An Assessment of the Effects of Oil and Gas Field Activities on Nesting Raptors in the Rawlings, Whyoming and Price, Utah Field Offices of the Bureau

Approximately 15 million ha of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in the western United States are leased for oil, gas, or geothermal energy production, but few studies have specifically investigated the potential disturbance effects energy development may have on nesting raptors. The potential for disturbance is suggested by studies of nesting raptors and other human activities, such as construction, hiking, camping, and rock climbing. The potential for nest disturbance is influenced by factors such as disturbance proximity and type, as well as previous exposure to disturbance.