b'64 EYWENVIRONMENTALKey West Intl Takes a Collaborative and AdaptiveApproach to Wildlife ManagementBY JENNIFER DAACK WOOLSONFACTS&FIGURESSwallows and plovers and herons,of environmental Project: Wildlife Hazard Managementoh my! Surrounded by mangroves,services at Michael salt marshes and wetlands Baker International, Location: Key West Intl Airport, in FL and directly in the path of the Mississippiwho also serves as Challenges: Several species of birds (egrets, swallows,and Atlantic FlywaysFloridas Key Westthe airport wildlife plovers, herons, etc.); iguanas; turtles; marsh rabbits;International Airport (EYW) is an attractive sitebiologist for EYW. snakes for a wide range of wildlife, especially migratoryAndersen oversees Primary Strategies: Daily inspections & wildlifebirds flying south. Since birds and aircraftthe airports wildlifeMARIBEN ANDERSENlogging; annual site visits by airport wildlife biologist;are a dangerous combination, EYW has amitigation strategies, stormwater management to reduce standing water; iguana trapping; scare tactics; depredation (firearms);comprehensive and adaptive wildlife hazardconducts inspections, vegetation management, including mangrove trimming;management program to help ensure the safetyand provides expert larvicides & insecticides to reduce mosquito population;of both aircraft passengers and local wildlife. guidance and training falconryto its internal wildlife Key Partners: Michael Baker Intl; Jacobs Engineering The airport has prioritized this effort sincemanagement team, 2015 with a range of initiatives designed Falconry Provider: Predator Bird Services Inc. to reduce the bird population and shrinkwhich is led by Deputy Measurable Success: Documented reduction in birdsthe number of wildlife strikes, while alsoDirector, Airport observed at airportin 2022, there were 1,277 fewer thanAirfield and LandsideCALE HARTLEthe 7-year average from 2015-2023; in 2023, there wereprotecting its environmentally sensitive habitatOperations, Cale Hartle.291 fewer than the 5-year annual average and following state and federal regulations. Hartle, who collaborates closely with Natural Anomalies: In Aug. 2021, 4,468 white ibis migrated to Key West, resulting in highest number of birdsChanges on the Fly Andersen on the implementation and observed in single month at airport since 2015. In Sept.At the heart of the program is Maribenevolution of the wildlife management 2017, Hurricane Irma destroyed airfield vegetation, causingAndersen, associate vice presidentprogram, says that EYWs unique location 400% reduction in bird population compared to 2016.January | February 2025AirportImprovement.com'