Symposium Background

In 2015, Campbell County, in partnership with principal stakeholders, hosted the first Raptor Symposium. The symposium focused on the science needed to strike a better balance between raptor habitat and energy development. Members of the scientific community, academia, energy industry, and government identified crucial barriers that, if addressed, would have a significant impact by balancing the best ecological protections with the most cost-effective measures.

The 2017 Raptor Symposium built upon on the efforts of the 2015 Symposium and expanded the commitment to science-based natural resource management. The 2017 Symposium resulted in the five key areas of prioritization including,

• Standardized nest observation database
• Standardized datasheet and data codes for use in the field
• Review of existing field projects and mitigation plans
• Provide a structured summary of ongoing raptor research
• Identify and enhance partnerships with existing working groups

The 2019 Raptor Symposium will review progress on the areas of prioritization, in addition to reviewing current policy directives and exploring innovative ideas for implementing raptor protections.