-----Original Message-----
From: sholmer@abcbirds.org
To: abcorgs
Sent: Fri, Feb 6, 2015 5:29 am
Subject: American Bird Conservancy Celebrates 20 Years of Conservation & Other News
American Bird Conservancy Celebrates 20 Years of Conservation To mark American Bird Conservancy’s 20th anniversary celebration, please enjoy a brand-new film highlighting some of our favorite conservation stories and read the 20th Anniversary issue of Bird Conservation magazine. See http://www.abcbirds.org/20years/index.html.
“We are proud of the work we've accomplished and grateful to our partners and supporters who make this work possible,” says George Fenwick, ABC’s founder and President. “As we move forward, we reaffirm our commitment to bringing back the birds!”
You can also celebrate recent ABC results for birds by reading this month's eNews. From huge new projects to support declining warbler species to advances in fishing methods that benefit rare birds, keep up with the latest news from ABC at http://support.abcbirds.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=3062.0.
President’s Budget Calls for Increases for Migratory Bird Conservation Citing a growing economy, a low unemployment rate, and a greatly reduced annual federal deficit, President Obama has for the first time in four years proposed significant increases to Interior Department programs essential to bird conservation and the maintenance and restoration of important habitats on federal lands. Migratory birds would benefit from proposed funding increases to the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, the Joint Ventures Partnerships, and expansions to National Wildlife Refuges. Endangered species programs are increased, and the Greater Sage-Grouse planning process receives a major boost to $78 million, up from $19 million this year.
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell outlined the administration’s budget on an outreach call with conservationists. She noted an 8% overall proposed increase for the Interior budget, and that reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund with permanent and full funding was a top legislative priority. Landscape planning and master leasing plans to ensure more sustainable energy development on public lands will also receive additional funds. However, it remains unclear if Congress will support these proposed spending increases.
“The President’s budget recognizes that supporting bird conservation and public lands is a smart investment, benefitting the economy today, and ensuring that future generations of Americans will also enjoy the same bounty,” said Steve Holmer, senior policy advisor with ABC.
One area of concern is the $850 million in proposed cuts over five years in Agriculture Department conservation programs including reducing the Conservation Stewardship Program by 3 million acres and a $373 million cut from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which offers technical and financial assistance to landowners looking to improve management practices. One bright note in the Agriculture budget is $330 million for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which provides grants to benefit species of conservation concerning including the Golden-winged and Cerulean Warbler.
New Cats Indoors ABC Public Service Announcement
ABC is preparing to launch a brand new public service announcement campaign this Spring, and we need your help to do it. In order to share this important message about how cats benefit from being indoors, we are asking for a small (or not-so-small) contribution. For a sneak peak at the PSA and a chance to help ABC protect cats, birds, and people, please click the image below.
NY Law Limits Light Pollution on State Buildings Migrating birds will greatly benefit from a new law passed by the state of New York which will curtail light pollution from state-owned buildings. A key provision of the bill – which takes effect in a year – requires the use of downward facing, shielded lighting on the exterior of state buildings. http://www.wkbw.com/news/state-news/law-limits-light-pollution-on-state-buildings.
U.S. Shorebirds of Conservation Concern
Last month, the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Partnership (USSCP) released its most recent findings assessing the status of U.S. shorebirds in "Shorebirds of Conservation Concern." This updates the USSCP's 2004 plan and contains many more details. The assessment incorporates: 1) new information on shorebird population sizes and trends, 2) a GIS computation of breeding and nonbreeding range sizes, 3) a revised threats assessment, and 4) climate change vulnerability. See here for the latest assessment: http://tinyurl.com/2015USSCP.
Shorebirds requiring immediate conservation actions include: Snowy Plover (Interior USA, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean breeding), Mountain Plover, American Oystercatcher (USA/Canada breeding), Whimbrel (Canada breeding), Bristle-thighed Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit (Alaska breeding), Ruddy Turnstone (Canada breeding), Red Knot (Western Alaska/Russia breeding).
(With thanks to Birding Community E-bulletin - February 2015).
80th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference
The 80th North American wildlife conference will be in Omaha, Nebraska March 8-13. Review the preliminary conference schedule.
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Steve Holmer
Senior Policy Advisor
American Bird Conservancy &
Director, Bird Conservation Alliance
202-888-7490
www.abcbirds.org, www.birdconservationalliance.org, ABC on Facebook, ABC Videos
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