By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff | June 6, 2025
LA PORTE, CA — As summer recreation ramps up in the Sierra, visitors to Little Grass Valley Reservoir should be aware of a partial closure at Wyandotte Campground, where a pair of nesting bald eagles is raising two young eaglets.
The Plumas National Forest has announced that campsites 1 through 17 on the peninsula at Wyandotte will remain closed until July 15, 2025 under a formal Forest Closure Order (No. 05-11-03-25-01). The rest of the campground, including Pancake Beach, is scheduled to open as planned on Friday, June 13.
“The eagles didn’t nest last year, so we were thrilled to find them back this spring with two eaglets,” said Jacqueline Phipps, Biologist for the Feather River Ranger District. “This closure helps ensure the young birds can fledge successfully without human disturbance.”
Why the Closure Matters
According to Forest officials, eaglets typically take flight — or “fledge” — by mid-July, and until then, they are especially vulnerable to disruptions. While the adult bald eagles continue their watch, Forest staff and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists are closely monitoring the site.
“We’re asking the public to give these birds the peace they need right now,” Phipps added. “Even well-meaning curiosity can do harm during this sensitive time.”
Unfortunately, some individuals have already been seen bypassing closed gates to enter the campground, prompting the early implementation of the closure order.
“Wyandotte is still closed for seasonal prep work, so no one should be entering except Forest staff,” said Feather River District Ranger Loren Everest. “Respecting this closure is not just about following the rules—it’s about protecting a rare and iconic species.”
Legal Protections and Penalties
Bald eagles are federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940, which prohibits anyone from disturbing, harming, or interfering with these birds or their nests. Violations can result in:
- Up to $100,000 in fines for individuals
- Up to $200,000 for organizations
- Imprisonment of up to 1 year for first offenses
- Felony charges for repeat violations
Additionally, violations of the Forest Order itself can carry separate penalties of up to $5,000 for individuals, $10,000 for organizations, or up to six months in jail.
Respect the Birds, Respect the Forest
At Sierra Rec, we’ve long celebrated the wild moments that make the Sierra Nevada so special. And few are more humbling than sharing space with bald eagles — a species that once struggled to survive and now symbolizes successful conservation.
So if you’re headed to Little Grass Valley Reservoir this summer, plan accordingly. Give the eagles space. Respect posted closures. And be part of the success story.
The rest of Wyandotte Campground and nearby recreation areas are ready to welcome campers for another memorable Sierra summer — with just a little more quiet where it counts.
More Information:
📍 Plumas National Forest Website
📣 USFS Plumas Facebook Page
If you’d like, I can also prep:
- A short social media post or Facebook version
- A sidebar box for regulations or eagle facts
- A campground guide update for the Plumas/LGV area on Sierra Rec
