, with young close to or already making initial flights from the nest sites.
The peregrine falcon nest has 3 nestlings that are exercising their wings, and should be flying within two to three days.
Please note that revised climbing and hiking advisories are in effect. So far, climbers have done a great job of staying out of the advisory areas. Hikers have been observed in the advisory area at Hawkins Peak, but did not disrupt the peregrine falcon nest in the territory.
In addition to prairie and peregrine falcon nests, 39 other raptor nests have been confirmed this year. One of the most recent noteworthy discoveries is a turkey vulture nest, discovered by Ben Nugent (of the IWS pig crew) with 2 nestlings confirmed in the cavity site. Although turkey vultures likely nest within the park every year, their behavior is very cryptic, and an active nest has not been confirmed since 1984!
A number of buteo pairs (red-tailed hawks and red-shouldered hawks) have already produced fledglings, with the rest feeding developing nestlings. At present, there are 3 red-tailed hawk (RTHA) nests and 1 red-shouldered hawk (RSHA) nest that still contain nestlings, with 4 RTHA and 4 RSHA nests successfully fledging young.
Golden eagles have also been seen regularly in and near the park over the past month. The eagle nest successfully fledged two eagle young from one of the historic nest sites.
Other diurnal (daytime) raptors with confirmed nests include American kestrels (AMKE), white-tailed kites (WTKI), and Cooper's hawks (COHA). White-tailed kites have never been confirmed nesting at Pinnacles National Monument before, and this year we have 5 confirmed nests for the species! Kestrel and kite nests are producing fledglings now, with a couple of late nests still active. Cooper's hawks typically produce young very late in the breeding season, in late June to July.
Other raptors observed in the park include sharp-shinned hawks, active throughout the park along riparian corridors, northern harriers over open grassland areas, and bald eagl