The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating, and U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is monitoring the investigation of a bald eagles' nest that was removed and destroyed overnight earlier this month on land where Hughston Homes of Georgia was developing a new residential neighborhood.
Tuberville stated a federal permit issued to Hughston Homes had restrictions. The permit, issued October 30, prevented removal of the nest if adult eagles, eggs or young eagles were present. Local residents observed and videoed two adult eagles flying over and to the nest before and after removing the tree.
A letter from Tuberville to concerned constituent Jason Haynie explained the situation in detail and ended with, "[M]y staff and I will continue to remain engaged…"
Here is the answer from Tuberville to Haynie:
A violation of the regulations would be a misdemeanor criminal offense punishable by up to a year in jail. It would also trigger a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual and $200,000 for an organization. The investigation has been turned over to the Offices of Law Enforcement of the USFWS.
Hughston Home purchased 46 acres of the development earlier this year for $760,000.
A public meeting about the issue is set for Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Buston Training Center, 171 N. Ross Street in Auburn. It was called by Beth Witten, Auburn's District 3 City Council member and the mayor pro tem. The speaker will be Andrew Hopkins of Auburn University's Raptor Center, which handles protection of eagles and nests.
Jim' Zig' Zeigler writes about Alabama's people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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