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Current Status:

In 1991, at least 437 bald eagle nesting territories produced an estimated 1.0 young per occupied territory. However, piecemeal development of nesting, feeding, migrating, roosting, and wintering habitat statewide still threatens the eagle, as do contaminants and human disturbance.

Achievements:

Several Federal agencies are involved in recovery efforts for the bald eagle in Minnesota, as is the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. With the participation of these agencies, annual inventories of breeding areas are conducted, habitat uses are determined, nestlings are banded, breeding habitat is assessed, public education is provided, powerline problems are resolved, nesting and potential habitat management plans are developed, and winter habitat management plans are developed.

Current Recovery Needs:

Protection for eagle breeding, feeding, migration, and wintering habitat is needed in Minnesota. The Fish and Wildlife Service has concentrated habitat protection on nesting sites, but other habitats are being lost to development, and strategies to protect all habitats need to be formulated. Additionally, the recovery plan needs updating, with particular attention to providing criteria for habitat protection and other factors in maintaining target eagle numbers.

Partnerships

Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers, and Environmental Protection Agency: These Federal agencies work cooperatively to conduct annual inventories of breeding areas, determine distribution of breeding areas, analyze data, conduct winter surveys, determine habitat use, band nestlings, assess various habitats, conduct public education, resolve powerline problems, develop habitat management plans, develop winter area management plans, conduct tours, and prepare magazine articles about the status of the eagle.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: This State agency has been involved in protecting nesting habitat and developing summer and winter plans, as well as working with Federal agencies in carrying out their recovery tasks.

Minnesota Taconite Mining Company: This private company worked with the Fish and Wildlife Service to save a faltering nest structure and protect a newly established breeding area near the settling ponds at MinnTac mine in Mt. Iron, Minnesota. A new nest was constructed by MinnTac within the breeding area using native materials in a tree located in a protected area on mine property.

Recovery Plan Status:

Plan approved 7/29/83.