Eying Eagle Rank, Scout Helps Ospreys

OCEAN CITY – Life Scout Tanner Mitzel has taken on a project to repair two osprey stands at the intersection of Oxford Place and Somerset Lane in the Merion Park area of this city as part of his requirements to make Eagle Scout rank.
Mitzel decided to replace the stands as part of his Eagle Scout service project after a local resident approached the leader of Troop 32, Glenn Everson, and asked if the troop could fix the broken osprey stands.
Mitzel took on the replacement of the stands for the Osprey Project, which was created and is funded by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey. The stands are critical in order to help repopulate ospreys throughout the state by providing adequate nesting structures along the New Jersey coast.
“I thought it would be a great idea for my Eagle Scout project,” said Mitzel, a member of the troop.
According to www.conservewildlifenj.org, “The osprey, formally known as the “fish hawk,” is one of New Jersey’s largest raptors. They are well known and highly visible along coastal marshes.”
The site also states that the osprey is still a threatened species, with 475 nesting pairs statewide.
The status of a threatened species occurs when conditions begin to deteriorate to the degree that endangerment is imminent.
Due to vulnerability of the osprey (small population/significant population decline), the stands are crucial to the revitalization of the species.
The Osprey Project, in partnership with the Endangered and Nongame Species Program, also helps monitor, manage and support New Jersey’s ospreys and their role in the ecosystem.
With assistance from the foundation’s Habitat Program Manager Ben Wurst, the 14-year-old Life Scout began the project Dec. 2 by erecting stands in the marshes of Merion Park. The project was also assisted by fellow scouts, parents and other members of community.
Eagle rank requirements mandate a scout earn a total of 21 merit badges and perform requirements to achieve rank advancement. One of the badges that may be earned is for Environmental Science or Sustainability projects.
Mitzel stated that there are many benefits to scouting that directly impact the community in a positive way, and that his project is one that will provide a long-term benefit to the ospreys nesting at the site.
An eighth-grade student at Ocean City Intermediate School, Mitzel said he felt the osprey stands were critical to replace due to their importance for the species to nest and repopulate.
“I want to increase awareness of both of the osprey species that are threatened in New Jersey,” said Mitzel.
Mitzel also wanted to make sure the stands would be ecologically sound and be able to withstand coastal weather, and said the stands should last approximately eight to 10 years.
“The osprey stands are made of cedar so they are much lighter and better for the environment than treated wood,” said Mitzel. “Also, if there is any danger to their (osprey) eggs, we can stop it.”
Mitzel stated the project could take up to three months, but should be completed before summer.
In order for Mitzel to be promoted to the rank of Eagle Scout, he has to be active in his troop for six months, live by the Scout Oath, complete all requirements to receive the mandatory badges, serve in an active leadership position for six months, complete an Eagle Scout service project, take part in a scoutmaster conference, and complete the Eagle Scout Board of Review.
Mitzel said that although his project erecting the two osprey stands is important, getting the word out about the benefits of scouting and how the organization assists the community is of equal value.
For information on Boy Scouts of America, call 272-6820. For information about the Osprey Project, visit www.conservewildlifenj.org/protecting/projects/osprey.
To contact Jorena Faulkner, email jfaulkner@cmcherald.com.