The Plumas National Forest has announced that Wyandotte Campground, scheduled to open on June 13, is under a closure order to protect nesting bald eagles in the Little Grass Valley Reservoir Recreation Area. The closure, effective until July 15, affects campsites 1 through 17 on the peninsula, while Pancake Beach and the remainder of the campground remain open.
The closure is necessary as the eaglets have not fledged yet, providing a disturbance-free environment for the eagles during this critical period. Feather River Ranger District Biologist Jacqueline Phipps noted that the eagles nested this year after not doing so last year, and the closure aims to minimize disturbances during nesting.
Biologists are actively monitoring the nesting pair and their two eaglets to ensure their successful fledging. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 protects these birds, prohibiting interference with their natural behaviors. Violations can result in significant fines and imprisonment.
Ranger Loren Everest expressed gratitude for the public’s understanding and cooperation in protecting the bald eagles and hopes to share more information once the campground reopens for the summer season. The formal reference for the forest order is Closure Order No. 05-11-03-25-01, with penalties for violations including fines and potential imprisonment.
