On or about March 2, 2005, a mature white pine tree containing an active bald eagle nest was cut down near the junction of Highway 15 and Stearns County Road 1, southeast of Sartell, Minnesota. The tree contained a nest used by a pair of bald eagles for several years.

Resident Agent in Charge Patrick Lund, whose St. Paul Law Enforcement Office is conducting the investigation for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said evidence suggests the tree was cut down with a chain saw prior to a clear-cutting of approximately thirty-two acres of trees on the parcel with commercial logging equipment.

While the numbers of bald eagles have significantly increased in Minnesota, it remains our national symbol and is protected by federal law. There undoubtedly are people who know who committed this crime. Now we need one of them to step forward with information, Lund said.

Destruction of a bald eagle nest is a violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. The responsible party faces criminal penalties of up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. If an organization is convicted, the maximum criminal penalty is a $200,000 fine. Federal law also authorizes payment of monetary rewards for information leading to the conviction of anyone who unlawfully kills bald eagles or destroys eagle nests.

People with information about the destruction of the eagle nest are urged to call a special hotline number 1-800-532-2887, the Service's Paul Law Enforcement office at 651-778-8360, or the Minnesota Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-652-9093. Callers may remain anonymous.