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BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A team of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wildlife biologists visited Beale Air Force Base to tour the airfield and discuss best practices for mitigating wildlife hazards. The visit is part of an ongoing partnership between the two agencies to ensure pilot safety and Air Force mission readiness.
The event, hosted by Beale’s resident USDA wildlife biologist, Jim Laughlin, provided a forum for experts to exchange knowledge and observe the specific wildlife management challenges of a military airfield.
“This was one of my greatest accomplishments here at Beale,” said Laughlin to the visiting group, gesturing to metal devices affixed to the top of a hangar roof designed to keep birds from roosting. Laughlin called it one of his greatest accomplishments—a hard-won victory from 18 years ago.
A safe flightline is paramount for Air Force training and mission operations. The USDA’s Airport Wildlife Hazards Program partners with the Department of War, providing the scientific expertise and operational assistance needed to reduce safety hazards posed by birds and other wildlife. This collaboration ensures the most effective strategies are used to protect aircraft and personnel.
“I will tell you, if you wanted to learn to be an awesome USDA biologist and keep folks like me alive, you’ve come to the right place,” said Col. Ryan Typolt, 9th Reconnaissance Wing deputy commander, addressing the group. “And Jim, better known as ‘Scarecrow,’ is one of the best in the business.”
Laughlin’s nickname originates from his use of pyrotechnics, such as blanks or small fireworks, to scare birds away from the airfield. During the tour, he showcased various wildlife deterrent projects. These projects range from physical deterrents, like rooftop devices, to habitat management, such as precise grass-cutting strategies designed to manage wildlife populations. If grass is cut too high, it can hide animals; if too low, it can expose prey and attract predators like hawks.
For many participants, the tour was their first time on a military installation. “Seeing these hazard-mitigation principles applied in a military environment offers our specialists an invaluable perspective,” said Mike Birgier, the program’s director. “This collaboration ensures that whether an airfield is civilian or military,we are using the most effective strategies to protect aircraft and, more importantly, the people who fly them.”
This shared experience strengthens the program and contributes to the continued safety of military and civilian aviation.
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 05.06.2026 11:23 |
| Story ID: | 562695 |
| Location: | BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 10 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USAF and USDA Team Up to Ensure Airfield/Flightline Safety, by Charles Borsos, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
