In 1983, the Northern States Bald Eagle Recovery Plan was proposed. This plan, like the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center`s plan, aimed to restore self-sustaining bald eagle populations in northern regions. Their original goal was to have 1,200 breeding sites occupied by the year 2000, i.e. “the local area associated with a pair of territorial eagles and containing one or more nesting structures” spread over at least 16 states in the region. The objective was to achieve an annual productivity of 1.0 young per occupied nest. The plan included specific tasks, characterized by the following categories: 1. identification of current populations and habitat status, 2. determination of the minimum population and habitat necessary to achieve the objective, 3. protection and enhancement of bald eagle habitats, and 4. Establishment of an information and communication coordination system. To accomplish these tasks, annual surveys, habitat assessments and site-specific management planning were conducted to improve communication and coordination.
They worked to improve habitat conditions, especially in winter, to maximize the survival rate of these eagles. [26] The Bald Eagle and Bald Eagle Protection Act prohibits the possession or sale of an eagle or part of an eagle (i.e., feathers, claws, eggs or nests). [The law prohibits “taking” an eagle, which includes killing, harassing, disturbing or even poisoning an eagle] In 1940, Congress enacted the statue in response to declining bald eagle numbers due to hunting and encroachments on habitat. [Congress enacted BGEPA in 1940 after the decline was first observed in the 1930s] Faced with the prospect of the extinction of the national symbol, Congress has explicitly sought to protect this national treasure. Any form of taking or killing an eagle would pursue a person and punish them civilly. The Act was amended in 1962 to include related golden eagle species. This was done in part to protect the dwindling population of golden eagles, as well as the bald eagle itself, as bald eagles and golden eagles are difficult to distinguish in the wild. In addition to adding the golden eagle, Congress also created an exception in the law that allows people to obtain eagles or their parts for zoos, exhibits or Native American religious purposes. A person must first apply for a permit before granting permission to own eagle parts.
This last part was the most controversial. The eagle is a central figure in many Native American religions. As a result of this change, Native Americans now had to apply for a permit to obtain eagle parts or feathers for their religious rituals. The courts must now decide whether this violates the free exercise of religion. On 9 June 1998, the United States of America filed a complaint against the Moon Lake Electric Association, Inc. (Moon Lake) for electrocuting several species of migratory birds, including eagles. In 1997, Moon Lake experienced seven violations of the BGEPA and six violations of the Migratory Birds Treaty Act (MBA). This includes the slaughter of 12 golden eagles, 4 iron falcons and 1 large owl.
The government claimed Moon Lake had failed to install low-cost equipment on 2,450 utility poles, injuring 38 birds of prey in 29 months. Moon Lake asked that the charges be dismissed, arguing that neither law applies to involuntary conduct. The defendant, Moon Lake, argued that any legislation aimed at the “physical” removal of migratory birds and eagles through hunting and poaching. Eventually, the court dismissed the lawsuit and concluded that BGEPA and MBTA had not interpreted this. Moon Lake subsequently pleaded guilty to multiple offences and was fined $100,000. It has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The objective of the MOU is to protect and prevent future bird deaths. [38] Leonard Cornelius, 35, of Bay City, Texas, pleaded guilty to killing a bald eagle, which is no longer an endangered species but is still protected under the Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles Act.
This Act makes it an offence to kill, possess, sell, transport, export or import a bald eagle or golden eagle, live or dead, including any part, nest or egg, unless expressly authorized. A person can accidentally injure or kill a bald eagle. As with any other crime, the wrong people are sometimes accused. If you`ve been accused of violating the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act, call our experienced Chicago federal defense attorney at Hal M. Garfinkel`s law firm today. We know how to defend ourselves against these accusations and give you the best chance of a positive outcome. Call us today at 312-629-0669 to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your case. The golden eagle is used as a national symbol in Mexico and many countries; It symbolizes many cultures and traditions in different societies. It also symbolizes other countries such as Albania, Germany, Austria and Kazakhstan. The Hopi tribe removes the chicks, raises them and sacrifices them as soon as they are ripe. In 1986, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service issued a permit allowing the tribe to legally continue operations. The golden eagle symbolizes many values such as grace, power and masterful desert.