There is an active nesting pair of bald eagles in danger of their tree being felled in the next 24 hours by PG&E. The tree is on private property on Ridgeway Hwy in Potter Valley.
PG&E’s Arborist has determined the tree is dead, however the tenant is awaiting a privately funded Arborist’s report that the tree is both alive and does not pose a danger to PG&E electrical lines. PGE Asserts the nest is inactive, yet the tenant is in possession of recent video evidence that the tree is being occupied by two adults; a mated pair of Bald Eagles. The photo to the left was taken 2 days ago: January 10th of this year 2022.
PG&E slated this tree for removal on the morning of Thursday January 13th.
According to wildlife.ca.govBald Eagles typically build their nest late December and January, and lay eggs in the nest mid January. Hatching and rearing of the young eagles are around mid February and the fledging (process of acquiring feathers and preparing to leave the nest) is around May. The particular tree in jeopardy has a long (25-30 year) history of housing nesting bald eagles.
The critical period is the 15th of January in the Forest Practice Act, Tiim Bray of the Mendocino Audubon Society tells me, in which the Forest Practice Act forbids cutting the nest down.
What is being done?
The tree is on private property behind a locked gate but clearly visible from the roadway. A tenant on the property has paid for an arborist out of pocket; these services run $300 an hour. With an Arborists report that the tree is 1) alive and 2) poses no threat to PG&E lines (as the Arborist has recently deemed) then this tree should be left to stand and house the eagles as it has traditionally done.
According to Wildlife.ca.gov, Bald Eagles were once at dire risk of extinction. In the 1960’s and 1970’s there were only 30 breeding pair left in California. Through the dedication of advocates, restrictions on contaminants, protective laws including programs to improve reproductive success and survival, they have made a comeback. The Bald Eagle was removed from the endangered species list in 2007 but remains endangered in California.
What can the public do if they are concerned? Call Department of Fish & Wildlife and/or Pacific Gas & Electric and ask about the tree slated to be cut which holds an active bald eagle nest, just days before nesting season officially begins in California. Donations may be made privately to fund the independent Arborist.
California Department of Fish & Wildlife has been contacted for a statement and has not returned comment prior to publication of this article.
More information or to come visit the tree and discuss helping or if want to support the tree from being cut you may email
Written by Keri Ann Bourne, on my way to the site in Potter Valley
Voice or text 707-397-0155 keriannbourne@gmail.com
