Golden Eagle
DEARY, Idaho - An injured golden eagle, was successfully returned to the wild
on March 22, 2007 near Deary, Idaho.
The bird was discovered unable to
fly near Okanogan, Wash., several months ago and was referred to the raptor
rehabilitation team at Washington State University's College of Veterinary
Medicine. Wing fractures of unknown origin prevented the bird from flying and
have since healed successfully. Before it was sent to WSU, it was thought that
the bird, although healed, may not fly again. Thanks to several months of care,
and retraining, the eagle has made a full recovery.
Before the release, the Potlatch Corporation donated $25,000 to the
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine's
Raptor Rehabilitation
Fund. The cash gift is earmarked specifically for construction of an eagle
flight training enclosure; a structure WSU has needed but never had.
"This gift is a Godsend," said Erik Stauber, veterinarian and head of the
college's Raptor Rehabilitation program for more than two decades. "For many
years, this college has worked hard to care for raptors and whenever possible
return them to the wild. Medical care for these birds is a vital component of a
complete professional veterinary education, our ethics, and our sense of
compassion. It is remarkable that a major corporation like Potlatch wisely
understands the value of these birds and shares our concern for their well-being
and the well-being of the environment we share. We are very thankful to Potlatch
for this extraordinary gift."
"Potlatch has had a long and mutually
beneficially relationship with WSU's veterinary college and specifically the
raptor center," said Brent Stinnett, Potlatch's resource vice president. "We are
pleased to continue to support the university in this important effort to do our
part in helping ensure the survival of raptors on both public and private
lands."
raptor club
"Potlatch's 660,000 acres of Idaho forestlands are home to many
species of raptors, so it makes good sense for Potlatch to share data and
knowledge about raptors with WSU," said Potlatch's wildlife biologist Brian
Moser. "We conduct ongoing cooperative research projects with the college that
not only help the scientific community, but directly benefit the birds
themselves." "Corporate entities like Potlatch Corporation take stewardship of
their lands and associated wildlife very seriously," said Warwick Bayly, dean of
WSU's veterinary college. "If we can be of service to that effort and
responsibility, I believe it sets a moral benchmark for our students." Dr.
Stauber believes the long term chances for success are "very good."
About Potlatch Corporation: Potlatch is a
real estate investment trust (REIT) with approximately 1.5 million acres of
forestland in Arkansas, Idaho, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Oregon. Through its
taxable REIT subsidiary, the company also operates 13 manufacturing facilities
that produce lumber and panel products and bleached pulp products, including
paperboard and tissue. The company also conducts a land sales and development
business through its taxable REIT subsidiary. Potlatch, a verified forest
practices leader, is committed to providing superior returns to stockholders
through long-term stewardship of its resources.
