Program News
2024 Eagle Regulations Revision
On February 12, 2024, the Service published in the Federal Register a and final environmental assessment that revises permitting for eagle incidental take and eagle nest take under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The purpose of this rulemaking was to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of permitting, improve clarity for the regulated community, and increase the conservation benefit for eagles. In addition to continuing to authorize specific permits, we created general permits for certain activities under prescribed conditions, including qualifying wind energy generation projects, power line infrastructure, activities that may disturb breeding bald eagles, and bald eagle nest take. General permits simplify and expedite the permitting process for activities that have relatively consistent and low risk to eagles and well-established avoidance, minimization, and compensatory mitigation measures. We also made improvements to the specific permit application review process and requirements, revised permit fees, and clarified definitions.
Info on Eagle Act Regulation Revisions
Eagle Incidental Take Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
On September 14, 2021, the Service published an to solicit public input and feedback on potential approaches to improve permitting of incidental take of eagles. The Service鈥檚 intent for both bald and golden eagles is to ensure that the regulations for these permits are consistent with the goal of maintaining stable or increasing breeding populations. The notice is available at at docket Number: Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2020-0023. Public comments were due by October 29, 2021 and the Service is now reviewing those comments.
Updated Eagle Nest Survey Guidance
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced new guidance regarding eagle nest survey areas. The updated recommendation is to conduct field surveys for eagle nests only within 2 miles around the project footprint. This guidance supersedes the recommendations in the Service's 2013 Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance.
