The favorite eagle perch has got to go!

Posted: Mon, May 20, 2019 7:35 PM

Looking at the favorite eagle tree

On Monday night DNR District Forester Greg Heidebrink reviewed the tree removal plan at the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery for a small group that gathered at the Hatchery.

Although it is not standard practice for the DNR to arrange for a public meeting to elaborate on its tree removal programs, they did so because of the sentimental nature of the trees at the Decorah Hatchery. The two rows of trees that provide entrance to the site include a series of hard maples that are estimated to be 130-150 years old. The furthest north of those is also a favorite perching site for the famous "Decorah Eagles." That specific tree will be one of the trees removed first.

(To be clear, the tree removal has no relation to the eagle nesting site, several hundred yards away, as some people have may have inferred.)

Most of the maples will be removed because of their age and disease. Rotting is clearly evident and they constitute an obvious safety hazard. Removal of the trees has been part of a longer term assessment program that includes replacement with more diverse plantings that may better survive future tree disease problems. As part of that plan, about 25 trees were planted last year. Not all the trees will be taken down at the same time; some will be "cleaned" to allow a few more years, but they will eventually come down.

The Raptor Resource Project has been consulted about the plans and sees no significant issues for the eagles. However, that discussion led to the decision for a fall removal of trees at a time when it will be the least disruptive for the eagles.

Greg Heidebrink describes tree problems