Colorado Raptor Recommended Buffer Zones Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants

Colorado Raptor Recommended Buffer Zones Key Terms & Definitions

Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act: A federal law that prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transport, export, or import of bald and golden eagles, their parts, nests, or eggs without a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Breeding Season: The time of year when raptors typically mate, lay eggs, and raise their young. The specific dates of the breeding season vary by species and location.

Buffer Zone: A designated area around a raptor nest or habitat where human activities are restricted or prohibited to minimize disturbance to the birds.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW): The state agency responsible for managing and conserving Colorado's wildlife, including raptors. CPW administers and enforces the Colorado Raptor Recommended Buffer Zones & Seasonal Restrictions.

Habitat: The natural environment where a raptor species lives, feeds, and breeds. Raptor habitats can include trees, cliffs, grasslands, and wetlands, depending on the species.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act: A federal law that protects migratory birds, their nests, and eggs from taking, hunting, capturing, killing, selling, or other activities without a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Nest: A structure built by raptors for laying eggs and raising their young. Nests can be located in trees, on cliffs, or on artificial structures such as buildings or bridges.

Nest Abandonment: The act of adult raptors leaving their nest and eggs or young due to disturbance or other factors, which can lead to the failure of the nesting attempt.

Nesting Season: The time of year when raptors are actively using their nests for breeding and raising young. The specific dates of the nesting season vary by species and location.

Raptor: A bird of prey, such as an eagle, hawk, falcon, or owl, that hunts and feeds on other animals. Raptors are protected under various state and federal laws.

Recommended Buffer Zones: The suggested minimum distances that human activities should be kept away from raptor nests to minimize disturbance. The recommended buffer zones vary by species and activity type.

Seasonal Restrictions: The time periods during which certain human activities are restricted or prohibited near raptor nests to minimize disturbance during breeding and nesting seasons. The specific dates of seasonal restrictions vary by species and location.

Sensitive Raptor Species: Raptor species that are particularly vulnerable to human disturbance or habitat loss, such as bald eagles, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and burrowing owls.

Take: As defined in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, "take" means to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS): The federal agency responsible for administering the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and other wildlife protection laws. USFWS works with state agencies like CPW to protect raptors and their habitats.

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A Note to Our Readers: We hope this guide is a valuable resource in helping you better understand the . However, it's not a substitute for professional advice and doesn't cover every scenario. Always consult with regulatory bodies and professionals for the most current advice and project-specific guidance.