Developers destroy bald eagle nest in Alabama that was ‘source of pride,’ residents say
Federal wildlife officials are investigating a development project in Alabama after a tree housing a bald eagle nest was chopped down — causing outrage among city residents and officials.
“I am not an anti-development guy, but this type of behavior is far from what I would expect from a responsible developer. In fact it is quite insidious,” Auburn resident John Braswell said in a Nov. 16 Facebook post.
According to Georgia-based developer Hughston Homes and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a permit was issued for the removal of the nest in October; however, many residents, like Braswell, said the permit was given in bad faith.
“When we acquired the property, we were unaware of the presence of an eagle’s nest on the land,” Hughston Homes said in a Nov. 15 statement shared with McClatchy News. “Upon discovery, we immediately took steps to consult with experts and comply with all necessary rules and regulations.”
A Wildland expert working with Hughston Homes determined the nest was “likely an alternate nest,” the developer said, adding that the permit was issued in the “best interest of the eagles.”
But Braswell told McClatchy News he’s seen at least two eagles nesting in that tree for years, and some neighbors named the birds Jim and Pam.
“I know that those eagles use that nest as their regular, primary nest,” he said.
Auburn residents speak up
After learning about plans for the housing development, some Auburn residents started a petition to try and save the nest.
According to the petition — which has over 8,000 signatures as of Nov. 19 — the nest has been an important part of the community since 2017.
“These bald eagles are a source of pride and connection for our community. Residents have followed the pair’s life with admiration, watching them expand their nest, which serves as a critical anchor and habitat,” petition starter Kade Turner said.
Several residents commented on the petition, showing their support.
“Eagles are an important part of the history of Auburn University and the surrounding community,” one person wrote. “Preserving this small habitat for Jim and Pam and their future offspring is the least we can do in support of protecting the national bird symbol of the United States.”
“Bald eagles mate for life and keep their nests just as long. Please do not interrupt their life together. They are our nation’s sacred bird,” another person commented.
Eagle nest destroyed
Despite efforts to save the nest, the tree was cut down Nov. 15, according to Auburn city officials.
“We took this step with the knowledge that these resilient birds are capable of establishing a new nest close to their former habitat,” developers said in the statement, adding that a contribution was made to the Alabama Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation (Outdoor Alabama).
USFWS said in a Nov. 19 statement that the permit requires a compensatory mitigation payment, in this case directed to Outdoor Alabama.
Nonetheless, the decision to cut the tree down remains problematic for many reasons, according to residents and city officials.
For Braswell, it’s strange that the tree with the eagle nest was the only one on the property chopped down, he told McClatchy News.
“It just seems like they did that to try to circumvent maybe the revocation of the permit,” Braswell said.
The timing of the decision was also an issue for city leaders working with the developer, according to a Nov. 16 Facebook post by Auburn Mayor Pro Tem Beth Witten, who represents the ward where the development is located.
In the post, Witten shared a statement by the City of Auburn that said she and Auburn Mayor Ron Anders had a meeting with the developer scheduled for Nov. 18 during which they planned to discuss alternate options to protect the nesting area.
“I apologize that my efforts were smashed, albeit due to the result of the actions of integrity-less individuals who operate Hughston Homes,” Witten said, calling the process “gut-wrenching.”
While the city is unable to enforce federal protections for the nest, the city attorney’s office encouraged the USFWS to investigate the terms and conditions of the permit, city officials said in the statement.
As of Nov. 19, the incident is being investigated by federal officials, USFWS said in a statement.
According to the statement, the permit stipulates that Hughston Homes:
“Cannot remove the nest if viable eggs or young are present”
“Confirm that the nest was free of eggs or young prior to removal”
“Must adjust the timing of their activities to minimize the effects on the eagles”
“Remove the nest as soon as possible, before the eagles return for breeding”
“We take your concerns seriously. We are conducting a review to ensure the conditions of the permit were followed by the permit holder,” the agency said.
Auburn is about a 55-mile drive northeast of Montgomery.
This story was originally published November 19, 2024 at 6:34 PM with the headline "Developers destroy bald eagle nest in Alabama that was ‘source of pride,’ residents say."
