Information about Eagle Management

Eagles are Protected

Although bald eagles are no longer on the threatened species list, bald and golden eagles are still protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act).

Download Eagle Act

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

2009 Final Environmental Assessment

This FEA analyzed the Service’s proposal to create permits allowing the take of bald or golden eagles and their nests. It also contains the current eagle population management objectives.

Download 2009 Final Environmental Assessment

2009 Eagle Permit Regulations

In September 2009, the Service published a final rule establishing new permit regulations under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act for nonpurposeful take of eagles (74 FR 46836). These regulations relate to permits to take eagles where the take is associated with, but not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. The regulations provide for both standard permits and programmatic permits.

Download Eagle Permits; Take Necessary To Protect Interests in Particular Localities; Final Rules

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) Seeking Public Input On the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act Permit Program

Download Federal Register Notice - April 13, 2012 - Eagle Permits; Revisions to Regulations Governing Take Necessary To Protect Interests in Particular Localities

2013 “Duration Rule”

The "Duration Rule" is a rule that extends the maximum term of programmatic permits to 30 years.

Download 2013 "Duration Rule"

Highlighted Topics

Topics such as permit duration, management objectives, programmatic permit conditions, criteria for eagle nest removal, compensatory mitigation, and low-risk project category were highlighted at the public input meetings. Details on these topics are available here.

More information

The USFWS, Division of Migratory Bird Management, has a lot more information on bald and golden eagle management and regulations at its eagle management webpage.

For more information, visit fws.gov

Additional Information

Eagle Banners Column 1

Golden Eagle Biology and Life History

Golden Eagle Biology and Life History

Basic description of golden eagles.

Bald Eagle Biology and Life History

Bald Eagle Biology and Life History

Basic description of bald eagles.

Management Objectives for Bald and Golden Eagles

Management Objectives for Bald and Golden Eagles

Guidance for how eagles are monitored and managed in the U.S.

Adaptive Management Process

Adaptive Management Process

Using real-world experience to improve conservation efforts over time.

Compensatory Mitigation

Compensatory Mitigation

Determining if, when, and how to apply CM to eagle permitting.

Eagle Banners Column 2

Programmatic Permit Conditions and Duration

Programmatic Permit Conditions and Duration

Setting terms and conditions for long-term permits.

Cultural Resources and Values

Cultural Resources and Values

Opportunities and concerns that may result from changes in eagle management.

Permits for Taking Eagle Nests

Permits for Taking Eagle Nests

Balancing the conservation of eagles with minimizing regulatory burden.

National Environmental Policy Act

National Environmental Policy Act

Systematic process and schedule for assessing eagle management options.

Why is Eagle Research Important?

Why is Eagle Research Important?

Current and potential research needs to guide eagle management efforts.

Highlighted Topics

Topics such as permit duration, management objectives, programmatic permit conditions, criteria for eagle nest removal, compensatory mitigation, and low-risk project category were highlighted at public input meetings.

Find out more about these important topics