ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state has a new plan to help protect bald eagles.
The bald eagle is listed as a threatened species in New York, but the birds are making a recovery across the state.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation released guidelines this week for managing the iconic raptors.
New York officials want to maintain an average bald eagle population of at least 200 breeding pairs. And officials want to protect the wintering bald eagle population.
Since bald eagles are sensitive to human activity, state officials say there should be a minimum 330-foot buffer zone around nests unless birds have demonstrated a tolerance for people and machines. The birds can be especially sensitive to motorized vehicles like power boats, snowmobiles and drones.
