House Hearing Raises Profile of Key Bird Conservation Initiative,
Proposes New Bills to Protect Migratory Birds

Expert witnesses testified at a House Natural Resources subcommittee hearing May 13 in favor of legislation to significantly advance bird conservation in the United States. The Joint Ventures for Bird Habitat Conservation Act of 2009, sponsored by Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-MD), would formally authorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Joint Ventures Program, which has been effectively carrying out bird conservation planning and projects since 1987.

“Joint Ventures are a proven success and have made a huge difference for bird conservation,” said Dr. David Pashley, American Bird Conservancy’s Vice President for Conservation Programs. “By applying science and bringing people together, Joint Ventures across the U.S. have created a model for solving wildlife management problems and restoring habitats critical to conserving declining species.”

Joint ventures are regional partnerships involving federal, state, and local government agencies, corporations, tribes, individuals, and conservation organizations which advance conservation efforts and help identify local land use priorities. There are currently 21 JVs in the United States that provide coordination for conservation planning, and implementing projects to benefit birds and other species. JVs develop science-based goals and strategies, and a non-regulatory approach for achieving conservation. Nationally, Joint Ventures have directed $4.5 billion in conservation spending from Federal grants and programs, state conservation dollars, and private donations and have protected, restored, or enhanced more than 13 million acres of important habitat for migratory bird species.

For example, last year a coalition including American Bird Conservancy, the state of Missouri, The Nature Conservancy, and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation protected important floodplain habitat in the watershed of the Current River, one of North America’s most biologically diverse streams. The purchase links together federal and state protected lands, and provides breeding habitat for the Cerulean Warbler, whose population is declining throughout its range. The site was identified as part of a broader assessment of Cerulean Warbler habitat carried out by the Central Hardwoods Joint Venture.

“JVs, which were initially focused exclusively on waterfowl conservation, have broadened their scope and partnerships to advance integrated conservation for all species of birds,” said Pashley. “Thanks to the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture, American Bird Conservancy is helping reforest abandoned mine lands in Ohio and Virginia, which will help support populations of declining bird species including the Wood Thrush, and Cerulean, Blue-winged, and Hooded Warblers.”

Two other bills were also under consideration at the hearing: H.R. 1916, offered by Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), proposes to raise the price of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, popularly known as the “Duck Stamp” to provide increased funding for habitat acquisition and conservation.

H.R. 2062, offered by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), proposes to boost enforcement of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by increasing the penalties for intentionally killing protected bird species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressed reservations about the bill and indicated that without changes the administration could not support. American Bird Conservancy would like to see a citizen suit provision added to law to help bring about greater enforcement.

“American Bird Conservancy strongly endorses these measures to protect and conserve bird populations,” said Darin Schroeder, Vice President of Conservation Advocacy for American Bird Conservancy. “As indicated by the recent U.S. State of the Birds report, more than two hundred species of birds in the United States are in decline. Passing these bills will help us meet the challenges of reversing this trend.”

Video and testimony from the hearing are available at http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=27&extmode=view&extid=252.