Cass Co Osprey Get a Lift from MN Power

A new nesting platform has been installed on a tall pole in Cass County to accommodate nesting ospreys, according the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The platform was installed by Minnesota Power.

“A company who is willing to leave the nest on their structure, or who is willing to provide a new place for the birds to nest is to be commended,” said Carrol Henderson, supervisor, DNR Nongame Wildlife Program. 

Ospreys nest on tall structures, such as cell-phone towers or power transmission lines. From time to time, these structures need to be replaced or in other cases, the nests may be causing a fire hazard. When this happens, a state permit to remove the unoccupied osprey nest is issued to the power company. While not required to do so, some power companies put up a new structures – just for the birds.