Voyageurs National Park announced the closure of four developed campsites and four undeveloped areas due to the presence of active bald eagle nests. The restrictions come under the auspices of the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Management Act.
A recent survey found 75 bald eagle nests in the park, 37 of which had adult eagles incubating eggs on them. Park officials reported that 30 nests were active in 2010, 38 in 2009, and 29 in 2008.
Park managers are asking both motorized and non-motorized watercraft users not to travel within 200 meters of bald eagle nesting sites and adjacent land areas during the closure period. Boaters are encouraged to not stop on the water within the 200 meters near active nesting sites.
The developed campsites currently closed are the Sexton Island campsite on Namakan Lake, the Sand Bay South houseboat site on Rainy Lake, and the Feedem Island and Yoder Island houseboat sites on Kabetogama Lakes
The closed undeveloped areas are at Pine Island South, West Sphunge Island Inlet, and West Harris Island Point on Kabetogama Lake and the North Diamond Island undesignated houseboat site is closed on Rainy Lake.
“We appreciate the public’s assistance in protecting the bald eagles of Voyageurs National Park,” Park Superintendent Mike Ward said. “Reducing the potential adverse impacts at eagle nesting areas ensures that we are successful at sustaining the VNP eagle population.”
The closures are expected to last until mid-August, when the young typically leave nests.
Find complete information on the bald eagle surveys and the campsite closures HERE.