Latest news with #CraigWebb
ABC News
20 hours ago
- Science
- ABC News
New 'risk-mapping tool' aims to prevent bird deaths from powerlines
Craig Webb says he does not want to share images of dead eagles on his social media pages. "But the fact is there are so many that I feel like everyone needs to know," the Raptor Refuge founder said. "I wish there was none. I'm not trying to cause trouble. I'm just trying to put it out there … how many of these birds are succumbing to powerlines." Raptor Refuge is a not-for-profit sanctuary in southern Tasmania dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of the state's birds of prey. Mr Webb said a "high percentage" of the birds that came into the sanctuary were injured by powerlines. "There's a real threat to them out there, and we see countless birds brought in with damages, or they're dead," he said. Technology that is used to mitigate against the risk of birds being electrocuted includes flappers — small reflective disks that hang from powerlines — perches, and covers. TasNetworks said more than 600 kilometres of its distribution lines had flappers, perches or covers installed — up from 140 kilometres in 2023-24. It has also used what is called the "delta design standard" that spreads lines further apart to reduce electrocution risk. Tasmania's powerline network includes 20,310 kilometres of distribution lines. University of Tasmania researchers, in partnership with TasNetworks, have released a new "risk-mapping tool" aimed at preventing powerline bird deaths. By tracking 23 wedge-tailed eagles over six years, the research team built a model that predicts where eagles are most likely to cross powerlines, and where the risk of death is highest. Lead researcher James Pay said powerlines were among the leading causes of injury and death for large birds of prey in Tasmania, and globally. It is hoped the data will help TasNetworks identify where mitigation technologies are most needed. "There's some other models that [TasNetworks has] been working on as well," Dr Pay said. "We're combining them all together to help guide where to put either the different designs of the powerlines or the bird flappers more proactively — rather than relying on where the birds have already been killed." TasNetworks said it invested almost $1 million every year in bird protection. In 2023-24, 11 threatened birds were "impacted" by powerlines, down from 26 reported incidents in 2022-23, according to TasNetworks. Mr Webb is concerned the number of birds injured or killed by powerlines in Tasmania is under-reported. "These birds are found under or near powerlines where there are people around," he said. "So you can imagine how under-reported this is because there are so many powerlines that aren't near people and aren't near townships that are not going to be found." More than 9,400 powerline crossings at "risky altitudes" were recorded during the project. Mr Webb said it was "a significant number". "If we can learn from that and do some more mitigation work in those areas, well, that's fantastic," he said. However, he said more investment in implementing mitigation was needed. "It's taken all this time to really realise what's happening and how these birds can see these powerlines. "We've got to catch up to all those kilometres and kilometres of powerlines that have never had anything and, in fact, make it mandatory that all new powerlines have flappers on them." Dr Pay said installing mitigation technologies could be costly. "The only thing that really holds it back is the amount it costs to get these things put out and also to maintain them," he said. "It'd never be feasible to put them everywhere, but [it is feasible] to target them where they're needed, using methods like the model that we've developed." TasNetworks said mitigation technologies were installed "all the time, based on high-risk areas and new reporting". "We're investing strongly in new technology like fibreglass cross-arms and the delta design standard to make the network itself more bird safe, in turn reducing the need for flappers and perches," a spokesperson said. If you find an injured or dead raptor in Tasmania call 1800 RAPTOR (1800 727 867).
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Line-jumping dispute leads to 3 Stow students being punched at Cedar Point, parent says
A parent is asking Stow-Monroe Falls school officials to look into possible policy changes after her daughter was punched during a recent class trip to Cedar Point. The parent, whose name is not being used because her daughter is a minor, told the school board May 19 that her child was on a Kimpton Middle School class trip to the Sandusky amusement park and waiting in line for a ride when the incident occurred. More: Prank calls flood Ypsilanti mom after her phone number appears on Cedar Point wall The parent said her daughter was one of three girls who were struck by another student from Shaker Heights Middle School on May 17. The incident, the parent said, happened after a group of students from Shaker Heights cut in line earlier in the day and were confronted by her daughter and the two other Stow students. The Shaker Heights students, the mother said, told the girls they were catching up with other classmates already in line. A second encounter happened later when the two groups were in line for another ride at the park. The mother said a Shaker student had told the girls they could cut in front of them on another ride after the earlier incident. "(A) Shaker boy clocked three of our girls in the back of the head, causing them all to have concussions," the mother told the board. She also said her daughter is being checked for more serious injuries. "(My daughter) is scared and in pain, not only physically, but emotionally and mentally," the parent told the board. "We do not want this falling on deaf ears." Sandusky Police Chief Jared Oliver said the incident involving the students is being investigated. "The injuries reported to us were minor, if any at all," the chief said. The police report of the incident was not readily available since it involves minors and identifiable information has to be redacted. Cedar Point's Code of Conduct prohibits guests from saving spots in line or cutting in front of other guests or leaving a line for any reason. Violators may be asked to leave the park. The parent wants Stow school officials to take a fresh look at its policies for class trips — like Cedar Point — where the number of students traveling far outnumber the chaperones and students are not directly supervised at all times. "I am deeply concerned about the lack of adequate supervision that was provided to these 13 and 14-year-old students," she said. "From what I understand this situation could have absolutely been prevented. "This has absolutely been a devastating development to our family and one that will have ongoing medical and emotional implications." Requests for comment were left May 21 with Stow and Shaker Heights school officials. This story may be updated. Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@ This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 3 Stow students punched over line-jumping dispute at Cedar Point
