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."

FMI: http://ci.boulder.co.us, www.boulderaero.org,