DiscoverNEPA is all about celebrating Northeastern Pennsylvania’s abundant and vibrant natural spaces. We want you to get outside, relax and unwind in the mountain air, among the towering trees, along the crystal-clear lakes and streams. We just want to make sure everyone enjoys these places safely and respectfully.
That’s why we’re teaming up with state agencies, local conservation authorities and outdoor enthusiasts to bring you expert advice, tips and so much more to help you enjoy NEPA’s great outdoors.
Pennsylvania’s Bald Eagles – A Conservation Success Story
If you are like me, during the spring and summer months you may frequent Pennsylvania’s rivers, streams, wetlands, and forests in an attempt to shake off the winter blues. Wildlife is abundant during these months, like the world is waking back up after a long cold stretch of the Pennsylvania winter. If you are also like me, I am always in awe when I am lucky enough to observe one of Pennsylvania’s most majestic species of wildlife, the Bald Eagle.
The bald eagle’s history in Pennsylvania is a precarious one.
In 1983, there were three eagle nests left in the entire state. To say the bald eagle, the national symbol of our nation, was in trouble is an understatement. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) knew something had to be done to protect and conserve the bald eagle and with the help of a little progressive thinking, a plan of action was put into place.
By the mid-1900’s, bald eagle populations had plummeted. The decline in populations was partly due to land development and increasing human disturbances, but mostly due to the use of the pesticide DDT. DDT affects reproduction in eagles and other large birds of prey.
Working together to save a species.
In 1967, bald eagles were listed federally as an endangered species and due to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which required a plan for recovery as well as the pesticide DDT being banned in the U.S, a way forward for reintroduction was paved.
In 1983, with assistance and a working relationship with the Canadian Government, the PGC reintroduced bald eagle chicks from Canada back to the Northeast United States. From 1983 to 1989, 88 eaglets were brought to Pennsylvania from the Canadian province of Saskatchewan where they were raised in specially constructed towers and released into the wild through a process known as “hacking.” One of these original hacking towers is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania at Shohola Lake in Pike County.
Over 300 active bald eagles and counting.
The dedication and determination of the employees of the PGC along with multiple conservation partners has led to what today is known as a true conservation success story. As I am writing this, Pennsylvania has over 300 active bald eagle nests. This is up from just three active nests in the early 1980’s. Nesting populations continue to grow in size and expand throughout the Commonwealth.
Be on the lookout.
So, the next time find yourself in the wilds of Pennsylvania or floating down a local river or stream, keep an eye on the sky and surrounding landscape as chances are high that you’ll be able to observe these magnificent creatures in flight. And be thankful for the forethought of conservation heroes before us that went above and beyond to save the bald eagle, our nation’s national symbol.
Featured image (top) courtesy of PA Game Commission.
