Wildlife Protection

Keeping It Simple: Easy Ways to Help Wildlife Along Roads

Black tarp shields nesting eagles from the sight of construction

On the M-55 Bridge over the Pine River in Manistee County, Michigan, a porous black tarpaulin was all that was needed to keep a pair of nesting bald eagles from seeing bridge construction work and possibly abandoning their nest. Michigan Department of Transportation crews suspended the 30-foot-high, 150-foot-long tarp from poles above the bridge railing, periodically moving the tarp as work progressed so the eagles would be continually shielded from the sight of construction activities.

--Apr 25, 2003

Gerri Ayers, (517) 373-2227 or ayersg@michigan.gov

Photo by Peter Wallack

Bald eagle

On or Near Bridges - Michigan