News release: “Recently released findings from a study initiated by a grant from The Nature Conservancy and conducted by scientists at Biodiversity Research Institute and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reveal elevated mercury levels in Bald Eagles nesting in the Catskill region of New York. Findings from this research effort provide evidence that the Catskill region is a “biological mercury hotspot” and support the need for a more comprehensive mercury monitoring and assement plan.”

• Mercury in New York State Bald Eagles – Summary of a recent study conducted by BioDiversity Research Institute & NYSDEC, September 2008
• Full Report: Assessing Mercury Exposure and Spatial Patterns in Adult Nestling Bald Eagles in New York State, With an Emphasis on the Catskill Region (Report BRI 2008-06), March 27, 2008.
• View bald eagle photo gallery
• A report released earlier this year by The Nature Conservancy and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Threats From Above: Air Pollution Impacts on Ecosystems and Biological Diversity in the Eastern United States, found that no ecosystem in the eastern United States is free of the effects of air pollution.”