Point Roberts, WA --
Lily Point Defenders has implemented the EagleEye Protection Program, a new monitoring and protection program that will utilize local residents to keep detailed records of the health and welfare of local wildlife and habitat.
The first phase of the program is already in motion, as organizers have recruited a handful of people to report on the bald eagle nests, any disturbances, how many young each pair fledges, and if any State or Federal guidelines or ordinances have been violated.
Due to budget cutbacks, Fish & Wildlife agents don’t get the chance to come to the Point very often. It is now up to private citizens to ensure the bald eagles are not subjected to historical interference by landowners and poachers.
Point Roberts enjoys one of the most significant bald eagle populations in Whatcom County, and a large part of the Eagle Eye program will center on education and raising awareness of the importance of eagles to the ecosystem.
Lily Point Defenders is fortunate to be working with Frank Issacs, who has run the bald eagle monitoring program in Oregon for the last 30 years, and is one of the top experts on eagles in the western U.S. The EagleEye Protection Program will also be coordinating with David Hancock, of the Hancock Wildlife Foundation, who runs a similar program in B.C.
The EagleEye Protection Program will not be limited to the bald eagle nesting areas. Program volunteers will also maintain a keen awareness of the surrounding lands, sea, and tidelands used by eagles and other wildlife in order to report any harmful activities that would impact their habitats and the overall environment.
The eagle in the photo is “Freedom” from the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center in Arlington, WA, who fell from her nest prematurely, and broke bones in her wings that have prevented her from ever being able to fly. We want to ensure that this type of misfortune doesn’t happen to any of our eagles, and to help everyone learn how to live in harmony with our wild brothers and sisters.
If you are interested in joining our cause, or just want to report something that you have seen, please contact us at EagleEye@Lilypd.org. We will keep your identity confidential and only send you our newsletter upon your request.
copyright © 2011 Cheetah Digital
Bald Eagle
Management and Protection in Washington State
Bald eagles are protected by both state and federal law. In July 2007, the bald eagle was removed from protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. However, two other federal laws still provide protection for the bald eagle, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. These laws primarily address nest tree protection and protection from harassment. Federal laws and regulations come into play when a federal permit is required (such as a dock permit from the Army Corps of Engineers), or when a federal crime, such as harm to an individual eagle or nest, is suspected.
State law focuses on protection of nesting and roosting habitat. The state law is the Bald Eagle Protection Act, RCW 77.12.655. It was passed by the Washington State Legislature in 1984. This law requires the establishment of rules defining buffer zones around bald eagle nest and roost sites. The law states that the rules shall take into account the need for variation of the extent of the zone from case to case. In 1986, the Bald Eagle Protection Rules, WAC 232-12-292, were established by the Washington State Wildlife Commission. The primary focus of the Bald Eagle Protection Rules is to protect habitat via habitat management plans.
Bald Eagle Management Plan Frequently Asked Questions
Other Bald Eagle Frequently Asked Questions