By Logan Witt
SCA Raptor Intern 2023
Acadia National Park
June 7, 2023
You may wonder why the infamous Precipice Trail, along with Jordan Cliffs and Valley Cove trails, are closed during the most popular season at Acadia National Park. Conservation efforts are the culprit of these closings. The once endangered peregrine falcon has been protected since 1970 to save them from extinction. DDT pesticide overuse was the main reason for the decline of peregrine falcon populations. A Peregrine Falcon Watch program (PEFA) is offered at the Precipice Trail parking lot where scopes are set up to view the nesting area and falcons. The main goal of the program is to enhance visitor understanding and appreciation for reintroducing and protecting native species.
Acadia National Park typically hires a Raptor Intern through the Student Conservation Association to assist with the Peregrine Falcon Watch. My name is Logan Witt, and I am the Raptor Intern for the 2023 season. Birds are fascinating to me, and I am ecstatic to learn as much about them as possible and share my knowledge. I grew up in a small town in Iowa where I found my passion of protecting and conserving wildlife and the environment. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Iowa State University. Through my education and experiences, I found my main interest in informing the public on the importance of conservation and sustainable practices.
The PEFA program is an amazing opportunity for people in the community to become more interested and knowledgeable about ways national parks conserve natural resources. I am honored to be a part of this amazing program and excited to invite all of you along on this journey of watching the chicks (eyases) grow up. Having the public be involved in this program is the perfect way for the community to create a pride and personal understanding of these amazing raptors, and more support for their overall protection. Using the falcons as an example is the perfect way for enhancing visitor appreciation for reintroducing and protecting other native species as well. My plan is to delve deeper into the history and fun facts about this program throughout the season.
* Learn more about Peregrine falcon recovery in Acadia.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service