Event Title
Bald Eagle Habitats along the Grand River in Ottawa County
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Natural Resource Management
Mentor Information
C. Griffin
Department
Biology
Location
Kirkhof Center 1142
Start Date
10-4-2013 12:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 12:00 AM
Abstract
Bald eagles, a species once on the Endangered Species list, have been spotted in areas along the Grand River in Ottawa County, Michigan. It is important that these birds continue to have suitable habitat available to them to keep their population numbers from declining again. The purpose of this study is to determine habitat suitability in privately owned land adjacent to the Grand River. This will provide information on how to manage the land for bald eagles. The study will focus on approximately 30 acres of land. A number of variables listed in a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model for bald eagles, such as stem density and ground cover, will be measured and used to determine suitability. These measurements will be surveyed on areas randomly selected within the study area. GIS will be used to map collected data including elevation and proximity to water. The area is currently suitable habitat, as bald eagles already inhabit the area. This study will show the landowners ways to improve the habitat.
Bald Eagle Habitats along the Grand River in Ottawa County
Kirkhof Center 1142
Bald eagles, a species once on the Endangered Species list, have been spotted in areas along the Grand River in Ottawa County, Michigan. It is important that these birds continue to have suitable habitat available to them to keep their population numbers from declining again. The purpose of this study is to determine habitat suitability in privately owned land adjacent to the Grand River. This will provide information on how to manage the land for bald eagles. The study will focus on approximately 30 acres of land. A number of variables listed in a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model for bald eagles, such as stem density and ground cover, will be measured and used to determine suitability. These measurements will be surveyed on areas randomly selected within the study area. GIS will be used to map collected data including elevation and proximity to water. The area is currently suitable habitat, as bald eagles already inhabit the area. This study will show the landowners ways to improve the habitat.