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The Heart of the Forest: Randy Flament Capturing the Elusiveness of Eastern Golden Eagles

Nestled within the wilderness of Cameron County, Pennsylvania, a dedicated conservationist and photographer has spent years advocating for one of North America’s most elusive raptors—the Eastern Golden Eagle. Randy Flament, originally from Monongahela, Pennsylvania, found his calling in the forests of the Lumber Heritage Region, where his passion for wildlife, photography, and conservation has made a lasting impact. A Life Rooted in Nature Flament’s journey into conservation and bird advocacy began with his love for the Pennsylvania wilderness. Moving to Cameron County at the age of 20, he worked for Mallery Lumber (now Emporium Hardwoods) while immersing himself in the experiences of the region’s rich natural beauty. His initial fascination with elk photography became a gateway to photographing a wide variety of wildlife, particularly birds of prey. Visits to the Allegheny Front Hawkwatch with his parents introduced him to a network of raptor enthusiasts and researchers, sparking his deep interest in the Eastern Golden Eagle. The Eastern Golden Eagle Unlike the better-known Golden Eagles of the western U.S., the Eastern Golden Eagle remained largely unstudied before the early 2000s. These powerful birds, boasting an impressive nearly 8-foot wingspan, rely on the updrafts created by Pennsylvania’s Appalachian and Allegheny Ridges to aid in their migration. These same winds have guided them for thousands of years from their northern breeding grounds in Quebec, Canada, down through the heavily forested landscapes of Pennsylvania and even as far south as Alabama. Each year, Eastern Golden Eagles embark on a remarkable migration from their breeding grounds in northeastern Canada, including regions like Quebec and Labrador, to escape the harsh northern winters. They journey southward along the Appalachian Mountains, seeking milder climates and reliable food sources. Pennsylvania's forested ridges provide essential habitats during these winter months, offering both sustenance and shelter. However, their true home lies in the remote northern wilderness, where they nest on rugged cliffs and towering trees, raising their young in the vast boreal forests. During the summer months they hunt, relying on their keen eyesight and powerful flight to survive in one of North America's most challenging environments. While their western counterparts feed almost exclusively on mammals, Eastern Golden Eagles tend to feed more heavily on avian prey like waterfowl. Once autumn arrives, these resilient raptors begin their long journey south once again, following the same ancient pathways their ancestors have used for centuries. Advancing Research and Conservation Today, thanks to projects like the Appalachian Golden Eagle Project, researchers have gained critical insight into the migration patterns and behaviors of these magnificent birds. Flament has contributed to this effort, volunteering his time, property, and photographic expertise to aid scientific studies. His images have contributed to conservation plans, including those of the Eastern Golden Eagle Working Group (EGEWG). The research on Eastern Golden Eagles has helped inform land-use decisions, particularly regarding the placement of wind turbines. As renewable energy projects expand, researchers use extensive tracking data to provide detailed information to land stewards. The goal is to ensure that wind farms are strategically placed to minimize interference with crucial migratory routes. Tracking Eagles: Cutting-Edge Research and Data Collection A deeper understanding of Eastern Golden Eagles has been made possible through innovative research led by experts such as Dr. Todd Katzner and Dr. Trish Miller. These researchers, along with a dedicated team of conservationists, have utilized advanced telemetry tracking to monitor eagle migration patterns. Golden Eagles are fitted with GPS transmitters, which relay data via cell towers. These transmitters provide extensive information on flight altitude, speed, and location, allowing scientists to study the eagles’ movements with remarkable accuracy. The data not only helps pinpoint migration corridors but also identifies key stopover sites—temporary resting and feeding areas essential for their survival. By leveraging this technology, researchers can advocate for habitat conservation, influence policy, and mitigate risks posed by human activities, including wind energy development. Addressing Lead Poisoning: A Silent Threat One of the greatest threats to Golden Eagles and other raptors is lead poisoning. These birds often scavenge remains left by hunters, including gut piles from field-dressed deer, unknowingly ingesting toxic fragments from lead-based ammunition. Even a lead particle the size of a grain of rice can be fatal to a Golden Eagle. Conservationists, including Flament, advocate for the use of copper ammunition as a safer alternative, aiming to protect not just eagles but the entire ecosystem. The Power of Citizen Science Flament encourages others to get involved in conservation through citizen science initiatives. Whether through bird counts, data collection, or simply fostering awareness, he believes that everyday people play a crucial role in protecting wildlife. He emphasizes that the health of the environment reflects human well-being, and that preserving nature is a responsibility we owe to future generations. To find a Hawk Watch site, visit https://hawkcount.org/sitesel.php A Lasting Legacy For Flament, conservation is about more than just studying wildlife—it’s about understanding humanity’s place in the natural world. Through his advocacy, photography, and dedication to the Eastern Golden Eagle, he continues to inspire others to appreciate and protect the delicate balance of nature. The work of Flament and other conservationists highlights the intricate connections between land, wildlife, and humanity.

CELEBRATE THE NIGHT: INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK SHINES LIGHT ON LIGHT POLUTION

Each April, International Dark Sky Week draws attention to an often-overlooked issue: light pollution. This global observance, that happened this year from April 21–28, is a time to reflect on the beauty of a starry sky, the importance of natural darkness, and how our nighttime lighting habits affect everything from our health to wildlife and even our wallets. What Is Light Pollution? Light pollution refers to excessive or misdirected artificial light at night. It’s most visible in urban areas, but even rural places aren’t immune. Over-lit parking lots, unshielded porch lights, and glaring streetlights all contribute to the haze that dims our view of the stars. The good news? Light pollution is one of the easiest environmental issues to fix. Communities around the world, even large cities like Tucson, Arizona and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are proving it’s possible to reduce light pollution and still stay safe. Why It Matters You might be wondering: What’s the big deal about a little extra light? For People: Artificial light at night can seriously disrupt our circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep, hormones, and overall well-being. Even exposure to low levels of nighttime light reduces melatonin production, which is linked to issues like insomnia, mood disorders, metabolic problems, and even some cancers. Bright, poorly designed lighting also creates glare, making it harder to see at night which is dangerous for drivers, pedestrians, and wildlife alike. Newer LED streetlights often emit blue light, which is especially disruptive. For Wildlife: Many animals rely on natural light cues for navigation, reproduction, and feeding. Light pollution has well-documented effects on migrating birds, sea turtles, nocturnal animals, insects—including Pennsylvania’s own state insect, the firefly (lightning bug), and even plants! Studies are ongoing and the list of habitats and creatures negatively affected continues to grow. Beyond Health: Safety and Cost It might seem like more light equals more safety, but that’s not always true. In fact, too much light can reduce safety by creating harsh shadows and blinding glares. A study in Chicago found that overly bright alleyways correlated with increased crime, and other research shows streetlights don’t significantly reduce accidents or crime, but they do rack up the bills. According to DarkSky.org, unnecessary lighting in the U.S. generates 21 million tons of CO₂ each year—the equivalent of planting 875 million trees annually to offset the waste. By using smarter lighting, communities could cut outdoor lighting energy use by 60–70% and save billions. What Can Be Done? You don’t have to overhaul your entire property to make a difference. Here are some simple steps from DarkSky.org: Use fully shielded, DarkSky Approved fixtures that point light downward. Install timers, motion sensors, and dimmers. Choose warm light bulbs with a color temperature of 3000K or lower. Turn off lights when not in use—at home or in the office. Advocate for smart lighting in your community! Even if you can’t make changes immediately, keep these practices in mind for the future. Most of them will save money in the long run. Light Pollution in the Lumber Heritage Region Here in the Lumber Heritage Region (LHR), we’re lucky to have incredible views of the night sky. Cherry Springs State Park—Pennsylvania’s first and only Dark Sky designated park—is a crown jewel of our region. But protecting our night skies takes continued awareness and advocacy. LHR is proud to continue collaborating with Dark Sky PA, the PA Wilds Astronomy Club, the Oil Region Astronomy Club, and Cameron County in developing a Master Site Plan for a new night sky viewing area and educational hub. The plan, developed by Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects, has laid the groundwork for the county to provide a dedicated space to enjoy the stars, learn about the night sky, and foster conservation throughout the region. This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program and the Heritage Areas Program under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Look Up and Be Amazed The night sky has guided humans for millennia—through navigation, farming, storytelling, and art. Yet today, 80% of Americans can no longer see the Milky Way from where they live. This year, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives have formally recognized International Dark Sky week and invite Pennsylvanians to, “join us not only in observing and pondering upon this important week but also in raising awareness and support for protecting our precious naturally dark night sky”. Together, we can preserve that sense of wonder for future generations. This International Dark Sky Week, we invite you to step outside, look up, and experience the awe of a truly dark sky. 🌌

NEWSPAPERS OF THE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS

During the era of the Great Depression, many young men left school to help support their families. Traditional educational paths were disrupted for countless individuals. The Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), launched in 1933 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, not only offered critical employment but also provided a chance to regain lost educational ground. At the time, approximately 57% of CCC enrollees had not completed high school, making the program’s educational opportunities especially meaningful for those who had been forced to leave school behind. The CCC program offered young men wages, regular meals, work, and conservation training and other useful learning opportunities. One such opportunity came in the form of a camp newspaper. Most CCC Camps had some form of newspaper or magazine edited by that camp’s enrollees either printed or mimeographed. While most camps published twice a month or monthly, some were published as often as weekly or even daily. Creating the newspaper in itself was an educational opportunity for vocational training, allowing enrollees to assist in its development through art, writing, editing, typing, mimeographing, or even securing advertisements from nearby businesses. In camps where printing equipment was made available, enrollees had the opportunity for setting type and operating a printing machine. Beyond technical skills, the experience fostered broader learning opportunities; providing experiences in reporting, various forms of writing including news stories, feature stories, editorials, humor and poetry. Enrollees also gained experience in cartooning and lettering, and in operation of the various types of duplicating machines. English, reading, spelling, and language arts skills were also strengthened through these camp newsletters. As most of the enrollees were teens and very young men, this training was extremely beneficial toward their educational development. The newspapers were an important component of the camp, meant to aid morale and “recount the news of the camp, promote goodwill and understanding among the men, instruct and amuse”. Camps also frequently provided newspapers from enrollees' hometowns. The CCC’s newspaper was just one part of a broader educational initiative within the camps. By 1940, over 40,000 CCC enrollees were receiving some form of classroom instruction daily, including literacy training, vocational classes, and even high school equivalency programs. An Educational Report from October 7, 1938, for the Bark Shanty Camp S-146 (Company 2336) in Potter County, Pennsylvania listed the following: Subjects of Instruction: English Spelling Writing Reading Typewriting Photography Auto Mechanics Truck Driving Woodwork Carpentry Choral Music Related Educational Work: Educational Committee Meetings Safety Forums Religious Services Educational Films and Lectures Visits from Chaplain Supervised Reading Personal Interviews of Enrollees Health Lectures Athletics Recreation Trips The legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corp is one that began over 90 years ago. Though nearly a century has passed since these young men found work relief during one of the United States' most challenging decades, these publications offer a brief glimpse into the personal experiences of young men who helped shape the American landscape—both physically and culturally. https://livingnewdeal.org/civilian-conservation-corps-ccc-resources/ https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/035.html Photo from “Your CCC A Handbook for Enrollees” from the collection of Forest County Historical Society (first reprinting March 2000). Bark Shanty Educational Report from files through the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum.

Other Industry News

The Heart of the Forest: Randy Flament Capturing the Elusiveness of Eastern Golden Eagles

CELEBRATE THE NIGHT: INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK SHINES LIGHT ON LIGHT POLUTION

NEWSPAPERS OF THE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS

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