wildlife management plan - st. mary's county wildlife hazard... · 35 d – usda wildlife...

ST. MARY’S COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT

WILDLIFE HAZARD MANAGEMENT PLAN

Approved by Airport Advisory Committee: June 22, 2009

Approved by Maryland Aviation Administration: July 31, 2009

Approved by Airport Manager: October 5, 2009

Wildlife Hazard Management Plan

Drafted By: Delta Airport Consultants, Inc.

St. Mary’s County Regional Airport 2


TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2

PAGE 3

4

I. PURPOSE, OVERVIEW, OBJECTIVE 3 5

6

II. RESPONSIBILITIES, DIRECTION, AND CONTROL 5 7

8

III. AIRPORT OVERVIEW 7 9

10

IV. HABITAT/POPULATION MANAGEMENT 11

RECOMMENDATIONS 8 12

13

V. FEDERAL REGULATIONS/PERMIT REQUIREMENTS 11 14

15

VI. WILDLIFE HAZARD MANAGEMENT PLAN 16

IMPLEMENTATION RESOURCES 13 17

18

VII. WILDLIFE HAZARD MANAGEMENT PLAN 19

PROCEDURES 15 20

21

VIII. TRAINING, DRILLS, AND EXERCISES 16 22

23

24

LIST OF APPENDICES 25 26

A – FAA Advisory Circular AC No: 150/5200-33 27

28

B – Title 14 CFR, Part 139.337, Wildlife Hazard Management 29

30

10/9/09 B.1 – Title 50 CFR, Part 41.49, Control Order for Resident Canada Geese 31

32

C – FAA Form 5200-7 – Bird Strike Report Form 33

34

D – USDA Wildlife Services Initial Consultation Summary 35

36

E – Airport Operating Area (AOA) Map 37

38

F – Wildlife Attractants Map 39

40

G- Airport Wildlife Log 41

42

H – Definitions/Acronyms/Abbreviations 43

44

I – Contact Information 45

46



I. PURPOSE, OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES 1 2

3

PURPOSE: 4

5

10/9/09 This Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) defines the responsibilities, policies 6

and procedures necessary to reduce wildlife hazards at the St. Mary’s County Regional 7

Airport (Herein referred to as 2W6). The WHMP relies on guidelines and standards 8

contained in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Advisory Circular AC No: 9

150/5200-33 dated May 1, 1997 (Appendix A) Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 10

139.337 (14 CFR139.337), Wildlife Hazard Management (Appendix B) and Title 50 11

Code of Federal Regulations, Part 21.49 (50 CFR 21.49) Control Order for Resident 12

Canada Geese at Airports and Military Airfields (Appendix B.1) to ensure the safety and 13

service for people and the community in which it serves. The WHMP for 2W6 was 14

derived from an initial consultation conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture 15

(USDA), Wildlife Services (WS) on October 25, 2005 between the hours of 9:00 am and 16

2:30 pm. The USDA has been contacted to provide an update to this consultation. 17

18

Part 139.337(a) requires that an Ecological Study (Wildlife Hazard Assessment) be 19

conducted if any one of the following conditions occurs at a certificated airport: 20

1) An air carrier aircraft experiences a multiple bird strike, and engine 21

ingestion, or a damaging collision, or 22

2) Wildlife capable of causing these events have access to the airport flight 23

pattern or movement area. 24

If the airport notes wildlife hazards on or near the airport in the Airport Facility Directory 25

(AFD), on Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) or on the Automated Terminal Information 26

Service (ATIS), the airport is required by the FAA to conduct a Wildlife Hazard 27

Assessment. A Wildlife Hazard Assessment which is conducted over a 1-year period 28

permits an accurate and meaningful description of wildlife hazard management at the 29

airport. However, since 2W6 does not currently have scheduled air-carrier service, and 30

therefore is not certificated under FAR Part 139, the standards in FAR Part 139 are 31

recommendations and not requirements. 32



A number of bird species, including but not limited to American Crow, Canada geese, 1

hawks and other raptors, and starlings are attracted to various habitat features at 2W6 and 2

sometimes congregate in such a manner as to threaten aviation safety. White-tailed deer 3

and other small mammals such as groundhogs were also identified as hazards on the 4

airfield. 5

6

OVERVIEW: 7

8

Collisions between aircraft and wildlife are a concern throughout the world because they 9

threaten passenger safety, result in lost revenue and costly repairs to aircraft, and can 10

erode public confidence in the air transport industry as a whole. The risk, frequency, and 11

potential severity of wildlife-aircraft collisions has increased, and will likely continue to 12

increase due to three factors: 1) The trend toward more efficient and quieter 2-engined 13

jet aircraft; 2) Increasing population size and distribution of wildlife species that are 14

especially hazardous to aircraft and 3) Continued increase in air traffic. 15

16

The FAA is responsible for setting and enforcing the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 17

and policies to enhance public safety. To ensure compliance with CFR Part 139.337 the 18

FAA requires certified airports to conduct a wildlife hazard assessment/ecological study, 19

and if necessary, establish a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan. However, it is the 20

responsibility of the airport operator to assess and manage wildlife hazards at the airport. 21

The assessment and management may be accomplished through partnerships with the 22

FAA, state and federal agencies and private entities. 23

24

SITE DESCRIPTION: 25

26

The St. Mary’s County Regional Airport is located in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The 27

airport, which occupies approximately 230 acres, lies between Hollywood, Maryland to 28

the northwest and California, Maryland to the southeast. Direct access to 2W6 is 29

provided by Airport Drive, from Route 235. The airport is located in the Atlantic Coastal 30



province, at an elevation of 142 feet above mean sea level (MSL), with a current airport 1

reference point of 38°18’55.28” North latitude and 76°33’0.42” West longitude. 2

3

The airport services approximately 52,130 operations annually and has 132 based aircraft 4

as noted on FAA Form 5010-1 dated March 2009. Land use surrounding the airport is in 5

transition from agricultural to commercial and residential uses. 6

7

OBJECTIVE: 8

9

The objective of this WHMP is to establish a systematic approach to minimize wildlife 10

populations on and around the airport that pose a threat to aviation safety or to structures, 11

equipment and human health. The WHMP addresses the following elements: 12

13

• Identify those responsible for implementing the plan, 14

• Identify and provide information on hazardous wildlife attractants on or 15

near the airport, 16

• Identify appropriate wildlife management techniques to minimize the 17

wildlife hazard, 18

• Prioritize appropriate management measures, 19

• Recommend necessary equipment and supplies, and 20

• Identify training requirements for the airport personnel who will 21

implement the WHMP. 22

23

II. RESPONSIBILITIES, DIRECTION, AND CONTROL 24

25

St. Mary’s County is ultimately responsible for the development and implementation of 26

the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan. The County has appointed the Operations 27

Manager (AirTec, Inc. POC: Mr. Steve Bildman). as the Wildlife Coordinator. The 28

Airport Manager or their designee will be responsible to provide oversight of the Wildlife 29

Coordinator under the terms of the Operations Agreement with the County. 30



10/9/09 The Wildlife Coordinator is responsible for responding to and monitoring all wildlife 1

related activities. The Coordinator is also responsible for the following: 2

3

• Obtaining the appropriate wildlife control permits and supplies. 4

• Managing the resident Canada goose control order program. (See 5

Appendix B.1) 6

• Maintaining an airport wildlife log. (See Appendix G). 7

• Making arrangements for the proper training of airport personnel who are 8

involved in the implementation of wildlife hazard management. 9

• Ensuring that all airport personnel and pilots are familiar with the proper 10

procedures for reporting all types of wildlife strikes and to make FAA 11

Form 5200-7 (bird strike report form) readily available. Available at 12

http://wildlife-mitigation.tc.faa.gov. Wildlife strikes are deemed to have 13

occurred when: 1) a pilot reports striking a bird or mammal, 2) aircraft 14

maintenance personnel identify damage as having been caused by wildlife, 15

3) ground personnel see wildlife collide with an aircraft, or 4) wildlife 16

remains are found on airside pavement area or within 200 feet of a 17

runway, unless another reason for the animal’s death is identified. The 18

fourth category of this definition, the collection of bird carcasses near 19

movement areas, usually constitutes the greatest proportion or an airport’s 20

wildlife strike record. 21

• Identifying specific bird type. 22

• Oversee the operation of wildlife hazard management patrols. 23

24

The Coordinator will actively participate in land use projects or changes, on or off airport 25

property that could increase wildlife hazards at 2W6. All landscaping and airport 26

development plans should be reviewed by a wildlife damage biologist to identify 27

potential wildlife attractants and hazard potential. This consultation will be coordinated 28

through the County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation, possibly in 29

conjunction with the Natural Resources Division of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. 30

Vegetation that provides fruits, nuts, and nesting/roosting sites should be avoided. Dense 31



stands of evergreens and deciduous trees that provide roosting habitat should not be 1

permitted. 2

3

Wildlife law enforcement playing an active role in the implementation of the WHMP 4

includes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Maryland Department of Natural 5

Resources (MDNR), and the USDA WS. 6

7

III. AIRPORT OVERVIEW 8

9

During the initial consultation, nine species of birds were observed and evidence of four 10

mammalian species was observed on the airfield. Three species of birds constituted 88% 11

of all birds observed as follows: American crow (39 birds), European starling (25), and 12

Canada goose (24). One bald eagle was observed flying over the pond and wooded area 13

along Lawrence Hayden Road off airport property. Based upon the initial consultation 14

visit, habitat features that may attract and support wildlife at 2W6 include the following: 15

• Fresh water in temporary ponds, wetlands, and ditches, 16

• Brushy vegetation along ditches and in edges between stands of trees and 17

grassy areas, and 18

• Gradient of different grass heights on the airfield. 19

20

Notable wildlife attractants at 2W6 include the following: (See Appendix F) 21

• Wooded creek/wetland west of Hangar G; 22

• Storm water management ponds that may hold temporary standing water; 23

located west of Hangars J and K; 24

• Wetlands west of the approach for Runway 11; 25

• Wetlands north of Runway 11-29 along the perimeter fence; and 26

• Short grass areas located around the airport. 27

28

Other notable wildlife attractants near the airport include the pond between Lawrence 29

Hayden Road and the west end of the airport and the pond between Three Notch Road 30

and the east end of the airport. 31



IV. HABITAT/POPULATION MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 1

2

Habitat management, the physical manipulation of habitat features (food, water, cover) 3

that attract and support wildlife, is the single most effective long-term measure for 4

reducing wildlife hazards at airports. Where practical this plan reduces habitat suitability 5

for the most hazardous wildlife species. Careful planning and caution should be used 6

when modifying habitat to ensure it does not unintentionally improve habitat suitability 7

for another species that would create or increase hazards. 8

9

VEGETATION: 10

11

There is no single/uniform recommendation regarding the most appropriate grass height 12

to maintain on an airport. Recent preliminary research findings made by USDA WS 13

indicate that tall vegetation management may not reduce overall bird use of airports. 14

Additional research notes marginally higher use by birds of short vegetation during the 15

spring and summer. In areas where Canada geese, gulls, starlings, and other bird species 16

are prevalent, maintenance of grass between 6” – 8” may reduce the extent to which these 17

birds will occur there. Maintenance of longer grass heights (10” – 12”) could further 18

reduce the presence of these birds, but does have the potential to harbor populations of 19

small mammals, which in turn could exacerbate aircraft hazards created by raptors. With 20

the exception of short grass (3” – 4”) within runway and taxiway safety areas, grass 21

length of at least 6” should be maintained at 2W6. It is recommended that airport 22

personnel monitor the use of grassy areas by birds to determine the appropriateness of 23

this management regime. If geese, gulls, starlings, and other birds continue to use the 24

grassy areas, longer grass heights may be preferred. Additionally, insect control 25

measures should be taken to limit availability of insect foods for gulls and kestrels. 26

Although kestrels are relatively small, and do not occur in flocks, they are hazardous to 27

aircraft. Brushy areas along ditches and ponds should be mowed and maintained clear of 28

vegetation to increase runoff and eliminate wildlife habitat where animals would nest, 29

feed, and roost/loaf. 30

31



WATER: 1

2

Whenever possible, all standing water should be eliminated from the airport. Fresh water 3

in temporary pools on pavement surfaces, wet grassy areas, ditches and drains, wetlands 4

and ponds provide a very strong attractant to wildlife, including mallard ducks, Canada 5

geese, blackbirds, gulls, and other birds and mammals. Temporary pools on pavement 6

surfaces can be dissipated through sweeping, repaving to increase camber, and pavement 7

grooving. Wetland management to eliminate their attractant value to wildlife should be 8

coordinated with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). If possible, on-9

airport wetlands with standing water should be modified to eliminate the water and/or 10

bird access. Ditches should be covered or otherwise modified and replaced by 11

underground systems. If that is not practical, ditches should be cleared of vegetation and 12

ditch slopes should be modified to permit easy access by mowing equipment. Installation 13

of grid wires over bodies of water that help prevent access by waterfowl such as Canada 14

geese can also be installed. 15

16

SMALL MAMMALS: 17

18

Woodchucks (groundhogs) may compromise airport safety by undermining pavement 19

areas and gnawing and damaging buried wiring and cables. WS observed a woodchuck 20

and a few burrows (dens) during the site visit. Woodchuck removal via shooting, gas 21

cartridge, or trapping is warranted to reduce hazards associated with this rodent. No state 22

or federal permit is necessary. 23

24

WHITE-TAILED DEER: 25

26

It is recommended that deer management activities authorized by Deer Management 27

Permits issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to protect aircraft and 28

human health and safety from strikes with deer be pursued. Fence improvements and 29

monitoring should continue to reduce the ingress of deer and other mammals. A deer 30

resistant fence that is at least l0 feet tall (topped by 2 strands of barbed wire) is the most 31



effective long-term deer damage management method for use on the airport. The current 1

fence at 2W6 should limit access by deer and is well maintained. There are a few areas 2

where deer could crawl under the fence and the open gate and roadway southwest of 3

Piedmont Flight Center provide possible travel corridors. Typical perimeter fencing that 4

controls public access to airfields is inadequate for deer control. Installation of deer 5

resistant fencing can be expensive, and is usually considered and implemented over 6

several fiscal years. Refer to FAA Certalert 04-16 (Deer Hazard to Aircraft and Deer 7

Fencing) for additional information and recommendations. 8

9

BIRDS: 10

11

Generally, the bird species most likely to be involved in damaging collisions are large 12

flocking birds (gulls and Canada geese), small flocking birds (starlings, blackbirds, doves 13

and pigeons) and large single birds (hawks and vultures). All three categories of birds 14

were present during the site visit and are potential threats at 2W6. The initial 15

consultation report recommended several methods to control the bird population and to 16

reduce the risk of bird strikes at 2W6 as noted below. 17

18

10/9/09 St. Mary’s County will use non-lethal management tools to the maximum extent 19

practicable. It may be appropriate and necessary to shoot birds to reinforce harassment 20

and habitat modification with non-lethal methods when hazardous conditions are present 21

at 2W6. St. Mary’s County will apply for a Depredation Permit issued by the USFWS 22

and request authority to take (lethally control) American crow. St. Mary’s County will 23

follow the procedures and practices of 50 CFR 21.49, Control Order for Resident 24

Canada Geese at Airports and Military Airfields (Appendix B.1) to manage resident 25

Canada geese. It is imperative to identify the birds on the airport and those involved in 26

strikes to determine the most appropriate and effective action to mitigate hazardous 27

conditions. If a more thorough wildlife assessment is conducted, additional species may 28

be added to the Depredation Permit. Species-specific damage management information 29

for Canada geese, vultures, gulls, and blackbirds is available at www.birdstrike.org. 30

31



V. FEDERAL REGULATIONS/PERMIT REQUIREMENTS 1

2

The U.S. Government has passed several Acts for the protection of wildlife including the 3

Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), the Lacey Act, the Endangered Species Act, Eagle 4

Protection Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Federal Insecticide, 5

Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). These are the basis of most wildlife 6

regulations that have been issued in the Codes of Federal Regulations (CFR). Several 7

agencies are responsible for implementing these regulations and many of these 8

regulations affect wildlife control operations at airports. Most federal wildlife laws are 9

administered by the USFWS, and involve primarily migratory birds protected under the 10

MBTA and threatened and endangered species. Permits from the USFWS must be 11

updated annually unless otherwise stated on the permit. 12

13

1. Migratory Bird Treaty Act (50 CFR Part 21.43): 14

15

The MBTA of 1918 conserves migratory birds, their nests and eggs from 16

being destroyed without a permit. No permit is necessary to harass (scare) 17

depredating migratory birds other than endangered or threatened species or 18

bald eagles. Under this act, a federal depredation permit is required for the 19

taking (kill, trap, capture, etc.) of birds at airports. The permit is issued 20

annually by the USFWS. 21

22

2. Endangered Species Act (50 CFR Part 17) (ESA) 23

24

The ESA requires that all federal agencies shall seek to conserve threatened 25

and endangered species and utilize their authorities in furtherance of the 26

purposes of this Act. The ESA prohibits the harassment, trapping and killing 27

of wild mammal, wild bird, wild fish and plant species listed as endangered or 28

threatened. It also protects the habitat of such species. 29

30



A special permit is required for the harassment or killing of any endangered or 1

threatened species. No currently listed endangered or threatened species were 2

observed during the initial consultation survey. However, 2W6 should 3

consider potential impacts to sensitive species while conducting wildlife 4

hazard management procedures. The airport should also keep an updated list 5

of endangered and threatened species as the status changes over time. The list 6

should be reviewed prior to conducting operational control work such as 7

hazing, shooting, or habitat manipulation to ensure that 2W6 remains in 8

compliance with federal and state wildlife regulations. 9

10

3. Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (50 CFR Part 22.23) 11

12

This act prevents bald and golden eagles, their nests and eggs, from being 13

harassed or killed without a permit. An eagle depredation permit allows the 14

harassment of bald eagles, but prohibits killing, injuring or capturing. During 15

the initial consultation survey, bald eagles were observed off airport property. 16

Should eagles become a wildlife hazard on airport property, the Wildlife 17

Coordinator should take the proper steps to mitigate the issue. 18

19

10/9/09 4. Control Order for Resident Canada Geese at Airports and Military 20

Airfields (50 CFR Part 21.49) 21

22

This Control Order authorizes St. Mary’s County to establish and implement a 23

control and management program to resolve or prevent threats to public safety 24

from resident Canada Geese. Control and management activities include 25

indirect and/or direct control strategies such as trapping and relocation, nest 26

and egg destruction, gosling and adult trapping and culling programs, or other 27

lethal and non-lethal control measures. 28

29

30



VI. WILDLIFE HAZARD MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 1

RESOURCES 2

3

The Wildlife Coordinator and appointed patrol are responsible for providing all necessary 4

resources to implement the WHMP including personnel, equipment (radios, vehicles, 5

guns and traps), pesticides and insecticides. Personnel authorized to direct wildlife 6

control measures include the following; 7

8

Airport Manager George A. Erichsen, P.E. Director, DPW&T 9

Technical Advisor Gary B. Whipple, P.E. DPW&T 10

Wildlife Coordinator Steve Bildman Airtec, Inc. 11

(Operations Manager) 12

All personnel at 2W6 should participate in the implementation of the WHMP. Since the 13

County does not have full-time staff assigned to airport operations, the County shall 14

develop a list of personnel authorized to conduct wildlife control measures based upon 15

position descriptions and primary responsibilities. Additionally, personnel under the 16

employment of the Wildlife Coordinator (Operations Manager) will be similarly trained 17

and authorized. 18

19

Personnel involvement should include, but is not limited to the following tasks: wildlife 20

strike reports/wildlife log, wildlife hazard management patrols, monitoring the airport 21

operating area (AOA), continuous monitoring of wildlife populations and removal of 22

wildlife hazards (repel, capture, and kill). 23

24

Operation of the wildlife hazard management patrols by informed, motivated, and 25

equipped airport personnel is the most important action 2W6 can take to identify and 26

reduce wildlife hazards to aircraft and public safety. Patrols will be conducted quarterly 27

at a minimum, and may be conducted in conjunction with the semi-annual airfield 28

inspection conducted by the Airport Advisory Committee, usually performed in the 29

spring (April) and fall (October) of each calendar year. Results of these patrols will be 30



logged not only in the committee inspection reports but also the airport wildlife log. Ad 1

hoc patrols may be scheduled by the Wildlife Coordinator as conditions warrant. 2

3

The patrol’s top priority is to safely reduce the extent to which wildlife interact with 4

aircraft. Members of the patrol must be motivated to address immediate and long-term 5

wildlife hazard situations, and be trained primarily by the Wildlife Coordinator to 6

identify birds, other wildlife, and wildlife attractants. The Wildlife Coordinator will 7

consult with the Airport Manager to engage external sources of training, such as the 8

Natural Resources Division, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Bird Strike Committee 9

USA, and the USDA. 10

11

Members must be capable and willing to employ all legal, practical, and necessary tools 12

to reduce wildlife hazards. Notably, patrol personnel must be capable of employing the 13

use of specialty equipment such as electronic devices, propane cannons, pyrotechnic 14

launchers, firearms, and other tools and devices that require strict adherence to safety 15

protocols. 16

17

Typical responsibilities of the patrol should be to search for and report wildlife strikes, 18

identify and communicate wildlife attractants to 2W6 management and harass wildlife 19

away from aircraft movement areas (using pyrotechnics, repellents, scaring devices, 20

distress call tapes/chips, firearms, etc.). Wildlife observations should be documented in 21

the airport wildlife log, as well as directed activities to reduce wildlife hazards. Patrol 22

personnel must be capable of recognizing if/when lethal control of wildlife is necessary 23

to protect human safety on the airport. Wildlife removal, pursuant to federal/state 24

permits includes proper species identification, safe and effective 25

shooting/trapping/immobilization of animals, and appropriate reporting of take to the 26

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or the Maryland Department of Natural 27

Resources (MDNR). Additional supplies such as distress calls, silhouettes, flash tape and 28

propane exploders may be necessary as specific situations arise, and it is the 29

responsibility of the Wildlife Coordinator to ensure these supplies are procured in a 30

timely manner. 31



The airport wildlife log should contain pertinent wildlife hazard management information 1

(strike reports, summaries, wildlife control activity forms, wildlife observations/surveys, 2

personnel training, etc.) in one readily accessible source so that Operations Manager and 3

other airport personnel can review and add to it as appropriate. The wildlife log, if 4

properly maintained, will assist 2W6 in determining appropriate strategies to reduce 5

hazards and in predicting when hazards might develop, based on past patterns. 6

7

VII. WILDLIFE HAZARD MANAGEMENT PLAN PROCEDURES 8

9

All personnel that have access to the AOA will be trained to recognize and respond to 10

potential wildlife hazards in an appropriate manner. Every employee that may encounter 11

wildlife hazards on the airfield will be made acutely aware that it is their responsibility to 12

recognize and respond to the situation, and not just the role of the wildlife hazard patrol. 13

See Section VII for more information concerning training. 14

15

10/9/09 The Wildlife Coordinator and maintenance staff at 2W6 will conduct physical inspections 16

of the AOA each quarter to ensure wildlife hazards do not exist, and if a hazard is 17

present, the staff will enact a wildlife control measure (repel, capture or kill) that meets 18

the specific conditions of the hazard and in accordance with governing permits and 19

current regulation. 20

21

Inspections at 2W6 will be the responsibility of the Wildlife Coordinator. Inspections of 22

the perimeter fence will be done to ensure the fence has no holes or washout areas. 23

Operations and maintenance personnel will inspect airport structures to ensure bird 24

species are not nesting. Paved and unpaved areas at 2W6 will be inspected after heavy 25

rain or snow melt to ensure that no standing water exists. 26

27

Airport personnel on the AOA should have access to radios and cellular phones at all 28

times to communicate potential hazards. If a wildlife hazard exists, t is the responsibility 29

of personnel to report the problem to the Wildlife Coordinator, or the Airport Manager in 30

their absence, and take corrective action through an ad hoc patrol/inspection. 31



Occasionally, an unforeseen increase in wildlife abundance may occur as a result of 1

inclement weather or an outbreak of insects or rodents that attract a large number of 2

birds. In these situations, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is an acceptable mechanism for 3

disseminating information regarding wildlife hazards within an airfield environment. 4

The NOTAM will be issued by the Airport Manager or their designee and indicate the 5

species of concern and where on the airfield the hazard is of greatest concern. If a short-6

term wildlife hazard is observed that may only last a matter of minutes or hours, the 7

Operations Manager will be notified immediately so the hazard can be included in the 8

airport advisory to pilots. 9

10

11

VIII. TRAINING, DRILLS, AND EXERCISES 12

13

Airport personnel at 2W6 involved in wildlife hazard control should be periodically 14

trained to optimize the effectiveness of methods, and to ensure continued compliance 15

with federal and state permits. Initial and refresher awareness training for airport tenants 16

and will be provided through the 2W6 Users Group, posted notices, and through Airport 17

Advisory Committee meetings. County maintenance personnel will receive similar 18

awareness training. USFWS provides a 1-day training course for airport personnel which 19

covers topics such as bird identification, bird survey procedures, laws and permits, 20

wildlife attractant identification, and safe and effective use of pyrotechnics, and other 21

tools. 22

23

The initial training program will address the background of the Wildlife Hazard 24

Management Plan; regulations, standards and guidance; ecology and biology of key 25

species; habitat both within and without the airport boundary; active management 26

procedures; removal techniques; firearm safety (where applicable); monitoring; and 27

records management. An important subset of the training program will be a safety plan 28

for any firearms, pyrotechnics or other potentially hazardous means of depredation. 29

30



A record of all training which 2W6 personnel receive, including participation at 1

conferences, courses, workshops, self-study courses, and specialized on-the-job training 2

should be maintained in the airport’s wildlife log. The log will be maintained with the 3

Wildlife Coordinator and be available for review by the Airport Manager or their 4

designee. The log will also be reviewed during the semi-annual airport inspection 5

performed by the Airport Advisory Committee. 6

7

The Wildlife Hazard Management Plan will be reviewed by the Wildlife Coordinator, 8

the Airport Advisory Committee and the AAC Technical Advisor on an annual basis with 9

recommendations for changes being forwarded to the Airport Manager for review and 10

approval. 11

APPENDIX B.1

Control Order for Resident Canada Geese at Airports and Military Airfields, (50 CFR Part 21.49)

St. Mary’s County Regional Airport Wildlife Hazard Management Plan

Resident Canada Geese Control Order Summary (50 CFR Part 21.49, OCT 08)

I. Purpose and Applicability

- To establish and implement a control and management program when necessary to resolve or prevent threats to public safety from resident Canada Geese at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport.

- Control and Management activities include indirect and/or direct control strategies such as trapping and relocation, nest and egg destruction, gosling and adult trapping and culling programs, or other lethal and non-lethal control measures.

- St. Mary’s County Regional Airport is part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (FAA NPIAS Part 3, Page A-49), has received federal grant-in-aid assistance, and is within the lower 48 states.

II. Allowable Methods for Taking of Resident Canada Geese

- Egg Oiling (100% corn oil only). - Egg and nest destruction. - Shooting (non-toxic shot only). - Lethal and live traps. - Nets. - Registered animal drugs, pesticides and repellants. - Cervical dislocation (breaking the neck or snapping the spine). - Carbon dioxide (CO2) asphyxiation.

III. Disposal of Taken Geese

- Donate to public institutions for scientific or educational purposes. - Process for human consumption and subsequent distribution to charitable organization (free of

charge). - Bury or Incinerate.

IV. Restrictions

- Use non-lethal means to the extent deemed appropriate by airport management. - Formulate control strategy that uses several control techniques and avoids relying on one

particular control method. - The taking of resident Canada geese is restricted to April 1st through September 15th. - The destruction of resident Canada geese nest and eggs is restricted to March 1st through June

30th. - Resident Canada geese, to include their plumage and eggs, taken under this control order may

not be sold, offered for sale, barter, or shipped for the purpose of sale or barter. - Airport personnel may not use decoys, calls or other devices to lure birds within gun range. - Non-toxic shot (free of lead) must be used.

St. Mary’s County Regional Airport Wildlife Hazard Management Plan 2 Appendix B.1

Resident Canada Geese Control Order Summary (50 CFR Part 21.49, OCT 08)

- Only 100% corn oil may be used to oil eggs. - Any specimens needed for scientific purposes must be preserved, and information on birds

carrying metal leg bands must be reported to 800-327-2263. - Resident Canada geese can only be taken within the airport, or within a three (3) mile radius of

the outer boundary of the airport after obtaining all necessary authorizations from adjacent property owners and in compliance with all State and local laws and regulations.

V. Reporting Requirements

- Submit an annual report by December 31st to Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office. Indicate date, number and locations of birds, nests, and eggs taken.

REGION 5 Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia

- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Permit Office P.O. Box 779 Hadley, MA 01035-0779 Tel. (413) 253-8643 Fax (413) 253-8424 Email [email protected] (Include telephone number in the text of your message).

St. Mary’s County Regional Airport Wildlife Hazard Management Plan 3 Appendix B.1

mailto:[email protected]

§ 21.49 Control order for resident Canada geese at airports and military airfields.

(a) Which Canada geese are covered by this order? This regulation addresses the control and management of resident Canada geese, as defined in §21.3.

(b) What is the control order for resident Canada geese at airports, and what is its purpose? The airport control order authorizes managers at commercial, public, and private airports (airports) (and their employees or their agents) and military air operation facilities (military airfields) (and their employees or their agents) to establish and implement a control and management program when necessary to resolve or prevent threats to public safety from resident Canada geese. Control and management activities include indirect and/or direct control strategies such as trapping and relocation, nest and egg destruction, gosling and adult trapping and culling programs, or other lethal and non-lethal control strategies.

(c) Who may participate in the program? To be designated as an airport that is authorized to participate in this program, an airport must be part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems and have received Federal grant-in-aid assistance, or a military airfield, meaning an airfield or air station that is under the jurisdiction, custody, or control of the Secretary of a military department. Only airports and military airfields in the lower 48 States and the District of Columbia are eligible to conduct and implement the various resident Canada goose control and management program components.

(d) What are the restrictions of the control order for resident Canada geese at airports and military airfields? The airport control order for resident Canada geese is subject to the following restrictions:

(1) Airports and military airfields should use nonlethal goose management tools to the extent they deem appropriate. To minimize lethal take, airports and military airfields should follow this procedure:

(i) Assess the problem to determine its extent or magnitude, its impact on current operations, and the appropriate control method to be used.

(ii) Base control methods on sound biological, environmental, social, and cultural factors.

(iii) Formulate appropriate methods into a control strategy that uses several control techniques rather than relying on a single method.

(iv) Implement all appropriate nonlethal management techniques (such as harassment and habitat modification) in conjunction with take authorized under this order.

(2)(i) Methods of take for the control of resident Canada geese are at the airport's and military airfield's discretion from among the following:

(A) Egg oiling,

(B) Egg and nest destruction,

(C) Shooting,

(D) Lethal and live traps,

(E) Nets,

(F) Registered animal drugs, pesticides, and repellants,

(G) Cervical dislocation, and

(H) CO2asphyxiation.

(ii) Birds caught live may be euthanized or transported and relocated to another site approved by the State or Tribal wildlife agency, if required.

(iii) All techniques used must be in accordance with other Federal, State, and local laws, and their use must comply with any labeling restrictions.

(iv) Persons using shotguns must use nontoxic shot, as listed in §20.21(j) of this subchapter.

(v) Persons using egg oiling must use 100 percent corn oil, a substance exempted from regulation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

(3) Airports and military airfields may conduct management and control activities, involving the take of resident Canada geese, under this section between April 1 and September 15. The destruction of resident Canada goose nests and eggs may take place between March 1 and June 30.

(4) Airports and military airfields and their employees and agents may possess, transport, and otherwise dispose of resident Canada geese taken under this section. Disposal of birds taken under this order may be by donation to public museums or public institutions for scientific or educational purposes, processing for human consumption and subsequent distribution free of charge to charitable organizations, or burial or incineration. Airports/military airfields, their employees, and designated agents may not sell, offer for sale, barter, or ship for the purpose of sale or barter any resident Canada geese taken under this section, nor their plumage or eggs. Any specimens needed for scientific purposes as determined by the Regional Director must not be destroyed, and information on birds carrying metal leg bands must be submitted to the Bird Banding Laboratory by means of a toll-free telephone number at 1–800–327–BAND (or 2263).

(5) Resident Canada geese may be taken only within the airport, or the military base on which a military airfield is located, or within a 3-mile radius of the outer boundary of such a facility. Airports and military airfields or their agents must first obtain all necessary authorizations from landowners for all management activities conducted outside the airport or military airfield's boundaries and be in compliance with all State and local laws and regulations.

(6) Nothing in this section authorizes the killing of resident Canada geese or destruction of their nests and eggs contrary to the laws or regulations of any State or Tribe, and none of the privileges of this section may be exercised unless the airport or military airfield possesses the appropriate State or Tribal authorization or other permits required by the State or Tribe. Moreover, this section does not authorize the killing of any migratory bird species or destruction of their nest or eggs other than resident Canada geese.

(7) Authorized airports and military airfields, and their employees and agents operating under the provisions of this section may not use decoys, calls, or other devices to lure birds within gun range.

(8) Airports and military airfields exercising the privileges granted by this section must submit an annual report summarizing activities, including the date and numbers and location of birds, nests, and eggs taken, by December 31 of each year to the Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office listed in §2.2 of this subchapter.

(9) Nothing in this section applies to any Federal land without written permission of the Federal agency with jurisdiction.

(10) Airports and military airfields may not undertake any actions under this section if the activities adversely affect other migratory birds or species designated as endangered or threatened under the authority of the Endangered Species Act. Persons operating under this order must immediately report the take of any species protected under the Endangered Species Act to the Service. Further, to protect certain species from being adversely affected by management actions, airports and military airfields must:

(i) Follow the Federal-State Contingency Plan for the whooping crane;

(ii) Conduct no activities within 300 meters of a whooping crane or Mississippi sandhill crane nest;

(iii) Follow all Regional (or National when available) Bald Eagle Nesting Management guidelines for all management activities;

(iv) Contact the Arizona Ecological Services Office (for the Colorado River and Arizona sites) or the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (for Salton Sea sites) if control activities are proposed in or around occupied habitats (cattail or cattail bulrush marshes) to discuss the proposed activity and ensure that implementation will not adversely affect clapper rails or their habitats; and

(v) In California, any control activities of resident Canada geese in areas used by the following species listed under the Endangered Species Act must be done in coordination with the appropriate local FWS field office and in accordance with standard local operating procedures for avoiding adverse effects to the species or its critical habitat:

(A) Birds: Light-footed clapper rail, California clapper rail, Yuma clapper rail, California least tern, southwestern willow flycatcher, least Bell's vireo, western snowy plover, California gnatcatcher.

(B) Amphibians: California red-legged frog and California tiger salamander.

(C) Insects: Valley elderberry longhorn beetle and delta green ground beetle.

(D) Crustaceans: Vernal pool fairy shrimp, conservancy fairy shrimp, longhorn fairy shrimp, vernal pool tadpole shrimp, San Diego fairy shrimp, and Riverside fairy shrimp.

(E) Plants: Butte County meadowfoam, large-flowered wooly meadowfoam, Cook's lomatium, Contra Costa goldfields, Hoover's spurge, fleshy owl's clover, Colusa grass, hairy Orcutt grass, Solano grass, Greene's tuctoria, Sacramento Valley Orcutt grass, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass, slender Orcutt grass, California Orcutt grass, spreading navarretia, and San Jacinto Valley crownscale.

(e) Can the control order be suspended? We reserve the right to suspend or revoke an airport's or military airfield's authority under this control order if we find that the terms and conditions specified in the control order have not been adhered to by that airport or military airfield. Final decisions to revoke authority will be made by the appropriate Regional Director. The criteria and procedures for suspension, revocation, reconsideration, and appeal are outlined in §§13.27 through 13.29 of this subchapter. For the purposes of this section, “issuing officer” means the Regional Director and “permit” means the authority to act under this control order. For purposes of §13.29(e), appeals must be made to the Director.

(f) Has the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information collection requirements of the control order? OMB has approved the information collection and recordkeeping requirements of the control order under OMB control number 1018–0133. We may not conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. You may send comments on the information collection and recordkeeping requirements to the Service's Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS 222—ARLSQ, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240.

[71 FR 45986, Aug. 10, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 46408, Aug. 20, 2007]

APPENDIX E

Airport Operating Area (AOA) Map


APPENDIX F

Wildlife Attractants Map


Areas of Concern1:9600

APPENDIX G

Airport Wildlife Log


APPENDIX H

ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS

AAC Airport Advisory Committee AC Advisory Circular (published by FAA) AFD Airport Facility Directory AOA Airport Operations Area CFR Code of Federal Requlation DPW&T Department of Public Works and Transportation ESA Endangered Species Act (CFR 50, Part 17) FAA Federal Aviation Administration NAS Pax Naval Air Station Patuxent River NOTAM Notice to Airmen MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act (CFR, Part 21.43) MDE Maryland Department of the Environment MDNR Maryland Department of Natural Resources USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WC Wildlife Coordinator WHMP Wildlife Hazards Management Plan


APPENDIX I

CONTACT INFORMATION

Airport Manager Mr. George A. Erichsen, P.E., Director Department of Public Works and Transportation (301) 863-8400 (301) 863-8810 (fax) [email protected] Technical Advisor Mr. Gary B. Whipple, P.E. Department of Public Works and Transportation (301) 863-8400 (301) 863-8810 (fax) [email protected] Wildlife Coordinator Mr. Steve Bildman (Operations Manager) Airtec, Inc. (301) 373-2101 (301) 373-2154 (fax)


wildlife management plan - st. mary's county wildlife hazard... · 35 d – usda wildlife...

Documents