Conservationists call for action on mining claim markers that have killed Nevada wildlife

Saying pipes used to mark mining claims in Nevada and across the West could be killing birds by the millions, conservationists are demanding federal land managers take action. The American Bird Conservancy recently wrote Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell asking the federal government to eliminate the threat posed by uncapped metal or PVC claim marker pipes that become deathtraps for birds. “We’ve got a serious bird mortality issue out there,” conservancy spokesman Robert Johns said. “There is no organized, concerted approach to dealing with this problem. That’s what we’re asking the BLM and Forest Service to do.” It’s a problem that’s been recognized for years and one which poses threats not only to birds but lizards, small mammals and insects as well, Nevada BLM officials and biologists with the Nevada Department of Wildlife agree. A change in state law provides some flexibility to deal with the issue, but its sheer scope poses a major challenge, officials said. Uncapped pipes appear to be an ideal nesting spot for birds but once they enter, birds can’t fly out or climb free. Death of dehydration or starvation in Nevada’s desert climate quickly follows, with victims including mountain bluebirds, starlings and woodpeckers, among others...more