OHVs + eagles = impact for us all

I found the video from IDPT on the impact off highway recreational use on eagle breeding to be the most interesting of the videos chosen for use to watch.  Firstly, I can see the use of MILES research funding in active use in this program.  I also enjoyed the newer use of transponders that upload real-time data to the investigators.  That is a far cry from when I was working in scientific research and had to download information on movement at the end of a long time period and then sift through the data for a pattern to emerge.

Finally I found this interesting because I've worked with injured raptors, including golden eagles, in my years as a wildlife educator and rehabilitator.  I trained and treated injured raptors to either be released or be used as animal ambassadors to help to highlight human impacts on these impressive animals.  The goldens, quite honestly, were some of the more "squirrely" species I worked with.  They were far less predictable, and far more aggressively dangerous, even in a controlled setting (I have the scars to prove it).  

Because of this experience, I can say that it is a great species upon which to focus when investigating how off highway vehicle usage impacts bird species.  I'm sure that the eagles were chosen for a few reasons.  My guesses as to those reasons are 1) they're large and easy to track visually, 2) there are relatively few in a large area so it's easier to ensure you are watching particular individuals/pairs, rather than random members of a population (larger territories), and 3) they are photogenic and make a great "face" to the issue at hand for use in public relations.

The other reason I chose this is the focus on OHVs.  OHVs are a huge recreational activity in my area (the Big Lost River Valley).  They are so much of a focus that we have a very large rally that is continually increasing in attendance numbers every July here in Mackay called Rally in the Pines.  It's similar to the large one held in Island Park and Wallace each summer as well.  It is a great revenue stream but it can lead to contentious situations between local ranchers and visiting OHV users.  The major issue there is the opening of gates that then don't get closed and interactions with stock.  That's not the only issue of concern here, but it is a major one.

As stated in the video, 1/3 of all Idahoans engage in OHV use.  It stands that this project has the greatest impact statewide because of those numbers.