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Current Status:

Primary threats to the bald eagle in Kansas include loss of important riparian wintering habitat, powerlines that present an electrocution hazard, and intentional shooting.

Achievements:

No nesting bald eagle pairs had been reported in Kansas this century until an adult pair successfully nested in eastern Kansas in 1989. In 1990, two pairs successfully nested, the 1989 pair and a second pair in the western part of the State. Both pairs have been monitored annually, and some of the progeny and one adult have been banded. The two nesting areas are being protected from human disturbance. Several additional potential nesting locations have been discovered. These may be evidence of young birds beginning to establish territories for future nesting. A formal section 7 consultation with the Federal Highway Administration resulted in a no-jeopardy biological opinion with reasonable and prudent measures to avoid or minimize incidental take of eagles (through harassment from construction or tree removal) by protecting and restoring riparian habitat. Additionally, several informal section 7 consultations with rural electric cooperatives resulted in the dissemination of important information about raptor-proofing powerlines.

Current Recovery Needs:

The primary needs for recovering the bald eagle in Kansas are protection and maintenance of habitat, including both wintering areas and newly established nesting territories. Additionally, nesting eagles will need continued monitoring. Work with rural electric cooperative associations is needed to ensure that new or revised powerlines are equipped with raptor protection measures.

Partnerships

Army Corps of Engineers: The Corps owns and manages Clinton Reservoir, the site of the first documented bald eagle nest site in Kansas in over 100 years. The Corps has cooperated with the Fish and Wildlife Service to identify a zone of protection around the nest, post information and warning signs, and place floating buoys around the protected nest area. Corps personnel also have assisted in trapping and banding efforts each year.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks: This State agency is responsible for protecting and conserving all State and federally listed endangered and threatened species. The Department has coordinated all protection efforts for both bald eagle nests and has begun a multiyear survey of wintering bald eagles to identify the most frequently used riparian areas.

Recovery Plan Status:

Plan approved 7/29/83.