Idaho department working to protect osprey nest

KOOTENAI — Crews working on a highway construction project in the city are keeping a close eye on a nearby osprey nest, Idaho Transportation Department officials said.

As construction has gotten closer to the longtime nest, sitting atop a pole near the Highway 200 construction, residents in the area have grown concerned that the work might endanger the osprey using the nest or force its removal.

However, ITD officials said measures are being taken to keep the birds safe.

In the short-term, precautionary measures are being taken to preserve the safety and well-being of the bird and its offspring, Heather McDaniel, ITD public information officer, said.

"Crews have fenced off a clear zone around the base of the pole where the nest is situated to prevent it being disturbed," McDaniel said.

In the long-term, ITD will work with a biologist to conduct a site review later this week of the osprey nest to determine what steps to take next, the public information officer said.

"This review will provide insight on the potential for project work to negatively impact the nest, and recommend any additional steps or modifications ITD can make in order how to preserve the animal's habitat," she said.

Partnerships such as that between the transportation department, the community and biologists are key when issues such as this come up, said McDaniel. The result is a balanced approach to infrastructure development and protecting the region's diverse wildlife.

"This type of partnership helps balance infrastructure development with wildlife conservation and will ensure that these protected birds maintain a healthy environment while allowing residents and children to enjoy the cultural, aesthetic, and biodiversity enhancements their presence brings to North Idaho," she added.

The project is one of two major efforts to improve roadways in the greater Sandpoint area, adding a center turn lane from the highway into multiple roadways intersecting with Highway 200 in the city.

Natalie Marchetti said she's been keeping an eye on the project for the past month, and growing concerned about the potential impact. However, when she reached ITD officials, it wasn't long before ITD project manager Phil Stout returned her call.

While Marchetti said the department didn't know about the nest, the only thing she said she could ding them on, ITD officials immediately responded and have been working on how to protect the birds of prey.

"Like we told each other, you don't know until you know," Marchetti said. "They've been super great in trying to find a way to save the osprey."