Voyageurs National Park announced the closure of three developed campsites and three 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 39 active bald eagle nests in the park, 30 of which had adult eagles incubating eggs on them. Park officials reported that 38 nests were active in 2009, 29 in 2008, 30 in 2006, 26 in 2004 and 2005.
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 and the Skipper Rock Island and Sand Bay South houseboat sites on Rainy Lake.
The closed undeveloped areas are all on Kabetogama Lake at Pine Island South, West Sphunge Island Inlet and West Harris Island Point.
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.