CONNEAUT —
State and federal wildlife investigators are wrapping up their year-long investigation into the deaths of bald eagles who apparently came into contact with a transmission line strung across Conneaut Creek, officials said last week.
Investigators were reluctant to share details of the probe until it is concluded, but did confirm a study was launched and is nearing its end.
“We’re just about done,” said Tom Tidwell, resident agent for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Tidwell’s territory includes Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. Tidwell said he could not share information for fear of jeopardizing the investigation, but did say the responsible party has been identified.
“We know everyone involved and we have evidence,” he said. “We’re not too far from being able to answer your questions.”
Keith Lott, who oversees wind energy wildlife biology for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, confirmed the state is working with the federal government on the matter. Lott said he understood two eagles were electrocuted by a transmission line that crosses the creek.
Lott also said the owner of line has been identified, but declined to comment. “We are actively involved with the group that has the transmission line,” he said.
Initially, rumors circulated that a wind turbine erected on Conneaut’s shoreline earlier this year was killing eagles. Lott said he is unaware of any eagle deaths connected to the turbine.
Ohio’s bald eagle population is thriving, according to the ODNR Web site. Last year, spotters found 219 eagle nests, which produced 197 eaglets, according to the agency, The birds are becoming an increasingly common sight in Ashtabula County, according to the state and local bird-watchers.
Local News
Bald eagle deaths prompt probe
Year-long investigation suggests birds came into contact with a transmission line
- Local News
-
-
5 homeless
Five people were left homeless Monday afternoon as fire ripped through a two story home at 1861 Footville Richmond Road.
-
Need for jobs tops county survey
Unemployment tops the list of community needs identified in a survey conducted late last year by the Ashtabula County Community Action Agency.
-
2 meth labs in 1 home
Acting on a tip, police found two working methamphetamine labs under one roof in an early Sunday morning raid at a Main Street house, said Police Chief Charles Burlingham.
-
More money woes for the Lake County sheriff
The Lake County Sheriff’s Officecut another five cars from its road patrol division last week.
-
East Sixth Street Cafe faces razing in spring
The city is tentatively set to raze the dilapidated East Sixth Street Cafe this spring, authorities said.
-
Eight indicted by grand jury
The following people have been indicted by the county grand jury. They are set for arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
-
Scamming for puppies
Pat Payment doesn’t have any puppies.
-
Commissioners hear concerns about sewers in Austinburg
Commissioners and Austinburg Township Trustees met Monday afternoon to review a lengthy punch list of items that need to be addressed before the county can accept the township’s sanitary sewer project.
-
Consultants to assess contaminated land
A consulting firm hired by the city to assess unused commercial and industrial land is fairly confident a study of the contaminated Astatic property can be properly completed, City Council learned at Monday’s work session.
-
Amputee takes one step at time
With measured breaths, Kevin Malloy stood up and began to walk.
- More Local News Headlines
-
