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Address: BHW Federal Building
One Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 18, 2008
Contacts:
Joyce Collins 618-997-3344 Ext. 340
EA 08-57A
Another Jackson County Road Provides
Emergency Habitat for Endangered Least TernsFountain Bluff Township and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials announced today that Odd Fellow Road, near Jacob, Illinois, will remain closed to protect nesting endangered interior least terns. Odd Fellow Road has been closed several weeks due to extensive flooding.
Because water levels on the Mississippi River remained high during the month of June, several least terns have resorted to nesting in unusual places in order to reproduce this year. While Odd Fellow Road is flooded in places, a section of the road remains above water. This, and the presence of pea size gravel on the road, has made the site suitable nesting habitat for the birds.
The Fish and Wildlife Service thought it prudent to put up signs and fencing to preclude traffic before water levels drop. Water levels are predicted to fall by the weekend.
“We want the public to know these birds are there, in order to protect them from inadvertent harm,” said Joyce Collins, Fish and Wildlife Service biologist. “Getting the word out will also help minimize inconvenience to the people who normally use this road. As with Swan Pond Road, we will continue to monitor the situation and work with local officials to get the road opened as soon as possible.”
Signs and fencing have been placed on Odd Fellow Road to protect the least tern nesting area. Allowing traffic on the roads would likely result in death of adult birds and crushing of eggs or chicks, which is illegal take under the Endangered Species Act. By closing the road to protect the nesting least terns, the township and county reduce their liability in case the birds are harmed. Harming an endangered species, including killing chicks or removing eggs, could result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
Collins said the unusual situation in Jackson County has created an opportunity to learn more about the nesting and habitat needs of the least tern. “These birds are helping us add to our knowledge about what is needed to recover this species,” she said. “That knowledge may be significant in being able to take the least tern off the Endangered Species list sooner.”
Swan Pond Road was closed nearly 4 weeks ago and remains closed due to the presence of nesting birds. It is expected Swan Pond Road will reopen towards the end of August. Because the birds on Odd Fellow Road began nesting later in the season, it may be sometime in September before the road may be reopened.
For additional information about interior least terns, endangered species, the Fish and Wildlife Service, or the road closure, contact Joyce Collins, at 618/997-3344, ext. 340.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov
-FWS-
