Last summer an osprey died after getting tangled in bailing twine used to make its nest. Idaho Fish & Game is taking steps to do their best to make sure it doesn’t happen again. They have taken the platform down and they’re moving it a little farther up the hill. That way it be at the same height, but on a shorter pole in case they need to access it. It will also be more easily accessible from the bridge off-ramp without having to detour traffic if there is an emergency. Last year they had to shut down traffic on Snake River Avenue to get a bucket truck tall enough to reach it.
Fish & Game’s Joel Sauder says providing a nest is important, because if they don’t have a platform ready, they’ll be inclined to nest in the nearby electrical equipment. Avista Utilities is providing the new pole. It’s expected to be installed next week some time.
Fish & Game is also gathering a team of volunteers to go to nearby areas, known for having bailing twine laying around, to clean it up before the osprey return for the season.
