It appears conservationists have won their battle.
The discovery of two bald eagles in the city forced Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday to change plans for a new gun range for the Chicago Police Department.
The eagle's nest was discovered near the Little Calumet River, not far from the site of the proposed range near the Hegewisch Marsh on the city's southeast side.
The police department said it will not go ahead with the plans. Bald eagles are protected by federal law.
"Sierra Club is thrilled and gratified by Mayor Emanuel's decision to withdraw support for locating a new police firing range too near important and sensitive wetland habitat in the Lake Calumet region," said Sierra Club chairwoman Christine Williamson. "Now visitors to the Reserve and residents of nearby neighborhoods will be able to have a true urban wildlife experience, rather than hearing gunfire."
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board in January voted 5-4 to allow the police department to build a shooting range on the piece of contested land.
