What are the draft National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines?
These voluntary guidelines are intended to be used in the event the bald eagle is no longer listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. They are consistent with current management practices. If delisted, bald eagles will still be protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Service developed the draft guidelines to advise landowners and others how to avoid take of bald eagles and ensure that bald eagles continue to be protected consistent with existing law. The guidelines also provide recommended best management practices to provide additional benefits to bald eagles over and above the recommendations for avoiding disturbance.
These voluntary guidelines are intended to be used in the event the bald eagle is no longer listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. They are consistent with current management practices. If delisted, bald eagles will still be protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Service developed the draft guidelines to advise landowners and others how to avoid take of bald eagles and ensure that bald eagles continue to be protected consistent with existing law. The guidelines also provide recommended best management practices to provide additional benefits to bald eagles over and above the recommendations for avoiding disturbance. What do the guidelines say? The guidelines recommend buffers around nests when conducting activities that are likely to disturb bald eagles. The buffer areas serve to screen nesting eagles from noise and visual distractions caused by human activities.
