3-200-72: Eagle Nest Take (Specific Permit)
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, 50 CFR 22.300
What is this Permit For?
This Specific Permit authorizes take of a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) or golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nest. Specific Permits are required for take of a golden eagle nest for any purpose, nest take for species protection, and, except in Alaska, nest take for other purposes. A Specific Permit is also available if you need to take multiple nests, and for projects that do not meet General Permit eligibility criteria or to those requesting the customization of a Specific Permit.
PLEASE READ:Application FAQs and Instructions
Permit Details:
Application Fee (non-refundable):
Single Nest: Commercial—$2,500; Non-Commercial*—$500
Multiple Nests: Commercial and Non-Commercial*—$5,000
Amendment Fee:
Single Nest: Commercial—$500; Non-Commercial*—$150
Multiple Nests: Commercial and Non-Commercial*— $500
* A not-for-profit entity may apply as a non-commercial applicant. Documentation demonstrating qualifying status is required (e.g., documentation that an entity is a current, recognized nonprofit organization by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as described in section 501(c)(3))
We will not charge a permit application fee to any Federal, Tribal, State, or local government agency or to any individual or institution acting on behalf of that agency, except administration fees for permits issued under subpart E of part 22 of this subchapter will not be waived. If you fail to submit evidence of agency status with your application, we will require the submission of all processing fees prior to the acceptance of the application for processing, unless otherwise authorized or waived.
Duration: Up to 5 years
Application review time: 60–90 days (minimum)
Application: Form 3-200-72
FAQs:Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions: Application Form Instructions
Annual Report Form: Form 3-202-16
Regulations: 50 CFR 22.300
Helpful tips in completing your application:
Common Questions | Answers |
Under what circumstances may an eagle nest be removed under this permit? | This permit may be used to authorize the removal of a bald eagle or golden eagle nest. General permits are limited to bald eagle nest take for the purposes of emergencies, protection of health and safety, and protection of human-engineered structures. In Alaska only, bald eagle nests may also be taken for other purposes. A specific permit is required for golden eagle nest removal. |
If an emergency necessitates the removal of nest with eggs or nestlings, what should I do? | General permits are available for the emergency take of bald eagle nests. Permits for emergency nest take may authorize the take of eggs or nestlings if they are present. If a nest must be taken while there are live eagle nestlings in the nest, you must make every practical effort to implement permit conditions to ensure a humane outcome for the nestlings. You must make every effort to contact your regional Migratory Bird Permit Office with your plan that is practicable and humane for nestlings. Permit conditions further specify requirements for relocation, foster nests, rehabilitation, or disposition of the nestlings. |
Will avoidance and minimization measures will be required? | Regulations and permit conditions specify required avoidance and minimization measures. Permit conditions may include requirements to adjust the timing of your activity, place an obstruction in the nest or nest substrate, minimize or deter renesting attempts, relocate the nest, and/or monitor the nest. |
Is there a reporting requirement? | All permittees must submit an annual report using Service Form 3-202-16. The report must include any nest take, including any subsequent nesting attempts that were removed. If an eagle nest was relocated, the date and location of the relocation must be reported. Your annual report is due September 30. An annual report is required, even if no nests were removed. |