Osceola County opens safe spot for viewing popular eagle nests

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Osceola County opens safe spot for viewing popular eagle nests

County News

Wednesday, 08 August 2012 13:46

Eagle-photo

Photo/Osceola County
Commissioners Michael Harford and Frank Attkisson, center, cut the ribbon on a site to view the popular eagle nests off Kings Highway Monday morning.

Viewing of a popular n esting site for American bald eagles opened this week due to a residents-driven, public-private partnership.
Developer D.R. Horton is not charging the county for use of a site near the intersection of Kings Highway and Henry Partin Road.
In order to provide proper safety standards for the public and to comply with federal laws regarding the protected species, the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement with the developer earlier this year.
Safety concerns for bird-watchers, photographers and the public in general led to parking restrictions last year on the right-of-way on Kings Highway, a two-lane road with steep banking.
“The site on Kings Highway is one of the most photogenic bald eagle nests I have ever seen,” Commissioner Frank Attkisson said of the nest, which is in his district. “But at the same time, we have to maintain public safety for our residents. The concern of citizens led to development of this project, which allows Osceola’s families to safely see America’s symbol of freedom up close.”
Osceola County has the highest concentration of nesting bald eagles in the lower 48 states, officials said.
Disturbing the birds carries stiff penalties. Because of ease of access, proximity to town and a clear line of sight, the Kings Highway nest is one of the most visible spots in Osceola County to watch bald eagles during the breeding season.
The site will be open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week, county officials said.
The agreement with the developer cost the county about $7,500 – for site documents and improvements to the viewing area. Costs have been minimized using internal staff resources and equipment that may be reused once the site is vacated.
The county will spend another $350 a year on maintenance. The agreement is for five years with a termination clause.
The site meets several goals and objectives of the county’s strategic plan including, working with the private sector, community organizations and non-profit organizations; and the preservation and maintenance of the county’s natural resources – lakes, streams, wetlands and open spaces.