Bald eagles will soon be nesting in Prescott National Forest, and seasonal closures begin Monday in two locations.
Humans crossing paths with a breeding eagle may cause disturbances and even result in eggs succumbing to the environment.
An area near Lynx Lake will be closed, as will parts of the Verde River. Despite the limited access, rafters still can pass through the river as long as they do not stop, take out their watercraft or delay their passage.
Francisco Anaya is a biologist with the Prescott National Forest.
“The whole idea is to limit potential human disturbance, especially early on when they’re in the, you know, eggling period of nesting," he said.
Those who choose to violate the rules can be fined.
Anaya says the closure period may be lifted if the nesting efforts of the bald eagles prove unsuccessful.
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