Bald eagles may lose more protection
ELLENSBURG -- Washington State’s in the process of removing protection requirements for the bald eagle.
The national bird is no longer on the federal threatened or endangered list. Now, the Department of Natural Resources wants to remove it from the critical habitats list.
It means landowners in these areas would no longer have to address the impact on the birds when developing their property. Experts say the comeback of the eagle might have gone too far.
"There's increasing evidence the numbers of bald eagles have reached their carrying capacity in the environment and are starting to negatively affect some of the species that they prey on," said bird expert Andy Stepniewski.
A public hearing on the proposed rule change is scheduled for Thursday in Ellensburg.
The national bird is no longer on the federal threatened or endangered list. Now, the Department of Natural Resources wants to remove it from the critical habitats list.
It means landowners in these areas would no longer have to address the impact on the birds when developing their property. Experts say the comeback of the eagle might have gone too far.
"There's increasing evidence the numbers of bald eagles have reached their carrying capacity in the environment and are starting to negatively affect some of the species that they prey on," said bird expert Andy Stepniewski.
A public hearing on the proposed rule change is scheduled for Thursday in Ellensburg.
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