10-14-2010, 01:53 AM
Tom
This info is from the airport's website ;
ITO has had a successful bird hazard management program in effect since 1989 to reduce the presence of cattle egret from the open, grassy areas of the airfield where they feed on insects, mice and other small prey.
The shooting of the birds was not at the airport and was conducted by the USDA.
This info is from the SLC airport website and contains a lot more info.I assume ITO's program is much the same ;
Wildlife Mitigation
The Salt Lake City Department of Airports has taken a proactive approach to managing the impact that wildlife can have on airport operations.
An extensive hazing program and habitat modification are the primary elements of the program. Airport Operations Officers patrol the runways, taxiways and associated area 20 hours daily. They are armed with shotguns with cracker shells that are used to scare away birds. The airfield is also equipped with bird cannons. These automated cannons fire randomly or can be remotely activated.
Airport personnel work closely with a full time staff biologist in identifying species, their preferred nesting areas and food sources. Then they eliminate the food, nesting areas and deploy other practices aimed at keeping the bird population low. Bird count surveys are taken twice daily at 13 sites to monitor activity. Salt Lake City International Airport encompasses over 7,000 acres.
Natural predators are low in urban areas and around airports. So, some natural predators are allowed to thrive in the environment.
In certain situations, birds and animals are trapped and relocated away from the airports. The Department also has a permit to use lethal control as necessary.
The process is constantly evolving. Bird populations rise and fall with weather changes, food supply and other natural conditions.
The Department keeps careful records of the types and numbers of birds and animals that are found on the airfield or are reported to have had collisions with aircraft.
In 2008, Salt Lake City International Airport conducted 400,000 take-offs and landings. Department records indicate there were 69 bird strikes that year with 2% of them resulting in significant aircraft damage.
The Department works closely with State of Utah and United States Department of Agriculture experts as well as other airports and aviation industry organizations to keep current on methods and share information.
This info is from the airport's website ;
ITO has had a successful bird hazard management program in effect since 1989 to reduce the presence of cattle egret from the open, grassy areas of the airfield where they feed on insects, mice and other small prey.
The shooting of the birds was not at the airport and was conducted by the USDA.
This info is from the SLC airport website and contains a lot more info.I assume ITO's program is much the same ;
Wildlife Mitigation
The Salt Lake City Department of Airports has taken a proactive approach to managing the impact that wildlife can have on airport operations.
An extensive hazing program and habitat modification are the primary elements of the program. Airport Operations Officers patrol the runways, taxiways and associated area 20 hours daily. They are armed with shotguns with cracker shells that are used to scare away birds. The airfield is also equipped with bird cannons. These automated cannons fire randomly or can be remotely activated.
Airport personnel work closely with a full time staff biologist in identifying species, their preferred nesting areas and food sources. Then they eliminate the food, nesting areas and deploy other practices aimed at keeping the bird population low. Bird count surveys are taken twice daily at 13 sites to monitor activity. Salt Lake City International Airport encompasses over 7,000 acres.
Natural predators are low in urban areas and around airports. So, some natural predators are allowed to thrive in the environment.
In certain situations, birds and animals are trapped and relocated away from the airports. The Department also has a permit to use lethal control as necessary.
The process is constantly evolving. Bird populations rise and fall with weather changes, food supply and other natural conditions.
The Department keeps careful records of the types and numbers of birds and animals that are found on the airfield or are reported to have had collisions with aircraft.
In 2008, Salt Lake City International Airport conducted 400,000 take-offs and landings. Department records indicate there were 69 bird strikes that year with 2% of them resulting in significant aircraft damage.
The Department works closely with State of Utah and United States Department of Agriculture experts as well as other airports and aviation industry organizations to keep current on methods and share information.