Our Reader: Bald eagles shouldn’t be taken for granted

Dear Editor,

I was dismayed to read Peter Morrissey’s piece — Syracuse bald eagles are indicators of healthy local environment — dismissing the concerns of people who seek to the protect the bald eagles of Onondaga Lake from human disturbance. The case is not closed on the impacts of a trail on the bald eagles. The opinion of Tom Wittig, on which Mr. Morrissey bases his conclusions, is not beyond dispute. Mr. Wittig focuses on the impacts human presence might have in winter. As local eagle expert Gerald Smith notes in a letter to the editor published in The Post-Standard, the roost serves important functions for the eagles year-round. In addition, bald eagles respond differently to humans than to cars and trains. They will be disturbed by regular human movement in their roost, and they will abandon Murphy’s Island. That would be a great shame.

Mr. Morrissey’s statement that “like it or not, the trail is expected to be built” suggests that the trail is inevitable. It is a glib rejection of the importance of public involvement in official decisions. The Friends of Onondaga Lake Bald Eagles are gaining new supporters every day and building alliances with other concerned groups. The trail is not a done deal, although some public officials are attempting to portray it as such in an attempt to defuse the growing opposition.

I certainly agree that bald eagles have made an amazing comeback, both locally and nationally. However, they are not to be taken for granted. Our local bald eagle population is unique and has the potential to benefit the area in many ways. People travel from far away to places like the Conowingo Dam in Maryland to see bald eagles, and they spend a lot of money while there. The presence of bald eagles on Onondaga Lake has presented the community with many opportunities — provided we respect their needs. Building a short trail to nowhere on Murphy’s Island is not worth jeopardizing that. The Friends of the Onondaga Lake Bald Eagles supports Syracuse’s plans to build a lake lounge observation area at the end of the Creekwalk, from which people can appreciate the eagles without disturbing them.

Our local bald eagles are a rare gift, one that can provide economic, educational and recreational benefits. Why risk that?

Sincerely,

Richelle Brown

Syracuse

Friends of the Onondaga Lake Bald Eagles