TUMALO, OR -- Several popular local areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management will temporarily close to the public next year, to protect the habitat of nesting eagles and prairie falcons.

According to the BLM, people walking, riding, or even being within view near a nest can cause an adult bird to abandon it. If an adult bird abandons a nest, the eggs can get cold, the young may not get fed, and the nest will be open to predation. 

Hiking, biking, horseback riding and other uses are not allowed during the seasonal closure in these areas:

• Tumalo Reservoir: Closed from January 1 to August 31 of every year to protect nesting bald eagles. Visitors can still hike or ride in the northeast corner of this area or enjoy the nearby Cline Buttes Recreation Area.
• Trout Creek Trail (south side of the Trout Creek Trail only): Closed from January 15 to August 31 of every year to protect nesting golden eagles. Visitors must stay on the Trout Creek Trail or between Trout Creek Trail and the Lower Deschutes River. This closure includes the Trout Creek climbing walls. Visitors can enjoy climbing nearby at Rattlesnake, Skinners Butte, and the Gorge at Smith Rocks year-round.
• Cline Buttes Recreation Area (portions of the Deep Canyon, Fryrear, Maston, and Jaguar Road only): Closed February 1 to August 31 of every year to protect nesting golden eagles and prairie falcons. Visitors can enjoy other trails throughout this recreation area, including in the Tumalo Canal Historic Area and the Buttes year-round. 
• Horny Hollow Trail near Crooked River Ranch: Closed from February 1 to August 31 to protect nesting golden eagles. Visitors can enjoy other nearby trails, including Otter Bench, Scout Camp, Folley Waters, and Steelhead Falls year-round.

Violating closure orders could lead to up to a $1,000 fine and or jail time. Click HERE for the full BLM notice.