Archive: Around Town

As our annual Fourth of July weekend winds down we all give thought to the great American spirit of independence that gave birth to our Nation 240 years ago.

It was a group of accomplished and brave Americans in 1776 who ignited the flame of freedom, democracy and citizen rule which would eventually spread all across the world. Their efforts were quite an American success story. At this time let us take the opportunity to congratulate those from our own local area in the Finger Lakes for their efforts in achieving another American success story.

As a symbol of our Nation's freedom and independence the bald eagle was chosen in 1782 as the emblem of the United States of America, because of its long life, great strength and majestic appearance.  The symbol adorns our coins, the Great Seal of the United States, and on many other important emblems, including the Seal of the Great State of New York. The bald eagle represents the freedom and independence we enjoy as Americans and celebrated this past weekend.

Even with this important status as an American icon, it was just a few short decades ago that the bald eagle population across the nation was declining, and in serious danger of extinction.  It would be unthinkable that our national symbol of freedom and the many values for which this great nation stands would no longer exist.

Thanks to the great work of many individuals, bald eagles were taken off of the Endangered Species list in 2007, and we all should take great pride in the fact that our own Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, which stretches across Cayuga, Wayne and Seneca Counties in the Finger Lakes region, has taken a very active role in the re-growth of the bald eagle population.  In 2016 alone, there have been nearly 100 bald eagle sightings within the Wildlife Refuge.


This is a milestone for the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge as well as the nearby Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah New York, which I helped to establish.  From the verge of extinction just a few short years ago, the return of the bald eagle is a significant success story.

Over the course of the last 13 years, 198 nesting bald eagles were brought to New York State and set free to nest, with the hopes that the program would expand the bald eagle population in our State.  In 1990, there were an estimated 13 pairs of nesting bald eagles in New York. That number rose to over 50 pairs in 2000, and 110 in 2007.  In 1987, there was only one pair of bald eagles at the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge.  The recent sighting of over 77 bald eagles at Montezuma Wildlife Refuge is incredible news and clearly indicates that the repopulation program is a success.  In the years between 1987 and 2016, the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge made numerous efforts to protect bald eagle nests throughout the Refuge.  Tom Jasikoff, Director of the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, was ecstatic at the sighting of so many bald eagles.  "It's an American success story...and the Refuge played a major part in the success of the program to prevent the Bald Eagle from extinction."

The Montezuma Wildlife Refuge continues its great work to protect bald eagle nests and maintain a safe and plentiful home for the bald eagle. The Montezuma Wildlife Refuge and the Montezuma Audubon Center are great places to visit and to appreciate the wonders and beauty of the Finger Lakes ecosystem. We are especially thankful for the work the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge has done in helping to save the bald eagle, our National emblem of freedom and independence.  

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