30 Years of Public Access Celebrated at Eagle View Observation Station
Cathy Hagadorn, center, director of our Milford Point Coastal Center and a longtime volunteer at the Shepaug dam eagle site, is flanked by volunteers who were recognized by FirstLight Power for their years of service. Photo courtesy of FirstLight
January 19, 2016 — FirstLight Power Resources, the owner and operator of the Housatonic River Project hydroelectric system, hosted a celebratory event at the Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observation Area in Southbury on January 16.
Over 100 people attended the event which celebrated 30 years of public access at the Bald Eagle observation area. The Connecticut Audubon Society and Horizon Wings, a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center, presented programs on birds of prey, habitat protection and restoration efforts.
Robert Klee, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, joined the celebration. In his remarks, Commissioner Klee lauded the relationship between government, industry and non-profit organizations as essential to achieving conservation and wildlife restoration objectives.
Howard Person, plant manager for FirstLight’s Shepaug Hydroelectric Generation Station, spoke about the unique habitat created in the vicinity of the station. The Shepaug Hydroelectric Station, the largest hydroelectric station in Connecticut, serves as an important winter feeding site for bald eagles. The movement of water below the dam prevents ice from forming so there’s always access to an abundance of fish upon which the eagles may feed.
“Eagle View is an example of FirstLight’s commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability. Nearly 150,000 people have had the opportunity to view our majestic national bird here at Eagle View,” said Mr. Person
In appreciation of the long-term partnership with The Connecticut Audubon Society, FirstLight presented the organization with a check and unveiled a plaque recognizing the long-term volunteers who help staff the station each winter season.
Rob Klee, commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, was among the speakers at the FirstLight event. Photo by FirstLight Power.
“FirstLight’s partnership with Connecticut Audubon is vital to the ongoing stewardship and operation of this observation station,” said Mr. Person in his presentation.
Southbury First Selectman Jeffrey Manville, State Representative Arthur O’Neill, and Cathy Hagadorn, long-time Eagle View volunteer and Director of Connecticut Audubon’s Coastal Center at Milford Point, also spoke at the event.
“Conservation is all about connections. Connecting people to the environment and connecting people to companies that can make a difference by taking care of the land where we live is key. FirstLight Power has provided these kinds of connections for the past 30 years at the Bald Eagle view in Southbury. The Connecticut Audubon Society is proud to be a partner with First Light Power reaching up to 10,000 visitors a year and inspiring the next generation of conservationists,” said Ms. Hagadorn.
The Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observation Area, is open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. from December through March of each year. FirstLight recently invested significant resources to improve the Observation Area, including site and building improvements and the purchase of new spotting scopes and binoculars for public use. A diverse group of dedicated volunteers support the program each season and maintain a website on the facility. The Eagle Observation Area is free to the public, but reservations must be made in advance at www.ShepaugEagles.info.
FirstLight is a subsidiary of GDF SUEZ Energy North America, which manages a range of energy businesses in the United States and Canada, including retail energy sales and energy services to commercial, industrial and residential customers, natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution and sales, and electricity generation and cogeneration. GDF SUEZ Energy North America is a part of the international energy group ENGIE. For more information, please visit www.gdfsuezna.com.
Founded in 1898, the Connecticut Audubon Society is the state’s original and still independent Audubon. It has centers in Fairfield, Milford, Glastonbury, Pomfret, Hampton and Old Lyme, and manages 2,600 acres on 19 sanctuaries.
