Timeline for Eagle Actions

 

An interactive timeline showing the eagle rule review, public input and revision process. Click on topics for more information.

2007

Bald eagle removed from the ESA List of threatened species

Two bald eagles watching over their nest

August 9th, 2007

The bald eagle was officially removed from the list of threatened species. The golden eagle has never been listed under the Endangered Species Act.

2009

2012

Advance notice of proposed rulemaking published

Two men measuring the head size of a golden eagle

April, 2012

In April, 2012, the Service published this Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR), seeking public input on the 2009 permit regulations.

Visualize and explore public comments

Read public comments

Download Federal Register Notice - April 13, 2012 - Eagle Permits; Revisions to Regulations Governing Take Necessary To Protect Interests in Particular Localities

Regulations.gov Docket - Eagle Permits; Modifications to Regulations Governing Take to Protect Interests in Particular Localities

2014

Public scoping process

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listening to public comment

Public scoping guidelines and topics

June 23 - September 22, 2014

The Service initiated a public scoping process to take public input on all aspects of eagle management, including permit terms and conditions, mitigation, cultural resources, research, and management objectives. The Service held four formal public input meetings and solicited public comment via Regulations.gov.

The purpose of the public scoping process was to determine relevant issues that could influence the scope of the analysis, including alternatives, and guide the process for developing an environmental assessment (EA) or programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) and related compliance efforts. Factors currently considered for analysis in the EA or PEIS included:

  • The direct, indirect, and cumulative effects that implementation of any reasonable alternative could have on bald and golden eagles, migratory birds, other wildlife species, and their habitats
  • Direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of projects that are likely to take a minimal number of eagles and as such can be classified as "low-risk" or "low effect" and for which permitting at the individual project level could be expedited
  • Effects on cultural resources
  • Potentially significant impacts on biological resources, land use, air quality, water quality, water resources, economics, and other environmental/historical resources
  • Strategies for avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating the impacts to eagles, migratory birds, wildlife, and other resources listed above
  • Climate change effects

The Service received 517 unique comments during the public comment period. Approximately 213 people attended the meetings, and all were encouraged to submit written comments. Representatives from the Service were available to answer participants' questions and listen to their ideas and concerns. Most of the discussions and comments could be categorized into eight major thematic areas:

  • General comments against the killing of eagles (or for eagle protection)
  • Proposed 30-year permit is too long (or keep the permit length at 5 years)
  • Other permit length comments
  • Falconry concerns or changes to eagle take for falconry
  • Comments generally anti-wind energy facilities
  • Comments generally pro-wind energy facilities
  • A need exists for more research (or there is not enough information)
  • Form letters originating from an organization, but sent by individuals

Visualize and explore public comments

Read public comments

Download public scoping meeting and comments report

Download Federal Register Notice Eagle Permits; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement, June 23, 2014

2016

Proposed rule revision

May 6, 2016

The Service proposed revisions to the eagle non-purposeful take permit regulations and eagle nest take regulations that were promulgated in 2009. Proposed revisions included the following:

  • changes to permit issuance criteria and duration;
  • definitions;
  • compensatory mitigation standards;
  • criteria for eagle nest removal permits;
  • permit application requirements;
  • and fees.

The revisions are intended to add clarity to eagle permit regulations, improve their implementation, and increase compliance, while providing strong protection for eagles.

Eagle Permits; Revision to Regulations for Eagle Incidental Take and Take of Eagle Nests (Proposed Rule)

Eagle Permits: Revisions to Regulations for Eagle Incidental Take and Take of Eagle Nests on Regulations.gov

Current regulations for permits for eagle take that is associated with, but not the purpose of, an activity (these are the regulations currently in effect)

Draft programmatic environmental impact statement

Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the Eagle Rules Revision

May 6, 2016

The draft programmatic environmental impact statement analyzed the effects of eagle management . . .

  • at different geographic scales (Eagle Management Units);
  • different take limits for bald and golden eagles;
  • and the proposed revisions to the permit regulations.

The revisions are intended to add clarity to eagle permit regulations, improve their implementation, and increase compliance, while providing strong protection for eagles.

Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the Eagle Rules Revision

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