Bird Recovery and Rehabilitation. Group Supervisor The Bird Recovery and Rehabilitation Group is responsible for wildlife deterrence, recovering live and dead birds, transporting these animals as appropriate, and providing medical care to impacted animals. Wildlife recovery by any agency or organization must be done under the direction of the Wildlife Branch, with approval of the Unified Command. Recovery and rehabilitation activities must comply with agreements and permits from the appropriate management agencies (i.e., state fish and wildlife agencies and USFWS). Bird Recovery and Rehabilitation Group personnel are drawn from state and federal trustee agencies and approved contractors. Trained, qualified volunteers may be used in support roles and must comply with the Northwest Area Volunteer Policy, including ensuring that appropriate training requirements and Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards are met. The Bird Recovery and Rehabilitation Group is made up of three units: Bird Recovery and Transportation, Bird Rehabilitation, and Bird Deterrence. Depending on the spill size, each of these units may be staffed by no personnel or by dozens of highly trained individuals. Duties of the Bird Recovery and Rehabilitation Group Supervisor include: Contacting/coordinating migratory bird issues with USFWS and the Wildlife Branch Liaison; Ensuring that safety plans are developed and understood by group personnel; Estimating the type and number of birds that will be recovered; Developing bird reconnaissance (in the absence of a Reconnaissance Group), search and recovery, field stabilization (if needed), transport, deterrence, euthanasia, rehabilitation, and release plans; Determining where rehabilitation facilities will be located and procuring resources; and Determining waste handling needs (liquid and solids) and incorporating them into the Environmental Unit Disposal Plan.
