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Eagle Management and Protection in Washington State |
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Bald eagles are protected by both state and federal law. In July 2007, the bald eagle was removed from protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. However, two other federal laws still provide protection for the bald eagle, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. These laws primarily address nest tree protection and protection from harassment. Federal laws and regulations come into play when a federal permit is required (such as a dock permit from the Army Corps of Engineers), or when a federal crime, such as harm to an individual eagle or nest, is suspected. State law focuses
on protection of nesting and roosting habitat. The state law is the Bald
Eagle Protection Act, RCW
77.12.655. It was passed by the Washington State Legislature in 1984.
This law requires the establishment of rules defining buffer zones around
bald eagle nest and roost sites. The law states that the rules shall take
into account the need for variation of the extent of the zone from case
to case. In 1986, the Bald Eagle Protection Rules, WAC
232-12-292, were established by the Washington State Wildlife Commission.
The primary focus of the Bald Eagle Protection Rules is to protect habitat
via habitat management plans. Bald Eagle Management Plan Frequently Asked Questions
Other Bald Eagle Frequently Asked Questions |
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