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What is a Bald Eagle Management Plan?

A Bald Eagle Management Plan (BEMP) is a habitat protection agreement between Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the landowner ensuring minimal impact on bald eagles and reasonable land use for the owner.

When people apply for timber harvest permits, building permits, or other permits needed to develop land, the permitting agency (Department of Natural Resources [DNR] for timber harvest and clearing permits; county or city permit center for clearing and building permits) reviews the database of bald eagle nest and communal roost locations. If the activity is within ½ mile of an eagle nest or within ¼ mile of an eagle roost (discussed below), the permitting agency notifies WDFW, who will work with the landowner to develop a Bald Eagle Management Plan (see WAC 232-12-292, section 4.4). This plan will not prevent the landowner from having reasonable use of the property, but it will ensure that development will have the least impact possible on the eagles and their habitat. There are no specific requirements established by the enabling language of the rule, but to ensure consistency across landowners, WDFW has established basic guidelines. WDFW has described the scientific basis for bald eagle site management in the Priority Habitat & Species Management Recommendations for the Bald Eagle. Management Guidelines are used by WDFW biologists in developing bald eagle management plans and ensure that fair and even treatment is extended to all landowners. The bald eagle management plan guidelines have changed significantly since the bald eagle management planning process was begun in 1986. These changes reflect the increasing population of eagles, the apparent increasing tolerance of at least some eagle pairs, and WDFW's interest in accommodating landowner goals and reducing landowner burdens while minimizing impacts on critical eagle habitat. The guidelines discussed below were developed in December, 2001.

Please be aware that activity on federal land, or involving a permit from a federal agency such as the Army Corps of Engineers, requires approval from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Contact your federal permit reviewer for guidance.