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Current Status:

The peregrine falcon breeding population continues to increase in Minnesota. However, peregrines in Minnesota continue to be threatened by collisions with man-made structures and automobiles, great horned owl predation, human disturbance, loss of potential nesting areas, and, possibly, contaminants.

Achievements:

The Fish and Wildlife Service is working with the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to establish and monitor six nesting sites within the metro Twin Cities area, and to monitor two natural nest sites along the north shore of Lake Superior. The Service is also working with a landowner and The Nature Conservancy to protect the Little Marais nest site from disturbance and adjacent proposed development. The Raptor Center, Minnesota Falconers Association, private corporations, groups, and individuals actively collaborate to aid peregrine falcon recovery in Minnesota.

Current Recovery Needs:

The species may be approaching its nesting habitat carrying capacity in Minnesota, but hacking should continue for the present.

Partnerships

Forest Service, National Park Service, and Department of Defense: These Federal agencies have responsibilities for monitoring peregrines in Minnesota and protecting nesting sites. These responsibilities are set out in the 1991 update of the Eastern Peregrine Falcon Recovery Plan.

Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of State: The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for regulating the use of pesticides that affect peregrines, and the State Department discourages foreign use of pesticides that affect peregrines.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: This State agency protects and manages nesting, migration, and wintering habitats; conducts releases of peregrines to the wild; monitors nesting populations; bands young falcons; monitors migrating and wintering peregrines; provides law enforcement protection; and conducts public education.

The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus: The Raptor Center coordinates the peregrine reintroduction program for Minnesota and other midwestern States, and rehabilitates sick and injured falcons.

Recovery Plan Status:

Original plan approved 8/20/79; revised 9/27/91.