HABITAT RELATED FIRE EFFECTS:

Because forest structure (density and height class) determines avian community composition, changes in forest structure lead to changes in avian communities [7, 8].  A stand-replacing fire will, therefore, likely change bald eagle use of a forest.  Fires that destroy old-growth forest can reduce eagle populations [9].  If low-intensity, litter-reducing fires are not allowed to burn in old-growth forests, stand-replacing, high-intensity crown fires can result [10]. 

Fires create snags, which are important perching and nesting sites for bald eagles.  Snags can possibly increase potential for lightning-caused fire when standing, and when fallen, they increase fuel loading [11].  These increased potentials may be hazardous in areas where fire control for maintaining bald eagle populations is necessary.  There have been no studies to determine if the hazards of snags outweigh their benefits to eagles.  Catastrophic fires in mature and old-growth forests can create even-aged conditions which may stop continuous snag recruitment [12].

FIRE USE:

Fire can be used to reduce litter build-up, control disease, remove less vigorous species, and allow more vigorous trees to reach maturity, thus providing old-growth habitat for bald eagles [13].

BALD EAGLE NEST PROTECTION PROTOCOL*:

1. Paint each nest tree with acrylic latex exterior house paint (white) in a 2-inch tall belt around each tree centered at 6 feet.
2. Flag (PVC tape) a perimeter with a 50-foot radius around each nest tree.
3. Trim all small trees (3-inch dbh and less) within the radius removing all resultant activity fuels.
4. Mow the entire area within the perimeter (12-inch minimum height).  Remove all resultant activity fuels from nest tree site.  After initial clearing treatment, in order to remove additional natural fuel loads, spot burning may be used as a reduction tool.
5. All accesses to the primary zone will be posted with nest area warning signs.
6. Nest trees will be initially treated during late May/early June when nests are not active.  Treated nest trees will be annually inspected and re-treated as needed (August/September).

* Note: Developed by J. White and W. Thomson with reference to the Management Guidelines for the Bald Eagle in the Southeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4. 1983.