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FWC releases draft bald eagle
management plan
May 17, 2007
Contact: Mary Scott Gilbert (850) 410-5291 Cell (850) 519-1540
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is
releasing a draft bald eagle management plan and is asking for
public comment. FWC is creating a species-specific management
plan as a requirement of its listing process before moving the
bald eagle off the imperiled species list.
FWC policy changes outlined in the draft management plan include
regulation of nests inside the 660-foot buffer zone and
requirements for permitting activities that violate guidelines
described in the permitting framework of the draft plan.
The draft management plan establishes a new section within
Chapter 68A, Florida Administrative Code, specifically for
nongame birds. The plan also proposes adoption of a new rule to
protect bald eagles and incorporates U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service bald eagle guidelines.
The FWC is moving to delist the species because of the increased
number of bald eagles in Florida over the past few decades. The
goal of the management plan is to maintain a stable or
increasing bald eagle population throughout Florida.
The bald eagle is still classified as threatened by the FWC and
will not be delisted until the management plan, developed with
public input, is approved by FWC Commissioners. The bald
eagle will remain protected by the federal Endangered Species
Act, the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the federal Bald
and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The draft management plan
also will ensure the bald eagle will continue to be protected
and thrive in Florida.
The public comment period lasts from May 17 through July 2.
FWC staff will revise the plan to reflect comments received.
Staff will present the revised draft at the September Commission
meeting in St. Petersburg and will likely bring the plan for its
final hearing and approval at the December Commission meeting in
Key Largo.
The draft plan is available at MyFWC.com under Quick Clicks.
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