Press Statement
New Jersey Audubon Society Ups the Ante for US Fish and Wildlife Service Reward for the Arrest of Perpetrator who Destroyed Bald Eagle Nest
Bernardsville, NJ January 30, 2008: The New Jersey Audubon Society is dismayed to learn of the destruction of a Bald Eagle nest in Millville, Cumberland County. The recovery of Bald Eagles in New Jersey is a remarkable tale of how critical habitat protection and recovery efforts work. From 1972-1984, New Jersey only had one remaining pair of Bald Eagles in Bear Swamp, Cumberland County. Through an intensive reintroduction effort and subsequent habitat protection, we now have over 60 territorial pairs in the state.

According to NJDEP, an individual armed with a chain saw destroyed a nest tree in Millville.

New Jersey residents are proud of their natural heritage, said Thomas Gilmore, NJAS President. Bald Eagles are the life-blood of our states thriving $2.25 billion wildlife watching economy.

NJ Audubon Society is offering to increase the USFWS reward by an additional $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator. We appreciate the diligent efforts of NJDEP and USFWS.
The New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) is a privately supported, not-for profit, statewide membership organization with over 24,000 members. Founded in 1897, and one of the oldest independent Audubon societies, NJAS has no connection with the National Audubon Society. The New Jersey Audubon Society fosters environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among New Jersey's citizens; protects New Jersey's birds, mammals, other animals, and plants, especially endangered and threatened species; and promotes preservation of New Jersey's valuable natural habitats.