Commission Moves to De-list Bald Eagle as Numbers Soar

[Bumpus]

NGPC news release, 6/12/08:

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is initiating the process to remove the bald eagle from the state list of threatened and endangered species. This follows the species’ June 2007 de-listing from the federal list of threatened and endangered species. State de-listing is the final hurdle for a species to be considered fully recovered in Nebraska.

(c) NEBRASKAland Magazine/NGPC
As of 2007, 51 bald eagle nests had been documented in Nebraska.

In 1983, a recovery goal of 10 breeding pairs was set for Nebraska in the federal Bald Eagle Recovery Plan. Breeding bald eagles had been extirpated from the state in the late 1880s due to unregulated hunting. The first documented occurrence of nesting in more than 100 years occurred in 1991 and by 1996 the recovery goal was achieved. In 2006, 45 active nests were documented in Nebraska and in 2007, the number jumped to 51. The number of nest reports continues to increase. “We may close in on 60 active nests when all the reports come in for 2008,” said Joel Jorgensen, the Commission’s nongame bird program manager.

Increases in Nebraska also mirror nationwide trends. In 1963 there were only an estimated 417 breeding pairs in the lower 48 states. At the time of federal de-listing in 2007, the number of breeding pairs was estimated to be greater than 9,000.

Bald eagle recovery is a major conservation success story and points to the effectiveness of endangered species protection. “Conflict and controversy sometimes engulf endangered species conservation, but the story of the bald eagle clearly demonstrates that, when taking steps to protect endangered and threatened species, we cannot only recover a species, but these animals can thrive while our economy does the same,” said Jim Douglas, Wildlife Division administrator. “Taking these steps not only ensures the persistence of these species for our lifetime, but also ensures that future generations can experience magnificent species like the bald eagle.”

If the bald eagle is de-listed by the Commission, it will remain a conservation priority. Federal protection changed little with federal de-listing. The species remains protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA). It still will be illegal to hunt, shoot, harm, or disturb bald eagles. Bald eagles also remain protected by state law. The Commission is seeking public input regarding the recommendation to de-list the bald eagle. A series of eight public meetings will be held throughout the state in July and August, and written comments will be accepted through Aug. 18. To learn more about the bald eagle’s recovery in Nebraska, public meeting details, or to review documentation to support the Commission’s action, visit Nebraska Game and Parks Commission - CONTENT TITLE GOES HERE.

[Carilee]

That is great that the numbers have increased so much. When I go looking for eagles in the spring it is much easier to find them than it was a few years ago.