Eagle Survival - Habitat Management

Of all of the threats to the survival of the bald eagle, the destruction of the eagle's habitat poses the greatest risk. Therefore, one of the most important features of a bald eagle recovery plan is its suggestions for protecting the bald eagle's habitat.

The Fish & Wildlife Service make the following suggestions for the protection of the bald eagle's natural environment in forested areas near large bodies of water:

• Preserve all or most potential nest trees located within 1 1/2 miles of large bodies of water.
• Maintain several areas of mature forest
• Enhance the eagle's accessibility to potential nesting trees by leaving a few dominant trees and removing any nearby trees that might restrict its flight path
• Retain the largest 3 to 5 dead and dying trees per acre within one mile of a large body of water for perch trees
• Provide open areas to improve air accessbility, increase the land prey area, and improve the chances of survival for grounded young eagles

The Service also makes these recommendations regarding activities that should not be conducted near possible bald eagle nesting sites:

• Restrict residential, commercial, and industrial development and any construction or mining
• Prohibit the use of chemicals toxic to wildlife

During the nesting season these restrictions should be expanded to include the following activities:

• Human disturbance of any kind (including hiking and viewing)
• Heliocopter or aircraft operation within 500 feet above the nest or 1,000 feet around the nest
  
  

Other activities which pose a hazard for bald eagles include:

• Construction of multi-story buildings and high-density housing developments between the nest and the eagle's feeding area
• Construction of new roads, trails, and canals which would increase access to the nest

In order to enforce these restrictions, private and government landowners must learn to cooperate for the benefit of the wildlife resources. This cooperation involves determining a course of action that is acceptable for all people involved. The Fish & Wildlife Service recognizes that working with people to help preserve our wildlife takes time, understanding, and compromise. In light of this understanding, they have identified several barriers to communication and possible solutions.

For example, some private landowners may believe (or it may actually be the case) that the presence of an endangered or threatened species on its property would limit the options for their lands or diminish the value of their property. In the case where the private landowner stands to profit handsomely from the construction of a large development or commercial venture, he or she is naturally reluctant to give up this profit to preserve its wildlife. The Fish & Wildlife Service actively seeks to find solutions which will benefit both the landowner and the wildlife resources. Another example of a conflict is the fact that the existing laws do not encourage landowners to improve habitats for listed species on their lands. In addition, many landowners would be willing to help preserve or enhance the habitats of endangered or threatened species if they were recognized for their contributions. The solution again is to work on legislation and plans which encourage and reward contributions by private citizens.

The bald eagle recovery plans designed by the five bald eagle recovery region species expert teams contain further suggestions and information about preserving the habitat of the bald eagle. Consult those resources for further details about habitat management and its effect on the bald eagle.