Club's Permanent Runway Near An Area Where Rare Birds Nest
It has been 74 years since the Boulder Aeromodeling Society
began flying model airplanes, and for 39 of those years, they
have been flying from a permanent runway they established on the
northwest banks of the Boulder Reservoir. But the club's 106
members may lose that privilege because of a rare species of raptor
which nests near the club's flying zones.
The city of Boulder is concerned about a pair of northern
harrier hawks nesting in the grassy field southeast of the club's
runway. Additionally, a pair of osprey have built a nest in a pole
just west of the airport. While neither species are endangered, the
harrier hawks are considered rare and declining in the county,
according to wildlife officials.
The Daily Camera of Boulder reports that the city has a wildlife
protection code which states that it is unlawful to harass or
disturb wildlife, and they have imposed severe restrictions on the
club. One member said the only aircraft they can currently launch
are small electric helicopters. Part of the issue is that anything
that can fly, but lands in nearby marshes can't be retrieved
without first notifying a park official. Boulder Parks and
Recreation Urban Resources Manager Matt Claussen said the
restrictions are temporary, but necessary.
Club President Rich Anderson said the birds have come and gone
for 35 years, and this is the first time the city has raised any
issue about them. He points to a 1993 study which shows that the
birds tend to stay away from the model airport when it's in use.
The study concluded that "there is no clear evidence that the
Aeromodeling operation stresses or threatens nesting and wintering
raptors."
Still, two pilots have already been warned about violating the
no-fly zones. Anderson said they were non-club members flying
gliders.
To add to the conflict, the city is considering long-term uses
for the water in the reservoir and its surrounding land. One of the
options being considered for the Reservoir Master Plan would place
the club's 450 foot runway, taxiway, helo pad, and clubhouse in an
area specifically designated for habitat conservation. A city
spokesperson said the club has always been "good neighbors" and
there have been few complaints about them. But, recreation
superintendent Alice Guthrie said nothing has been decided, and the
fate of the model airport is "something we will flesh out with the
plan."
In a statement on their website, the Boulder Aeromodeling
Society said "In response to the June 12th guidelines issued by
Parks and Recreation (which severely restricted our flying areas),
it has been decided by the BAS Executive Board and the newly formed
BAS Bird Committee to request a temporary closure of Chandler field
until July 31, 2010. It had been indicated to us that Parks and
Recreation already had this recommendation in the works.
"This action has been taken to avoid the possibility of any
incidents occurring, due to these restrictions, which might result
in a more permanent action by the authorities. This decision was
not taken lightly and represents, unanimously, the feeling of both
groups.
"During this closure, both the Executive Board and the Bird
Committee will be working on a presentation to the authorities to
minimize the impact and extent of future issues. It is hoped that
we can reach some common understandings satisfactory to both flying
and habitat protection."