HULETT, Wyo.-Devils Tower National Monument west and northeast face climbing routes and summit edges, which were temporarily closed to protect prairie falcons, are now open, according to a news release from monument headquarters. Climbing routes on the southwest face are now closed between and including "The Thin Dagger" and "Centennial" (routes No. 173 to 199 in the Devils Tower climbing handbook). The southwest edge of the tower summit is also closed to climbers.

More than 190 other routes on the Tower remain open, according to the news release. Climbers may ask at the climber registration office to see a list of all closed routes.

This closure began March 15 to protect prairie falcon nesting sites.

Since then, park service staffers have surveyed the tower and determined the location of a nesting pair. Prairie falcon activity will continue to be monitored to determine the success of the nesting falcons.

Climbing routes in the area of the nest will remain closed until young falcons fledge, generally between July 15 and Aug. 1. Climbing routes closed may change based on the location of the nesting pair.

Separate from the falcon closure, Devils Tower National Monument has a voluntary climbing ban in effect for June out of respect for American Indian cultural traditions.

For more information about climbing closures, call the monument's chief of resource management, Jim Cheatham, at 1-307-467-5283 ext 212.