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| CMNH Falcon Cam :: Forums :: Other Ohio Falcons | |||
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 2008 Ironton, Ohio FalconsGo to page >> |
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| Cecilia |
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   Joined: Fri Feb 03 2006, 03:28 Posts: 2390 | It's all yours, Mrs. Fraley! | ||
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| Mrs.Fraley |
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 Joined: Wed Mar 14 2007, 05:47 Posts: 256 | Good news for our Ironton falcons. Our antiquated bridge is due for needed repairs and we were worried about how that might interfere with this year's nesting season. But the following e-mail from our ODNR agent brings good news.  Good news!! (For the falcons) Apparently, ODOT has discovered that there are some additional preparations that need to be handled before the maintenance work can begin. When work does begin, the ramps to the bridge will undergo maintenance first. This could take place as soon as March 15, 2008. The remainder of the work is planned to begin no sooner than July 1, 2008. So, none of the maintenance activities should interfere with the falcons nesting cycle. If there should be any changes to the maintenance schedule that will impact the falcons, I’ll let you know. Chris Smith Wildlife Area Supervisor Cooper Hollow Wildlife Area (740)-682-7524 Chris.Smith@dnr.state.oh.us | ||
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| Diane |
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 Joined: Mon Mar 27 2006, 01:52 Posts: 110 | I came across an article about this bridge. http://www.dailyindependent.com/local/local_story_038215546.html [ Edited Fri Feb 08 2008, 08:11 ] | ||
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| Cecilia |
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Joined: Fri Feb 03 2006, 03:28 Posts: 2390 | In case the above link is deleted at some point, here's the article published in the Daily Independent of Ashland Kentucky: Bridge renovation halts for peregrine falcons Approval gained for cheaper replacement bridge By MARY MUSIC The Independent RUSSELL — The Ohio Department of Transportation expected renovations on the Ironton-Russell Bridge to begin this month, but the livelihood of some of Ironton’s feathered friends took precedence over the project. The $1.2 million preservation project, delayed for the second time, is now slated for the summer months to avoid the nesting season of peregrine falcons that live on the bridge. Officials with ODOT and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources were concerned about the effect the project could have on the habitat of the peregrine falcons, a protected bird species in Ohio that nests on the bridge from mid-March to early June. Officials were also concerned about the safety of its workers. The falcons can become aggressive if threatened. After streamlining the rehabilitation project bid request to get a better price, ODOT awarded the $1.2 million bid for the project to Armstrong Steel Erector, an Ohio-based construction company. But since the start date has been pushed from a previous expected completion date in July to October 31, ODOT must rebid the project again, ODOT spokeswoman Kathleen Fuller said. ODOT anticipates rebidding the project in April. In a press release, ODOT District 9 Deputy Director James Brushart reported pushing the project back will not pose a safety hazard for motorists who use the bridge. “ODOT is committed to environmental stewardship,” he said. “Our citizens demand a high-quality transportation system, put in place with sensitivity to the environment.” Officials will discuss “renewed efforts” to limit the amount of heavier truck traffic on the bridge. Over the years, weight limits on the bridge have been reduced numerous times. The rehabilitation project is geared toward maintaining the bridge until another bridge can be constructed. Plans to build a new bridge are still on schedule, ODOT reported. The U.S. Coast Guard approved design plans that allow Ohio to place a second tower in the Ohio River, which would provide a more economical and symmetrical design of the new bridge. The original design plans called for a single tower that cost more money and, with an option of building two towers in the river, ODOT now has the opportunity for various other bridge designs, Fuller said. ODOT expects to have final design plans for the replacement project completed by the summer of 2009. The Ironton-Russell Bridge, spanning the Ohio River between Ironton, Ohio, and Russell, opened to traffic in 1922. In 2006, the lowest bid to build a new bridge was more than $109 million, about 28 percent more than the $85 million estimated by ODOT. | ||
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| Mrs.Fraley |
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Joined: Wed Mar 14 2007, 05:47 Posts: 256 | Here's an update from Chris Smith, our nest monitor. He reports that both parents are present on site but after visiting the nest yesterday we have no eggs as of yet. I didn’t find anything new at the bridge yesterday. Eggs are probably at least a week away, but who knows. I did see the female. I expected to get a little heat from her, but she was not too aggressive. Actually, she did not come very close to me at all. That’s why I’m thinking that the eggs are a week or more away from being laid. Time will tell. Chris Smith Wildlife Area Supervisor Cooper Hollow Wildlife Area (740)-682-7524 Chris.Smith@dnr.state.oh.us My students finished our raptor puzzle and it's quite impressive. It was an enjoyable activity that I intend to do every year. Here's a couple of my hard workers.  [ Edited Thu Mar 27 2008, 07:12 ] | ||
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| Mrs.Fraley |
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Joined: Wed Mar 14 2007, 05:47 Posts: 256 | I'll try the photos again. | ||
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| Mrs.Fraley |
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Joined: Wed Mar 14 2007, 05:47 Posts: 256 |   | ||
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| kentuckydeb |
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  Joined: Sat Mar 29 2008, 09:45 Posts: 20 | We just found the link to this Ironton forum today. How exciting! I'm so glad to know that the nest has been checked. We live in Ashland and are fans of the Peregrines. We haven't started watching in person yet, but are excited to begin soon. Good thing they are delaying the bridge maintenance. We witnessed the falcons in action several times protecting their territory from pedistrians on the bridge. I attended the banding last year and was able to hold one of the eyas. One of the most unique experiences I've ever had. Debbie | ||
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| Mrs.Fraley |
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Joined: Wed Mar 14 2007, 05:47 Posts: 256 | Welcome to the forum kentuckydeb! I'm so glad that we have another local follower on board for our Ironton falcons. It's time they receive some recognition since we're so lucky to have them in our area. You're right, holding the eyases is an amazing experience and one I hope my students never forget. We'll be at the banding again this year and maybe we'll get to meet. We try as a class to keep the Ironton thread updated with Chris Smith's reports to us and and also have a thread on the Falcon Cam Student Center forum.  | ||
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| kentuckydeb |
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Joined: Sat Mar 29 2008, 09:45 Posts: 20 | Hi Mrs. Fraley--So nice to hear from you. I recall seeing your group of students last year at the banding. It was a fluke that I heard about it, thank goodness, the morning of the banding and my boss allowed for me flex my lunch hour to attend. I was so excited. My husband and I picnic at the site when the weather is nicer and it's always fun to see if we can spot the birds. We have even kayaked under the bridge--not during nesting season, but after. The bridge is so pretty and I do hope they save it for pedistrians--and, of course, the falcons--when they get around to building a new one. | ||
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