POTTER VALLEY, Calif.—Pacific Gas and Electric has agreed to a temporary reprieve for a bald eagle’s nest proposed for removal in Mendocino County while negotiations continue between the company, the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, and environmental groups.

In an agreement issued today, the company has committed to leaving the tree through Tuesday, Jan. 17, to allow for good faith discussions. The tree containing the nest, a Ponderosa pine snag, had been scheduled to be removed this week, as the company had identified it as a potential “hazard,” but protests have delayed its removal.

“I was relieved when I heard that PG&E would not immediately cut down the eagle’s nest tree,” said Priscilla Hunter, Tribal historic preservation officer for the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. “The Tribe needs time to consult with the USFWS and PG&E in order to reach a solution that saves these eagles and keeps everyone safe.”

“We would like to thank PG&E for agreeing to a temporary pause in order to facilitate negotiations about the future of the nest tree,” said Matt Simmons, staff attorney at the Environmental Protection Information Center. “We are deeply appreciative to the citizens who have spoken out in support of our bald eagles, including those who have stood guard near the tree all this week through stormy weather.”

“I’m glad PG&E is hitting pause on the plan to cut down a tree with an active eagle’s nest, and I hope dialogue leads to a permanent solution that protects these magnificent birds,” said Peter Galvin, director of programs at the Center for Biological Diversity. “There’s just no excuse for chopping down a tree that appears to be a favorite nesting site for this bald eagle pair. PG&E can and must take a different approach.”