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j. <br />DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT <br />at certain levels may result in local population declines (Glue 1971, Shawyer 1987, Moore and <br />Mangel 1996). Illner (1992) documented 21 times greater vehicle-owl collisions along roads <br />with car speeds of more than 50 mph than on roads with slower traffic. <br />Raptor mortality on roadways is not well documented in Utah. However, 15 eagles (other <br />raptors were not documented) were reported killed in Carbon and Emery counties in 1996-1997 <br />(M. Milburn, UDWR, 1998, pers. comm.); most of the collisions were reported to involve <br />coal-hauling trucks. Many other raptor deaths likely occurred, but were not reported. Of note, in <br />response to high eagle mortality along I-70 in Emery County, the Utah Department of <br />Transportation in 1989 posted "Eagles.on Highway" signs to warn motorists of the bird's <br />tendency to forage on carcasses. Any idea if this has helped reduce collisions? <br />Other causes of direct mortality include improperly constructed power lines which can result in <br />the electrocution of raptors attempting to utilize these structures for perching and nesting sites. <br />Collisions with transmission lines and towers also result in direct mortality of raptor species <br />(APLIC 1994, 1996). In addition to the two APLIC documents referenced, the Avian Protection <br />Plan (APP) Guidelines were released in April of 2005 (APLIC and USFWS, 2005) as a tool for <br />utility companies when siting power line placement. <br />Many human activities and proposed developments increase human access to previously remote <br />areas. Many projects include development of access roads which may remain following project <br />completion. These roads encourage public use for recreational purposes, unfortunately resulting <br />in illegal shooting and other types of persecution of raptors (Newton 1979). <br />Recommendations: <br />1. Reduce maximum allowable speeds on project-related roadways as much as practicable, <br />taking into account the type and service area of the road. <br />2. Implement a removal program for wildlife carcasses along roadways to avoid further <br />mortality of raptors which are attracted to carcasses. Distribution of carcasses to <br />appropriate areas could be considered to supplement food sources for some raptor <br />species, especially during winter periods. <br />3. Establish educational programs for project area employees to increase awareness of the <br />potential for vehicular collisions and other encounters with raptor species within the <br />project area. <br />4. Place road signs indicating raptor use areas at appropriate locations along existing and <br />newly constructed roads. Some caution is warranted here. It may be undesirable to alert <br />the public to the presence of raptors in some areas where the potential for illegal take may <br />increase because of such actions. <br />5. Install and maintain power line facilities in a way that will reduce raptor collisions and <br />electrocution, and encourage nesting/roosting use of properly constructed transmission <br />towers and power poles where appropriate. Reference guidelines are provided in two <br />14