The Game Commission this week approved two projects that will benefit migrating eastern golden eagles and forest-interior songbirds.

The projects are:

· Assessing Conservation Needs of Eastern Golden Eagles in Pennsylvania: This project aims to collect information on where and how eastern golden eagles migrate through Pennsylvania, and to use this data to develop statewide maps showing the relative risks migrating eagles face from the development of wind power. (National Aviary, Todd Katzner)

· Silvicultural Impacts on Cerulean Warblers and Other Priority Forest Birds: This project will assess how partial tree harvests in mature oak forests affect the abundance and demographic rates of Cerulean warblers and other forest-interior species, both within cuts and in adjacent uncut forestland. It remains unclear how these birds respond to partial timber harvests. (Clarion University, Charles Williams)

Funded from an allocation provided by the State Wildlife Grant Program and regional endangered species funds, administered through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Federal Aid Program, the projects will be provided a combined $68,900.

"The Game Commission and its partners have accomplished great good for wildlife and the environment through the State Wildlife Grants Program," noted Carl G. Roe, agency executive director. "Managing Pennsylvania's wildlife is a multifaceted undertaking that becomes more challenging - and usually more expensive - with each passing year. When we can get some help, both locally and nationally, we welcome it.

"None of these projects will lead to a net reduction in the Game Fund. But they do provide a way for educational and conservation institutions to help us learn more about and better manage wildlife species of greatest conservation concern," said Roe.

The U.S. Congress has recently reauthorized the State Wildlife Grants Program in the 2006 fiscal year; Pennsylvania will receive $1.96 million ($1.98 in 2005).

1/26/2007