Habitat Structure of Bald Eagle Nest Sites and Management Zones near Juneau, Alaska

As urban and wild lands come into increasingly closer contact and as demands on wildlife and other natural resources increase, effective and sound ecological management of these resources becomes more critical. This is particularly true in Southeast Alaska where timber harvesting and coastal development continue to threaten Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) populations. No longer can we simply rely upon the vast acreage of Alaska to ensure minimal impacts on North America's largest population of Bald Eagles (King et al. 1972, Hodges et al. 1979). Current minimal standards and guidelines may protect against direct human disturbances to nesting Bald Eagles, but these measures may be insufficient to maintain a healthy landscape, which is necessary for ensuring the existence of future populations (Connor 1979, Sidle et al. 1990). Thus, sound management solutions are currently needed for maintaining eagle populations in Southeast Alaska.