I'm excited to report that I've been asked to assist in the installation of an Osprey nesting platform at Tuscarora State Park. I'll be working with a climber and ground crew from The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry. (Long name huh?)

The platform was built a little over 2 years ago by a high school girl as her senior project. Due to red tape and other unforseen circumstances, the platform has been sitting at the _base_ of the target tree since then. The chosen tree is accessable only by boat, which will be provided by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Lots of tax dollars at work here!

Details such as a date haven't been ironed out yet. I'll post more on this when I know more myself. Pics (of course) upon completion. I can't wait!

That's great. We are boring around here and they are placed on top of utility poles. I'd like to see one in a tree. Good luck, and I'm looking forward to the pictures.

...or they use whatever if convenient. I took this picture this morning of some Ospreys nesting in a cell tower which is a reasonably common place to find them.

Hmm, I seem to be having image problems...trying again.

God I love the government! There has finally been a meeting scheduled to "discuss" the installation of the platform. We will be meeting on Wednesday, at 2PM. Me, the park manager, the park environmental education specialist, the climber from DCNR/forestry, and a Watrways conservation Officer from the PA Fish and Boat Commission. (How many cooks fit in YOUR kitchen?)

I'm taking all of my gear, and I'm going to try to convince them to put the platform up right then, rather than to schedule ANOTHER meeting to discuss when to discuss setting up a time and date!!!!! RED TAPE!

Hey Baker,
You have not prepared an Environmental Impact Study or hired any consultants yet? How do you hope to get anything done that way? WE need some documentation that your platform meet the gov rules, regulations, procedures and safety considerations not to mention you have not contributed to the political campaign of some high up politician...... Been there do RED TAPE for living!

Us in Gov sometimes talk the big Talk but sadly work as slow as possible towards making progress! Like not showing up at the meeting that was planned and announced with plenty of time I am sure.
Sorry to hear about your frustrating problem.