On 9 June 1998, the United States of America filed a complaint against the Moon Lake Electric Association, Inc. (Moon Lake) for electrocuting several species of migratory birds, including eagles. In 1997, Moon Lake experienced seven violations of the BGEPA and six violations of the Migratory Birds Treaty Act (MBA). This includes the slaughter of 12 golden eagles, 4 iron falcons and 1 large owl. The government claimed Moon Lake had failed to install low-cost equipment on 2,450 utility poles, injuring 38 birds of prey in 29 months. Moon Lake asked that the charges be dismissed, arguing that neither law applies to involuntary conduct. The defendant, Moon Lake, argued that any legislation aimed at the “physical” removal of migratory birds and eagles through hunting and poaching. Eventually, the court dismissed the lawsuit and concluded that BGEPA and MBTA had not interpreted this. Moon Lake subsequently pleaded guilty to multiple offences and was fined $100,000.
It has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The objective of the MOU is to protect and prevent future bird deaths. [38] Last year, 32 dead bald eagles were released from New York. A total of 21 birds or bird parts (bald eagles and golden eagles) were returned to this state by the Federal Archives for use by Native Americans for religious/ceremonial purposes. The Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668d), which was enacted in 1940 and amended several times since, prohibits anyone from “taking” bald eagles or golden eagles, including their parts (including feathers), nests, or eggs without the permission of the Secretary of the Interior. The law provides criminal penalties for those who “take, possess, sell, buy, barter, offer for sale, buy or barter, transport, export or import a bald eagle.
[or any golden eagle], living or dead, or any part (including feathers), its nest or egg. In 1983, the Northern States Bald Eagle Recovery Plan was proposed. This plan, like the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center`s plan, aimed to restore self-sustaining bald eagle populations in northern regions. Their original goal was to have 1,200 breeding grounds occupied by the year 2000, i.e. “the local area associated with a pair of territorial eagles and containing one or more nesting structures” distributed among at least 16 states in the region. The objective was to achieve an annual productivity of 1.0 young per occupied nest. The plan included specific tasks, characterized by the following categories: 1. determination of current populations and habitat condition, 2. determination of the minimum population and habitat necessary to achieve the objective, 3.
protection and enhancement of habitat for bald eagle populations, and 4. introduction of a coordination system for information and communication. To accomplish these tasks, annual surveys, habitat assessments and site-specific management planning were conducted to improve communication and coordination. They worked to improve habitat conditions, especially in winter, to maximize the survival rate of these eagles. [26] Good question! That`s where the National Eagle Repository, the federal government`s official dead eagle processing center, comes in. Since DDT was banned in 1972, the eagle has been able to achieve healthy population growth. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services were able to achieve this by cleaning up streams, including lakes and rivers, protecting nesting sites, and reintroducing eagles to their original environment. [23] Guidelines for eagle cages are also provided by the licensing authority to ensure decent and healthy conditions. The guidelines recommend a minimum enclosure of 12` L x 10` W x 9`H for non-flying eagles and a minimum enclosure of 40`L x 10`L x 9`H for a flying eagle. Accurate records should be kept on a calendar year basis reflecting the acquisition, veterinary care and disposal of eagles. These records and kennel maintenance may be inspected by an authorized representative at any reasonable time.
In addition, an annual activity report must be sent to the Regional Migratory Bird Licensing Office by January 31 of each year. [35] This licence allows Native American tribes to possess bald eagles or live golden eagles legally acquired for religious activities. To be eligible for this permit, tribal units must be registered and receive services from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Federal Eagle aviary is a facility that houses bald eagles and golden eagles not released for Native American religious purposes. The permit is intended to provide Native Americans with an additional source of feathers through Mauser. However, human contact with live eagles is minimal with this type of permit. The custodian is responsible for caring for eagles kept under this permit.