Builder Fined for Disturbing Eagles’ Nest

A judge fined a developer for disturbing the nest of a pair of bald eagles, an endangered species he claimed took up residence in his $9-million subdivision after it was 90% complete.

Stephen M. Fedders was fined $4,000 last week and his company, Flotilla Inc., was ordered to pay $20,000. He also must perform 100 hours of community service in a wildlife protection program under terms of a plea agreement.

Fedders pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of disturbing the nest on Dec. 28, 1987.

Someone tipped off state wildlife officers that the nest was disturbed, and Fedders was required to devote 40 of the project’s 176 acres as a preserve. The developer claimed that the state’s demand makes it impossible to complete or sell his Braden River Lake subdivision and that he is on the brink of bankruptcy.