BIRDS AND THE IMPACT OF THE CONSTITUTION PIPELINE

by Andy Mason

This program will address the impacts and outline what concerned citizens can do during the public review process for the Constitution Pipeline project. The proposed 124 mile Constitution Pipeline, slated to run from Susquehanna County, PA through Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Schoharie Counties in NY will fragment large tracts of forest in the region, bringing about significant changes for breeding birds that depend on these habitats.  These include many neotropical migrants such as Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and other species  that are already at risk. The
100 ft. wide pipeline corridor will expose these birds to increase predation and nest parasitism, reducing breeding success.  In addition, the pipeline route will impact wetlands, streams and other natural areas important to  birds, including  an Audubon- designated Important Bird Area and two state forests.

Andy Mason is co-president of the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc. and co- chair of the group’s  Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch. He is past chair of the Audubon Council of NY State, and past president  of the NY State Ornithological Assoc.  He has been an active  birder for over 30 years, participated in the NY State Breeding Bird Atlas, and has lead bird  workshops for the Appalachian Mountain Club.