Jackson Hole Airport to make bird analysis public

JACKSON, Wyo. — The nation's only commercial airport inside a national park is keeping secret its plans to protect birds from collisions with aircraft.

The Jackson Hole Airport will make its environmental analysis public for review once it's done. The airport is working on a plan to protect birds, especially sage grouse.

The bird plan is required by the Federal Aviation Administration and will be finalized over the next six to eight months. The airport director said that any actions suggested by the analysis could require further study and public comment.

Wildlife officials say the airport is considering trying to relocate a sage grouse breeding ground, called a lek, to draw birds away from the runway's north end.

http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/jackson-hole-airport-to-make-bird-analysis-public/article_2dc595fa-5613-58fd-91fb-874031c444f3.html#ixzz2F45wxMuQ

Jackson Airport mulls how to reduce bird strikes

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 07, 2012

Jackson Hole Airport officials are considering creating a new sage grouse breeding ground to draw the large birds away from the runway.

The Jackson Hole News and Guide reports ( http://tinyurl.com/aee2ev8) the airport has recorded 60 bird strikes since 1994, and about half have involved sage grouse, whose dwindling populations have made them a candidate for federal protections. Wyoming Game and Fish Department biologist Joe Bohne says a sage grouse breeding ground, or lek, off the runway's north end is the source of most of the problems.

The airport is trying to craft a new federally required "wildlife hazard management plan" to reduce bird strikes.

Members of the Upper Snake River Basin Sage-Grouse Working Group discussed the airport's strategy Thursday. The plan is not yet concrete.

Information from: Jackson Hole (Wyo.) News And Guide, http://www.jhnewsandguide.com

http://www.laramieboomerang.com/articles/2012/12/07/ap-state-wy/wy_jackson_airport_birds.txt