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May
23
Written by:
ODNR Division of Wildlife
5/23/2008
****MEDIA ALERT\PHOTO OPPORTUNITY****
PUBLIC INVITED TO BALD EAGLE NEST VIEWING
Come see eaglets at Rocky Fork Lake State Park
XENIA, OH – The public is invited to come and view one of Ohio’s newest Bald eagle nests, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Rocky Fork Lake State Park is home to one of the twenty-one new nests across the state and will host a morning of activities and offers the opportunity to see our national symbol. A viewing opportunity is scheduled for June 4, 2008, starting at 10:30 a.m. and concluding at 1:00 p.m.
Bald eagles, soon to be officially downlisted from a state endangered species to a threatened species in Ohio, are a wildlife management success story. In 1979 there were only 4 nesting pairs remaining in the state. Through restoration efforts by the Division of Wildlife there are now at least 184 nests in the state. During the 2007 nesting season 194 eaglets fledged from 116 nests across the state. The eagles will continue to be protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, with additional protection under the Bald Eagle Protection Act. These acts protect the nesting location and tree as well as the bird. The public is asked to refrain from walking around the nest tree. Killing any threatened or endangered species can result in a significant criminal charge and fine.
“The Rocky Fork nest is a great place to view bald eagles,” said David Kohler, wildlife management supervisor for the Division of Wildlife. “We hope the community will take advantage of this added opportunity to get an even closer look at this majestic bird.”
Rocky Fork Lake State Park is located five miles east of Hillsboro on State Route 124. To reach the viewing site, take State Route 124 east and turn left on North Shore Drive. The viewing will be held at the park office/campground, 9800 North Shore Drive. State Parks and Division of Wildlife staff will be on hand to direct the public to the observation area. Spotting scopes will be available for the public to use and several speakers will give educational talks on Ohio’s eagle program. The Division of Wildlife will also provide kid friendly activities throughout the morning.
Ohio’s Bald Eagle Management Program is funded by donations to the Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund. Individuals can contribute by checking the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s line on their Ohio State Income Tax Form and by purchasing a Wildlife Conservation license plate featuring the cardinal or bald eagle.
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