Originally published June 2, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified June 2, 2007 at 2:02 AM
Fish and Wildlife defines "disturbing" a bald eagle
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Friday officially defined what it means to "disturb" a bald eagle, trying to settle a semantic debate...
The Washington Post
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Friday officially defined what it means to "disturb" a bald eagle, trying to settle a semantic debate that helped to delay the bird's removal from the list of threatened and endangered species.
A 1940 law, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, lists all the things people cannot do to the national symbol. Among other things — shooting, trapping, pursuing, poisoning — the act prohibits "disturbing" the birds.
The law could become important again if the eagles lose their protection under the Endangered Species Act. From 417 breeding pairs in 1963, the population has grown to 9,800 birds, thanks to conservation measures that included banning the eggshell-thinning pesticide DDT.
Environmentalists and the Fish and Wildlife Service have been arguing over how the old law, and especially its use of "disturbing," should be interpreted. The agency originally considered definitions that would limit "disturbing" to actions that caused injury, death or abandonment of a nest. Environmentalists wanted something broader.
Friday, the agency released a definition that took 34 pages to explain and seemed to please its critics. Officials said "disturb" would be taken to mean any action that caused injury or interfered with breeding or raising chicks and any action that seemed likely to cause those things.
"That's a much more protective standard" because it can be used to stop disruptive actions before birds are harmed, said Tim Male, senior ecologist for Environmental Defense.
The Fish and Wildlife Service is under a court order to make a decision by June 29.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 10:39 AM
Va. gov clears way for DC sniper's execution
FBI reassessing past look at Fort Hood suspect
UPDATE - 10:35 AM
Obama remembers what Fort Hood victims left behind
NEW - 10:39 AM
White House: Obama has four Afghan options
UPDATE - 10:47 AM
Navies of 2 Koreas exchange fire near border

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Lt. governor's son shot by co-worker in Kent; gunman then shot self
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
261 - House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
261 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
200 - Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers
143 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
141 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
128 - King County OKs 'don't ask' law on immigration
108 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
80 - 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
75 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
71
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens





