LARRY NILES HIGHLIGHTS EAGLE RECOVERY
Our local eagles received a lot of press recently, as a result of coverage given to KGA's
annual meeting on May 10th, 2007. The speaker for this program, Larry Niles, Ph.D.,
worked for the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species Program for
over 20 years, including 14 years as its Chief. He is now the Chief Biologist for
Conserve Wildlife Foundation.
In 1973, only one nesting pair of bald eagles was known in our entire state. By 1982, that
single nest had failed for eight successive years. A group of scientists in the Endangered
and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) of the New Jersey Fish, Game and Wildlife department
determined to do something about this tragic situation. Through dedication, enlistment
of novel surrogate parents, and the relocation of young birds from other areas, the ENSP
(with the help of dedicated volunteers) successfully re-introduced bald eagles into New Jersey.
Now we have a productive American bald eagle nest in Princeton, and these magnificent birds
are well on their way to recovery in the state.
The fledgling rate is 1.3 birds per nest--very good--and about 80 young a year are now being produced.
During the January 2006 Midwinter Eagle Survey, 55 active nests and 192 bald eagles were observed
statewide. Dr. Niles showed data from nest surveys, mid-winter eagle counts, radiotelemetry studies,
and contaminant research (e.g., analysis of compounds such as PCB's-found in alarming levels
in the Delaware River--and the pesticide DDT in blood samples and eggshells), along with
a memorable collection of eagle photos.
He noted the relationship between habitat protection and the protection of endangered species, and
cited loss of habitat as the biggest threat: what he called "the tightening noose." He described
upcoming changes in legislation that will effect protection of these magnificent birds.
The new rule, if passed, will create habitat conservation plans (HCP's), to simplify the
permitting system and provide better protection for eagles and other wildlife. Development
will be encouraged to happen where most appropriate, following the European model--
on the periphery of existing development.
A wonderful coda to the program was provided by Kingston resident Curt Emmich, in the form of
photographs of the banding of a six week-old eaglet.
NY TIMES STORY ON LARRY NILES AND BALD EAGLES IN NEW JERSEY
Larry Niles Keeps
Watch on Young Eagles
Click here to see eagle photos!
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PROPERTY TAX REFORM: What does
it have to do with the concerns of KGA and other environmental groups? You may
be surprised by the relationships between rising property taxes and open space,
suburban sprawl, water quality, and quality of life in the Garden State. New Jersey
Future has been diligently studying and evaluating a problem that affects all
of us in more ways than might be immediately evident. To learn more, click here:
New Jersey Future
• Photographs of the Laurel Avenue School
• Land Trust Standards and Practices
• Kingston Greenways Association
[KGA] and the Kingston Garden Club Invasive Plant Species Talk
• South Brunswick Master Plan
- 1986
• Village Planning and Implementation
Agenda
• Handbook of Landowner's Options
• National Public Radio Program on Birdsong
LARRY NILES HIGHLIGHTS EAGLE RECOVERY