Published: June 14, 2008 09:04 pm            

MARTINO: It’s official — our majestic bald eagle is back

Hoosiers have played a huge part in this story

“John, pullover!” said my friend Tom Edwards as he craned his neck out the truck’s passenger side window. “Is that what I think it is?” he questioned.

“Yep, that’s what you think it is,” I said, slowing down so he could get a better look.

Tom was pointing to a beautiful bald eagle back-dropped against a dazzling bright blue sky. The bird sat perched high in a sycamore tree towering over the flowing waters of the Wabash River in neighboring Cass County.

“There are binoculars under your seat,” I added, so he could get a better look before coming to a stop on the road’s gravel shoulder.

“That’s simply amazing,” he said several times as he held the 8-power Nikon Monarchs tight to his face.

“Let’s not be so stingy with those,” I said in jest after several minutes.

Bald eagles are one of Indiana’s greatest success stories. Once rarely seen, they are now common sites, especially along many of our state’s major waterways. They are even spotted on our own Kokomo Reservoir.

These majestic birds of prey were officially removed from our state’s endangered list last month, culminating the successful effort to restore the living national symbol that began in 1985.

In recognition of the accomplishment, a rehabilitated young eagle was released at Monroe Reservoir on May 13. The once emaciated juvenile bird was spotted by bird watchers last April in Monroe County and rescued the same day. After being carefully nursed back to health by professional wildlife rehabilitators, the bird again took to the sky in majestic form.

With the status change in Indiana, the bald eagle is now classified as a “Species of Special Concern.” Bald Eagles remain a priority species, meaning that monitoring and managing will remain, but to a lesser degree.

“Everyone who has supported the DNR’s Nongame Fund through the years can take great pride in this achievement,” says DNR Chief Rob Carter. “The bald eagle, once a sign of imperiled wildlife, will now be the sign of conservation success.”

Indiana’s active bald eagle restoration efforts were conducted from 1985-89. During this five year span, 73 eagles were reintroduced, forming a core population in south-central Indiana. The first successful nests in nearly a century were documented in 1991. The goal was to have five nesting pairs of bald eagles in the state by 2000. This year, according to DNR nongame bird biologist John Castrale, there are 100 eagle territories in 44 counties with eggs having been verified in 90 nests. “This is the first time since their reintroduction that bald eagles have achieved 100 pairs in Indiana,” Castrale said. “This excellent production should result in further increases yet,” he added.

The return of these majestic birds of prey rest on the shoulders of many. Our states DNR has successfully worked with the USFWS and Hoosier landowners to make sure breeding pairs have had every chance to succeed. “More than any recovered species, the success with bald eagles demonstrates the power of partnership in conservation,” said Carter. “As our national symbol, this is a very special bird and landowners have shown great pride and cooperation in having nesting eagles. We only expect this to continue.”

Despite the change in classification, bald eagles will still be protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as well as the Bald Eagle Protection Act. Guidelines have also been set in place to avoid disturbance of nesting eagles.

“The eagle restoration project has been a gratifying highlight of my career,” said Castrale. “I hope all cooperating landowners and Nongame Fund supporters have the thrill of seeing an adult bald eagle in flight over one of Indiana’s lakes and rivers.” “These birds would not be here without everyone’s support.”

Tournament results

The Kokomo Bass Anglers recently conducted two back-to-back, one-day tournaments on Michigan’s Lake Muskegon. After the first day of competition it was Dave Pross who came out on top with a five fish limit consisting of large and smallmouth bass sporting a total weight of 10 pounds, 8 ounces. Second place went to Ted Bowers with five fish weighing 9 pounds, 2 ounces. Third place and the event’s “big bass” award went to Max Kelly with four fish weighing 8 pounds, 15 ounces. His largest tipped the scales at 3 pounds, 7 ounces.

On the second day it was again Pross coming away with top honors with four fish weighing 7 pounds, 1 ounce. Sam Taskey took second with four fish totaling 6 pounds, 14 ounces. Max Kelly again finished third with three fish going 6 pounds,

6 ounces. A 2-pound, 7-ounce fish gave Mike Bailey the second day’s “big fish”

honor.

Jim Huffer and Mike Harrison won Tuesday’s Delphi-Delco team bass tourney, held on Mississinewa Reservoir with five fish weighing 9 pounds, 3 ounces. Jerry Pickett took second and the weekly event’s “big bass” pot with three fish weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces. His largest tipped the scales at 3 pounds, 9 ounces. Third place went to Bob Rose with four fish dropping the scales at 7 pounds, 2 ounces.

Frank Brown swept the Kokomo Reservoir Wednesday evening open team bass tourney with four largemouth totaling 8 pounds, 9 ounces. He also took home the weekly contest’s “big fish” pot after weighing in a 2-pound, 12-ounce fish. Second was Bill Bass with five fish totaling 8 pounds, 3 ounces. Third place went to Bob Forkner and Brandon Kidwell with five fish going 7 pounds, 7 ounces.

Wal-Mart Kids Fishing Derby

Kokomo Wal-Mart will host its annual Kids Fishing Derby on Friday and Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m. In addition to fishing tips and techniques, children between the ages of 6-15 will have an opportunity to take part in casting and other youth related contests.

Weather permitting, the event will be held outside near the store’s lawn and garden area. In the event of inclement weather, the kids program will be held at the sporting goods department.

Tribune catches of the week

Kokomo’s Cammi Minor, 20, had an opportunity to make her first fishing trip to Lake Erie. Accompanied by her fiancé George Forman, along with Mel Trevino and her grandfather Butch Jones, the group caught numerous walleyes. Cammi’s largest fish tipped the scales at 7 pounds and was taken on her favorite color, a pink night crawler harness.

Springhill Camp Ground and Pay Pit: Tom Bates hauled in 14 channel catfish sporting a combined weight of 36 pounds, seven ounces. Bates took his catch from the western Howard County pay pit on live bait.

John Martino is the Tribune’s outdoors columnist. He may be reached through the sports department at (765) 454-8574.

        

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