State of Michigan Statewide Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leuocepholus) Productivity Flight Survey

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has operated a State of Michigan statewide bald eagle productivity flight survey for many years. The purpose of the survey is to monitor existing bald eagle breeding areas, and determine mating pair nest occupancy, egg laying, egg incubation, hatching success and fledging success. MDNR licensed pilots work with MDNR and independently contracted observers. The observers and a volunteer compile productivity data that is then made available to State, Federal, and academic partners. The data are important to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) in determining productivity in Areas of Concern (AOC) that are designated under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement as well as in non-AOC reference locations. The Service also uses bald eagle nest data to help inform project planning and to assist the public in compliance with the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Finally, State, Federal and academic partners may reference current survey data to further investigate and monitor bald eagles as indicator species of aquatic ecosystem health. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intents to award a grant to Michigan Department of Natural Resources without competition under justification 505DM 2.14B.2 & 4. Authorizing legislation for this agreement is Anadromous Fish Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 757a); Bald Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668); Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 3951); Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1254(b)(3)); Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 103); Emergency Wetlands Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3901); Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1561); Fish and Wildlife Act (16 U.S.C. 742a); Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 2901); Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661) Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (Public Law 109-326); Great Lakes Fishery Act (16 U.S.C. 931) ; Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. 3371-3378); Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703); Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (16 U.S.C. 4701); North American Wetlands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 4401); Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act (16 U.S.C. 3771).