Prescott National Forest has announced the closure of a bald eagle nesting area on the Verde River.

The closure is located south of Camp Verde and will last until June 1.

Nesting eagles can be seen at Lynx Lake, where another closure is in effect. Visitors are asked to keep their distance, especially when eagles are in their nests.

"They are such a special bird. We want to keep protecting them. And by providing them a quiet, undisturbed area, we give the setting and the opportunity for mating, courtship, and we’re hoping, egg laying, and having babies," said Noel Fletcher, of Prescott National Forest.

Fletcher says it is possible to see eagles at Willow, Watson and Goldwater lakes.

Closure restrictions on the east side of the lake including the John’s Tank Trail began Dec. 1. The trail will be closed to public entry from the lake over to the Salida Gulch trail.

Forest officials said the federally protected birds are getting ready to begin another breeding attempt this season.

According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the trail is too close to the new nest location to remain open for the breeding season. But the trail around the edge of Lynx Lake will remain open to hiking as it is not near or visible from new nest location.

Forest officials said bald eagles have used Lynx Lake as a nesting site for the last 12 years.