The
Return Of The Bald Eagle
An
Inspirational American Success Story
For
over 200 years, the Bald Eagle has served as the proud symbol of
the United
States and has stood for independence and the timeless ideals
of excellence and integrity.
When Columbus
discovered America in 1492, Bald Eagles ranged and flourished in abundant
numbers throughout North America.
During
the Second Continental Congress in 1782, our founding fathers adopted
the Bald Eagle as the central image in the official emblem of our
new nation. At that historical moment, as many as 100,000 of these
birds could be found nesting in the expansive territory that is now
the lower 48 states.
As the new frontier
was conquered and our country developed, the Bald Eagle population gradually
declined due to our own carelessness and lack of awareness.
Indescriminate
shooting, destruction of critical habitat, and widespread use of
the pesticide DDT on crops eventually took their toll and caused
near extinction of the bird. By the early 1960s, it had become a
rare and endangered species.
However, our
people and government were resolved to save it and worked together
for decades to reach that goal. Thanks to the strict legal protection
provided by the "Endangered Species Act of 1972" and the
recovery efforts of many concerned and dedicated Americans, the Bald
Eagle was given a second chance.
In
2007, experts projected there were approximately 10,000 nesting pairs
in the contiguous United States. Bald Eagles are thriving again in every
state of the Union (except Hawaii, where they never existed).
Our National Bird was downlisted from its "Endangered" status
under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1995. It remained listed as "Threatened"
under the ESA until June 28, 2007. Its primary protection was then changed
to the "Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act" (BGEPA). The
U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service defined the word "disturb" under the BGEPA
to more clearly
protect both bald and golden eagles, their nests and nesting habitat.
The majestic
Bald Eagle has certainly made a dramatic recovery to our nation's lands
and skies, but it is imperative that all Americans remain vigilant and
keep a watchful eye over its progress. We must continue to protect this
great bird and its natural habitat for many more generations to enjoy.
Federal and
state agencies have transferred to the public more responsibility for
the preservation of the Bald Eagle. The "American Eagle Foundation" is
a nonprofit citizens' effort dedicated to conducting programs that
will help ensure a secure and healthy future for this precious national
treasure.
Together,
we can keep America's living symbol of freedom flying strong well
into the 21st century and beyond.
American
Eagle Heroes
We
give special thanks to all those caring people, corporations,
organizations
and agencies whose contributions and hard work helped bring
the Bald
Eagle back from the brink of extinction.
Please
let us know if you know a person, organization or company that has
contributed significantly to the recovery and protection of the
Bald Eagle and should be included in the listing below. Contact
us at: EagleMail@Eagles.Org
