To whom it may concern,

Hurlburt Field contracted with the Birdstrike Control Program in the fall of 2004 to manage the airfield’s wildlife control program. This program is based in Texas and is run by Kelly and Dr. Nick Carter.  Ms. Rebecca Rushing is the on-site Wildlife Control Officer (WCO) who manages the program at Hurlburt. While I expected a broad improvement in the wildlife program because a person would be solely dedicated to dealing with the issue, I was definitely a skeptic and gave no credit to the value that a wildlife biologist paired with a trained Border collie might bring to the airfield. I simply could not imagine how there would be any dramatic improvement in wildlife control beyond what I had addressed and dealt with as Hurlburt’s airfield manager over the past 15 years.

Tangible, visible and dramatic results were seen within the first month of the contract. The Border collie cleared the airfield of virtually all wildlife (birds, deer, fox, and coyote) that posed a risk to flight safety, and that has continued to be the case as we enter the third year of this contract.  Initially, the WCO surveyed the airfield and immediately identified a wide variety of habitat management issues, building repairs, and wildlife hazards that needed to be addressed to further discourage wildlife from seeking out the airfield as either a feeding or nesting area. 

This contract has resulted in dramatic changes on the airfield far beyond what I thought was achievable.  Safety as a whole has improved. Aircraft repair costs have decreased by 90%, there has been a 100% reduction of any situation requiring lethal control measures, and pyrotechnic usage is also down by 85%.  One of the most notable affects from my perspective is how the environment has changed for animals and aircraft since the initiation of the wildlife control contract.  On average, the airfield would enter Bird Watch Condition (BWC) “severe” two to three times a week during migratory season. During the first year this contract was in place, the airfield experienced BWC “severe” only three or four times that entire year (as associated with the major hurricanes that made landfall that year). The airfield has not experienced any “severe” incidents during 2005-2007.

On a personal note, I lost my hand five years ago in a pyrotechnic accident at Hurlburt Field, in an attempt to clear the airfield of birds. It is my opinion that this tragedy would likely have been avoided had this contract been in place at the time. 

Having a biologist dedicated to wildlife issues on the airfield, in combination with a well-trained Border collie, enhances the overall safety of the environment. The WCO provides detailed information concerning all areas of wildlife control, enhancing training and alerting my personnel on procedures and corrective actions, and resulting in safer airfield operations.  The program has gained the recognition of those that visit the base. During a recent airfield inspection, Ms. Rushing was recognized by the Air Traffic Safety Evaluation Program (ATSEP) as an “Outstanding Performer” and was also awarded the AFSOC Outstanding Achievement in Safety Award earlier this year.

Safety of aircraft operations during takeoff and landing at Hurlburt have been enhanced 100% during this contract period. The program is worth more than we pay for it, and in my opinion is necessary for our future operations

Do not hesitate to call me if any additional information regarding this program is needed.

Bob Baker
Airfield Manager
Hurlburt Field Florida
850-582-9316