USF&WS Press Release: Bald Eagle Deadline; June 29 New Date

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the final decision
on whether to remove the bald eagle from the federal list of threatened and
endangered species will be postponed. The Service has reached a
court-approved agreement allowing the agency to make a final determination
on the eagle’s status no later than June 29, 2007.

The additional four months will give the Service time to complete
additional analyses related to the final rule and put in place management
guidelines and procedures that will make it easier for the public to
understand ongoing Bald and Golden Eagle Act protections, ensuring that
eagles continue to thrive once delisted.

The Service had been under a court ordered deadline of February 16, 2007,
to make a final decision on the eagle’s status. In January, the Service
approached the plaintiff in that case to request an extension of the
deadline. With the agreement of the plaintiff, the Service requested and
the court approved the extension until June 29, 2007.

During the extension, the Service expects to develop a proposed rule that
would authorize incidental take of bald eagles under the Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act. The Service also intends to finalize voluntary Bald
Eagle Management Guidelines and a regulatory definition of "disturb" under
the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

More information on the bald eagle can be found on the web at:
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/baldeagle.html

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Statement on Bald Eagle Deadline; June 29 New Date