Lynx Lake annual bald eagle nesting closure begins December 1

Beginning December 1, 2024, the John’s Tank Trail will be closed to protect bald eagles from human disturbance during the nesting season. While the John’s Tank Trail #94 will be closed, the Lynx Lake Shore Trail #311 and Salida Gulch Trail #95 will remain open.  This closure goes into effect seasonally each year from December 1 through June 30.

This closure applies to the approximately one mile stretch of the John’s Tank Trail that is east of Lynx Lake and connects the Lynx Lake Shore Trail to the Salida Gulch Trail. The closure will also be enforced north and south of the trail between Lynx Lake and the Salida Gulch Trail.  A map of the closure  area will be posted at all trailheads accessing the area and at the Bradshaw Ranger District office. Trail loop opportunities in other areas can be found on the adjacent Highlands Center for Natural History just north of Lynx Lake.

Closure Order: 03-09-03-23-00_Lynx Lake 2023 Bald Eagle Closure Order_final_signed.pdf

Special restrictions are written as follows:

• It is prohibited to go into or be in the restricted area. 36 CFR 261.53 (a).
• It is prohibited to be on the trails in the restricted area. 36 CFR 261.55(a).

Observing the closure order is critical during egg incubation and the first six weeks after hatching. Any disturbance that causes the eagles to be off the nest for an extended period of time during these important stages of nesting could cause egg failure or death to young eagles that may be in the nest. Trail cameras will be used to monitor the success of the closure.

To learn more about the management of the southwestern bald eagles in Arizona, visit Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee or Arizona Game & Fish.

Please call the Bradshaw Ranger District at 928-443-8000 for more information or visit our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott for a copy of the Closure Order Number 03-09-03-23-00 and associated map.