Brecksville, Ohio - Returning bald eagles and construction activities are impacting closures in Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). Please observe any posted restrictions within the eagle nesting zone and maintenance zone.
The bald eagles are actively tending to last year's nest within the Pinery Narrows area in the national park. To protect the eagles from human disturbance, the area surrounding the nest tree will be closed untilJuly 31, 2015.The Pinery Narrows area is north of Station Road Bridge Trailhead in Brecksville, Ohio. The National Park Service (NPS) will close the following areas for the bald eagle nesting:
• The railroad tracks are closed to all pedestrian traffic from the SR 82 Bridge at Station Road Bridge Trailhead, north to the railroad tracks at the Fitzwater Yard. The 30-foot right of way on either side of the railroad tracks is also closed.
• The Cuyahoga River downstream of the Brecksville (SR 82) Dam to the Fitzwater Road Bridge is closed to all water activities (fishing, wading, and boating). Fishing is permitted at the dam.
NPS will close the following section of the Towpath Trail for the construction:
• The Ohio &Erie Canal Towpath Trail from Station Road Bridge Trailhead to Frazee House for visitor safety during canal dredging activities.The maintenance dredging is needed to remove accumulated debris from the canal to allow a free flow of water in the canal.The closure will occur from7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, February 24 to Friday, March 20. Thetrail will be open evenings and weekends. No detour is provided.
NPS has reopened the Towpath Trail from Red Lock Trailhead to Boston Store. NPS Maintenance completed an emergency repair of the trail along the riverbank.
In late winter, eagles lay one to three eggs that are incubated for approximately 35 days. Eagle eggs are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures so adults must remain on the nest constantly. Human disturbance can disrupt this constant care, jeopardizing nesting success.
Although recently removed from the endangered species list, the bald eagle is still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Both federal laws prohibit taking, killing, selling, or otherwise harming eagles, their nests, or eggs. Bald eagles returned to the Cuyahoga Valley in 2006, after an absence of 70 years. Last year, this pair of bald eagles successfully raised two eaglets.
CVNP encompasses 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural activities in one setting. For more information visitwww.nps.gov/cuva or call 330-657-2752.
J.R. Absher
Editor, The Outdoor Wire Digital Network
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