Help! Philly area bird preservation!

[Peregrine Harlequin]

Okay, I'm not sure where this should've gone. But I figured it'd be more noticeable in Bird Talk than in Bird Watching. And although it may interest others, it only really affects locals.

For those who don't know, my town is located just across the Delaware River from northeast Philadelphia. There are several islands in the river, the largest being Petty's Island. Its 393 acres have been partially developed by Citgo. It's hardly used anymore, so Citgo is looking to get rid of it. Once cleaned, they have offered to donate it either to federal or state government control along with $2 million for upkeep. But so far all agencies have declined acceptance, only seeing the island as a partly developed and contaminated burden.

Yet despite human interference, many species have taken up residence there. The most prominent birds living there are a pair of bald eagles. The island also a heron rookery, and is undoubtably an important stop for many migratory birds. Red fox and white-tailed deer have also been seen on the island.

Our township officials have other plans for the island. They would like to build 721 high-income homes, a large hotel, and a golf course on Petty's Island. One must keep in mind that there is already a golf course in Pennsauken. And Philadelphia, with all its hotels, convention center, and big city experiences is within sight of Pennsauken. Also, what will happen to those fancy places when the remnants of a hurricane come through? And who would want to live in a river anyway?

Now, the reason why I'm mentioning all this now is the 4" x 6" card I received in the mail today. There will be a township committee meeting on Wed., Feb. 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the township building. I'll definitely be there, doing my best without letting my emotions get the better of me. Any support would be appreciated, as I'm not sure how many people will attend with hope of reversing our elected officials' decisions.

Oh, and when asked to sign a petition, 94% of those approached supported the island's conservation. You can find more info here. Thanks for reading this far.

-Luke

[Lynjupiter]

You might want to look into the bald eagle act and call it to your townships attention. If there are bald eagles nesting on that island the town can not in any way develop the island IF it disturbs the nest in any way shape or form.
There is a certain area around the nest that must be left undistubed while the eagles are nesting. Here in my town there was a big tadoo because eagles built a nest on a plot of land ( a very expensive plot of land) that was under construction when the eagles chose the site. The construction was halted and not allowed to continue.

Bald Eagle Protection Act (1940)
This act protects bald and golden eagles within the United States and its jurisdiction. It prohibits the possession, sale, harassment, purchase, transportation, export and import of bald and golden eagles, including their parts, nests, and eggs.

Lynda

[smallonion]

Oh my god...I was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia. If I was not in London I'd come to the meeting too. I will pass this along to all the Northeast Philly people I know.

Michele and Humphrey

[Peregrine Harlequin]

Besides being home to several species listed as endangered in NJ, Petty's Island may have some historical value. I haven't confirmed it for myself, but I've heard it was sold by Native Americans, possibly housed a fort at some point, and was the location for slave auctions.

But anyway.... So far this is what I've found. Keep in mind I have no law experience, so please forgive me any formatting and/or citation errors.

From Title 16, Chapter 7, Subchapter I of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act:
The object and purpose of this Act is to aid in the restoration of such birds in those parts of the United States adapted thereto where the same have become scarce or extinct, and also to regulate the introduction of American or foreign birds or animals in localities where they have not heretofore existed. The Secretary of the Interior shall from time to time collect and publish useful information as to the propagation, uses, and preservation of such birds.

From New Jersey Statutes (found at http://ipl.unm.edu/cwl/statbook/newjer.html):
STATE WILDLIFE POLICY
The legislature finds and declares: The policy of this state is to manage all forms of wildlife to insure their continued participation in the ecosystem; that species or subspecies of wildlife indigenous to the state found to be endangered should be accorded special protection to maintain and if possible enhance their numbers; and the state should protect species or subspecies of wildlife endangered elsewhere by regulating the taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale or offer for sale or shipment within the state any species or subspecies on any Federal endangered species list (23:2A-2).

PROTECTED SPECIES OF WILDLIFE
The Commissioner shall conduct wildlife investigations to develop information relating to populations, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors and data to determine management measures and develop management programs for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of such investigations and other data the Commissioner by regulation may promulgate a list of endangered species and subspecies indigenous to the state, shall review such list periodically, and by regulation may add or delete species and subspecies (23:2A-4). The Commissioner shall establish programs, including acquisition of land or aquatic habitats, for conservation and management of nongame and endangered species of wildlife, and may enter into agreements for the administration and management of any area utilized for management of nongame or endangered species of wildlife.

HABITAT PROTECTION
"Conservation restriction" means an interest in land less than fee simple absolute, stated in the form of a right, restriction, easement, covenant, or condition, in any deed, will or other instrument, other than a lease, executed by or on behalf of the owner of the land, appropriate to retaining land or water areas predominantly in their natural, scenic or open and wooded condition, or for conservation of soil or wildlife, or for outdoor recreation or park, or as a suitable habitat for fish or wildlife, to forbid or limit construction; dumping; removal of vegetation; excavation; surface use except permitting the land or water area to remain predominantly in its natural condition; activities detrimental to fish and wildlife habitat preservation; and other acts or uses detrimental to the retention of land or water areas. A conservation restriction may be acquired by gift, purchase or devise, and in the case of the state or other governmental entity, by condemnation. Such restrictions may be enforced in the same manner as other interests in land (13:8B-2 and :8B-3).

The Legislature finds and declares that freshwater wetlands provide essential breeding, spawning, nesting and wintering habitats for a major portion of the state's fish and wildlife, including migrating birds, endangered species, and commercially and recreationally important wildlife. The Legislature further finds and declares that the public benefits arising from the natural functions of freshwater wetlands, and the public harm from freshwater wetland losses, are distinct from and may exceed the private value of wetland areas. The Legislature therefore determines that where pressures for commercial and residential development define the pace and pattern of land use, it is in the public interest to establish a systematic review of activities in and around freshwater wetland areas designed to provide predictability in the protection of freshwater wetlands; that it shall be state policy to preserve the purity and integrity of freshwater wetlands from random, unnecessary or undesirable alteration or disturbance and that to achieve these goals it is important that the state assume freshwater wetlands permit jurisdiction (13:9B-2). [For details of the "Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act," see 13:9B-1 through 13:9B-30].

From the Greater Yellowstone Commission (http://www.greateryellowstone.org/wi...ld_eagles.html):
Studies throughout the Ecosystem have shown that eagles choose nest sites and perches, and change their patterns of activity, to avoid encounters with humans. To assess human effects on eagle populations, the aggregate breeding success must be monitored over a five to ten-year period. Unfortunately, by the time negative trends are detected, the action needed to restore deteriorated habitat or alter established human uses is difficult, costly, and subject to controversy. Consequently, a pro-active approach toward managing eagle habitat is the most effective way to prevent population decline.

And to appeal to their sense of cents, this article:
"The bald eagle is back, and a major tourist attraction in many states"

I would have posted this sooner today, but I was busy watching a Cooper's hawk in my backyard. Now if I only had a camera....