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For Immediate Release
Bald Eagle Success Will Continue Thanks to New Definition of "Disturb"
Statement of Jamie Rappaport Clark, executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Washington D.C. -- “Defenders of Wildlife is pleased that the Fish and Wildlife Service has made clear that the bald eagle will continue to be protected from human disturbance under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, even after it is removed from the list of threatened and endangered species. We applaud today’s announcement by the Service that the prohibition against disturbing bald eagles under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act will be interpreted to prohibit human activities that are likely to interfere with eagles’ breeding, feeding or sheltering behavior, or cause injury, death or nest abandonment.
“The bald eagle’s remarkable recovery exemplifies how to save a species from extinction under the Endangered Species Act. We were, however, concerned that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could potentially jeopardize this incredible success story by failing to maintain protection for bald eagles under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Today’s announcement alleviates our concern.
“It is important to remove a species from the list of threatened and endangered species once it is recovered in order to make room for other animals and plants that are in greater need of the resources available through the Endangered Species Act. However, it is also important to ensure that these same species do not end up back on the list. Fortunately, the bald eagle will be protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. These protections, in addition to the bald eagle management guidelines and the new definition of ‘disturb’ should provide the framework for the continued conservation of our national symbol.
“The bald eagle, our national symbol of strength and freedom, deserves nothing less than the best protection to enable its survival and continued successful recovery. We are confident that, with today’s announcement, the Service is demonstrating its commitment to the continued conservation of the bald eagle.”
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Defenders of Wildlife is recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 500,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species issues.
