Bald Eagles and Habitat Preservation in the northern Colorado Front Range: The Stearns Lake Territory at a Crossroads

When: Sept 18, 7pm

Where: Virtual

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED – ZOOM LINK HERE

Front Range Eagles Studies would like to invite you to participate in a Zoom meeting and presentation on September 18th at 7pm. We will focus on the Stearns nesting bald eagles, and how their history emphasizes the challenges that some territorial bald eagles face in the rapidly developing Colorado Front Range due to a scarcity of nesting trees, and diminished habitat and prey resources. The presentation will run about 20 minutes with questions and conversation afterward.

The Stearns Lake bald eagles represent a critical case study in the challenges faced by upland territories in Colorado’s northern Front Range, where old growth cottonwoods are increasingly scarce and human development continues to encroach upon essential habitats. This presentation will trace the history of the Stearns territorial eagles, highlighting their displacement due to development and the ongoing struggle to secure adequate nesting sites and prey resources. Emphasis will be placed on the unique challenges these eagles face, including the scarcity of nesting trees, human disturbances, and the crucial role that prairie dog colonies play in their survival.

In the context of rapid urbanization, the Stearns eagles underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts that go beyond protecting nest sites alone. Our aim is to galvanize support for a campaign urging the City of Louisville to preserve critical habitats, particularly the prairie dog colonies and associated open spaces on the northern lands of the Red Tail Ridge development that will be ceded to the city. These efforts are essential not only for the survival of these eagles but also for upholding the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which mandates the protection of these federally protected birds. Attendees will be encouraged to engage with local officials and sign petitions supporting the preservation of these key habitats.

Thank you for joining us! Dana Bove and Holly Anderson of Front Range Nesting Bald Eagle Studies