For Immediate Release: June 28, 2007

Contact: , Director of Public Relations, American Bird Conservancy, 202/234-7181 ext. 216

House Passes Bird-Friendly Interior Bill

Spending Increases Approved for Conserving Migratory Songbirds & State Wildlife Grants

The Cape May Warbler winters mostly in the West Indies and breeds in Canada. Photo by Jouney North.

(Washington, D.C.) The House of Representatives has approved a number of deserved funding increases for programs beneficial to birds and other wildlife. American Bird Conservancy had advocated for these improvements and applauds the House action. Funding for the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, State Wildlife Grants, and the International Forestry Program have all been increased.

“As the recovery of our nation’s symbol, the Bald Eagle, demonstrates, we can conserve threatened bird species. The funding increases approved by the House will benefit birds as well as the millions of Americans who enjoy visiting natural areas and watching wildlife,” said Darin Schroeder, Policy Director for American Bird Conservancy. “Many migratory songbirds we see each spring and summer are in decline and need greater care if their numbers are going to rebound.”

The House approved $5 million for the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA), a grant program that helps migratory songbirds by conserving their dwindling habitats in Mexico, the Caribbean and South and Central America. This is a 20% increase in funding over this fiscal year. The International Forestry Program, which restores migratory bird habitat, would receive $8 million, a $1.1 million increase over current funding.

“The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act is proving to be very effective and should be expanded further,” said Schroeder. “And we’re pleased that the International Forestry Program, which had been proposed for a major reduction, will instead see an increase.”

State and Tribal Wildlife Grants would receive $85 million, a $17.5 million increase over this year’s budget. This is the only federal program aimed at preventing wildlife from becoming endangered in every state. Projects supported by this program protect and restore important lands and waters, collect information on what kinds of wildlife are in trouble, and develop partnerships with landowners to protect declining species and habitats on public and private lands.

Other programs supported by ABC and the Bird Conservation Funding Coalition, which consists of organizations who together advocate for federal funding to advance bird conservation, will also receive modest increases. The North American Waterfowl Management Plan will receive an additional $300,000; the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Management program will receive an additional $1 million; the North American Wetlands Conservation Act will see a $3.2 million increase to $42.6 million.

ABC continues to seek dedicated funds to clean up lead contamination on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, which is at the heart of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument designated by President Bush in 2006. These funds were not included in the House bill, but discussions are underway to include these urgently needed dollars in the Senate Interior bill.

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American Bird Conservancy is the only 501(c)(3) organization that works solely to conserve native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC acts to safeguard the rarest bird species, restore habitats, and reduce threats, while building capacity in the conservation movement. ABC is the voice for birds, ensuring that they are adequately protected; that sufficient funding is available for bird conservation; and that land is protected and properly managed to maintain viable habitat. ABC is a membership organization that is consistently awarded a top, four-star rating by the independent group, Charity Navigator.