VERMONT BALD EAGLE RESTORATION PROJECT UPDATE MEETING MARCH 24

WATERBURY, VT  If you are wondering what is happening with Vermonts bald eagle restoration project you need to come to an informational meeting open to the public on Thursday, March 24, at 7:00 p.m. at the Central School on Route 17 in Addison.

Project partners will give an update on last years successful release of eight eagles, discuss plans for the rearing of new young eagles arriving this spring, and provide information on how you can get involved in the project.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is coordinating the bald eagle restoration effort in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Federation, Outreach for Earth Stewardship, Central Vermont Public Service, and others. Senator Jim Jeffords was instrumental in securing funds for this project.

Six to nine young eagles will be brought into Vermont each spring from other states and put into hack boxes in Addison where they will be sheltered, fed and monitored until they are ready to fly and live on their own.

The young eagles are expected to make the Champlain Valley their home. When they reach maturity at four to six years of age, they will be likely to nest and raise young in the same area.

Bald eagle numbers declined throughout most of North America between the 1950s and 1970s. Ingestion of the pesticide DDT resulted in reproductive problems and is generally believed to be the primary cause of their declining numbers. Bald eagles began to return during the last two decades. Biologists believe the increase has resulted from the banning of DDT in North America, the development of effective reintroduction programs, and the protection of bald eagle breeding and wintering habitat.
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For Further Information please contact: Lilla Lumbra at 802-241-3700 or email to lil.lumbra@anr.state.vt.us