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Ohio nature lovers got some good news recently as the state Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife announced the results of its most recent bald eagle census. The once-endangered national symbol appears to be doing quite well for itself here.
According to ODNR, there are an estimated 806 bald eagle nests in the state. That's a 14% increase from 2020.
"Bald eagle management by the Division of Wildlife includes habitat conservation with an emphasis on wetlands and wooded river corridors, working with rehabilitators who help injured birds recover, and helping to enforce protective state and federal laws," said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker.
If bald eagles are thriving, that means there is clean water from which they can grab healthy fish. Back at the species' low point in the state -- 1979 -- that wasn't the case, and there were only an estimated four nesting pairs.
But just because bald eagles are doing better here does not mean they are not still a protected species. And just because we are doing better does not mean we can ease up in our effort to make up for the damage done over generations. Apparent success for the bald eagle should serve simply as inspiration to keep doing better. Clearly, we are capable.