Permit to Kill Bald Eagles Requested
The Osage Nation announced today its opposition to a wind developer’s intention to kill up to 120 bald eagles during the course of a proposed industrial wind project in Osage territory. Wind Capital Group, a wind development company proposing to build a 94-turbine wind farm between Pawhuska and Ponca City, has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for an “eagle take” permit, which has never been issued to a wind development company in U.S. history.
In November of 2012, the Osage Nation learned that the energy company submitted an application to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for a permit that would allow the company’s industrial development project to kill multiple eagles per year. The company is currently awaiting a decision on its application to kill eagles.
Osage Nation Principal Chief John D. Red Eagle expressed his deep concern and opposition to killing eagles in Osage territory from a cultural standpoint.
“The eagle is a sacred and symbolic figure to the Osage people, and the area targeted for this project contains a high bald eagle population,” Red Eagle says. “While the Osage Nation does not oppose wind energy or alternative energy, we do oppose the specific area for this project. It all comes down to siting projects in appropriate places, and this is not an appropriate place for a massive wind energy project.”
The Osage Nation is urging tribal members, conservation groups and other concerned parties to join them in opposing this project and the killing of bald eagles in Osage territory.
For those who would like to voice their concerns on this matter, the Osage Nation is encouraging people to submit their comments via email to Jerry Thompson, Chief of the USFWS Migratory Bird Permits Office, at jerry_e_thompson@fws.gov or by phone at 505-248-6406.
Updated 06-25-2013
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