Arizona Bald Eagle Management

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The objective of this award is to support the ongoing efforts of the Recipient to monitor the bald eagle within the State of Arizona. This work will contribute toward national efforts to monitor and assess the status, productivity, distribution, and population trends of this species. Activities funded through this award include contracting Nestwatchers to monitor selected breeding areas starting in February and ending in April-June and to conduct six annual bald eagle helicopter surveys from January to June. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) administers and conducts surveys for bald eagles in cooperation with the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee (SWBEMC). This work activity is necessary in order to complete a statewide bald eagle winter count each year in January, and to survey bald eagle breeding areas monthly from January to June. Collection of occupancy and reproductive data at breeding areas is necessary to track the status and trend of the population from year to year in agreement between AZGFD and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Assessments of population status and timely discovery of breeding areas also help the SWBEMC identify sensitive areas requiring proactive management to prevent potentially adverse impacts. Special Use low-level flight operations are needed because the survey areas of interest frequently occur within rugged and otherwise inaccessible canyons and terrain. Flight activities occur within the Salt River from Granite Reef Dam to the confluence of the Black and White Rivers, Black River, White River, North Forth White River, Big and Little Bonito Creeks, Tonto Creek, Salome Creek, Canyon Creek, and Cibecue Creek. Flight activities also occur within the Gila River, from Kearny to the San Carlos Reservoir and from Safford to Three Way, San Carlos River, Bonita Creek, Willow Creek, Eagle Creek, San Francisco River, and Blue River. Surveys also may occur along the entirety of the Verde River and its tributaries, Silver Creek, Crescent Lake, Big Lake, Reservation Lake, and Greer Lakes.

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