Nest ID/Name: Distel Property Utility Pole Nest (Longmont, CO in Weld County) Observer Name: Ethan Augreen Date First Observed: July 20, 2025 Location Description: Southeast section of the "Distel Property" in Longmont, Colorado, about a mile southeast of Sandstone Ranch and just north of Weld County Road 20 1/2. The nest is built atop a wooden utility pole in a of a large industrial yard containing gravel piles, heavy equipment, asphalt factory, and frequent vehicular traffic. The immediate surrounding area is rural and largely undeveloped, with patches of open gravel terrain, scrub vegetation, wetlands, and proximity to seasonal drainage flowing into the St. Vrain Creek watershed. Other animals seen on the property include rabbit and prairie dog. Deer and coyote have been nearby in the vicinity. Nest Status: Active Adult Osprey Present?: Yes – observed circling above nest site and exhibiting territorial behavior Chicks Observed?: Not confirmed (view limited to ground-based photography/video) Nest Condition: Structurally intact; typical stick-built nest with evidence of recent use Human Activity Nearby?: Yes – nest is located on property used for industrial activity 6 days per week and directly adjacent to a proposed composting development site; future disturbance very likely if project proceeds. Environmental Context: Nest lies within 0.5 miles of the St. Vrain Creek corridor and very close to Boulder Creek. Potentially high-value habitat due to low current development, visible perch location, and access to water and foraging areas. Property Details: Permitted by Weld County for industrial/mining activities for several decades, the property was purchased by the City of Longmont in 2019 with Open Space tax funds, although industrial activity continues. The City of Longmont is currently considering the reclassification of the property from Open Space to Municipal Use and the development of a regional composting facility on a portion of the site. Additional Notes: This nest was not previously documented in local environmental assessments related to the proposed composting development project. Its discovery has raised legal and ecological concerns under CPW guidelines and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Photographic evidence available at: https://ethanaugreen.substack.com/p/osprey-nest-discovery-on-the-distel