¢ The manager of the Las Cruces International Airport in 
New Mexico requested assistance from ADC regarding 
flocks of horned larks and crows frequenting airport runways 
and adjacent areas. In December 1995, a private jet 
ingested about 30 horned larks on takeoff and was forced 
into an emergency landing. The engine was destroyed, with 
damage estimated at $500,000. ADC recommended various 
harassment methods, as well as a permit from FWS for nest 
destruction to discourage crows from nesting in the area. 
¢ ADC continued to assist airport officials at Chicago’s 
O’Hare International Airport. In 1994 and 1995, ADC 
removed approximately 80 deer from airport property after 
numerous deer—aircraft strikes occurred. In 1996, ADC 
personnel helped install a wire-grid system more than a mile 
long to keep Canada geese away from airport property in an 
effort to prevent bird—aircraft strikes. 
« ADC personnel also provided assistance at Dulles 
International Airport in northern Virginia. During the year, 
airport officials reported wildlife—aircraft strikes caused by 
Canada geese, coyotes, and deer. ADC biologists trapped 
and removed 49 Canada geese and were also involved in 
an egg-oiling program to reduce the nesting success of 
resident geese on airport property. 
¢ At the request of officials at Minot International Airport in 
North Dakota, and after consultation with the State’s game 
and fish department, ADC personnel took action to reduce 
the threat to public safety caused by a small but persistent 
herd of white-tailed deer. During the first 6 months of 1996, 
airport personnel tried various scare tactics to move the deer 
away from the runways and other areas without success. 
ADC then conducted two deer-removal projects and 
removed a total of eight deer. ADC continued to work with 
airport officials until the public-safety threat was eliminated. 
Long-term recommendations made by ADC include habitat 
alterations and improved fencing around the airport’s 
perimeter. 
16/ADC Program Highlights, 1996 
Environmental Compliance 
During the year, the program completed 33 environmental 
analyses on site-specific projects throughout the country. In 
addition, ADC’s three National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) coordinators attended training in Texas conducted 
by the National Association of Environmental Professionals. 
Twenty-five other ADC employees received NEPA training 
conducted by a private contractor. 
