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"There is no way to avoid the birds in the air, but the pilots can avoid being where the birds are." Jerome A. Jackson, On studying migration patterns to avoid aviation accidents, NY Times 7 May 85 |
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Amendments Expand Programs To Include Canada & Insular Territories
Washington, D.C. -Bipartisan legislation designed to promote conservation and habitat protections for the declining populations of neotropical migratory birds was approved by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans this morning.
H.R. 39 - the "Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1999" - was unanimously approved by a voice vote. The legislation now goes to the full House Committee on Resources for consideration. A full Committee markup date has not yet been scheduled, however, U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), the Chairman of the Resources Committee, said he intends to move the legislation as soon as possible.
Three amendments were approved during today's Subcommittee markup:
1) An amendment by U.S. Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ), the Chairman of the Subcommittee, which expands the conservation and protection programs in the legislation to include Canada along with the original language that included the United States and Caribbean islands;
2) An amendment by U.S. Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa), the Ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee, which allows the Secretary of the Interior to convene an advisory group of the organizations involved in the conservation of the neotropical migratory birds.
3) An amendment by Faleomavaega which expands the coverage of the bill to include the insular territories of the United States.
"H.R. 39 is a simple, straightforward, bipartisan proposal that builds upon the success of existing conservation programs," Chairman Saxton said during the markup. "The fundamental goal of this legislation is to help formulate an effective international plan to assist in the conservation of these important neotropical migratory birds."
The bipartisan legislation was introduced on January 6, 1999 by:
Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), Chairman, House Committee on Resources
Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ), Chairman, Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife & Oceans Subcommittee
Rep. George Miller (D-CA), Ranking Democratic, Resources Committee
Many Neotropical Birds Are Facing Extinction - Rep. Young
"Without federal and private funding, the populations of many neotropical birds will face extinction in the very near future," said Rep. Don Young. "In fact, there are currently 90 North American bird species that are listed as either threatened or endangered. Furthermore, the Government of Mexico has identified some 390 bird species as being endangered, threatened, vulnerable or rare.
"There are many reasons for this population collapse including nest predation, competition among species, hazards along migration routes, pesticide use, and loss of essential habitat.
"What is lacking, however, is a strategic international plan for bird conservation, money for on-the-ground projects, public awareness, and any real cooperation between those countries where these birds live. While H.R. 39 will not solve all the problems facing neotropical migratory birds, it is a positive step."
Neotropical Migratory Birds Background
Neotropical migrants are birds that travel between the United States and its insular territories, Mexico, Central America, much of the Caribbean, and the northern part of South America. They migrate across international borders and depend upon thousands of miles of suitable habitat. Each autumn some five billion birds from 500 species migrate between their breeding grounds in North America and their tropical habitats in the Caribbean and Latin America. Through bilateral treaties, the United States is responsible for assisting in the maintenance of populations of over 800 game and nongame species of migratory birds.
"The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act" (H.R. 39)
The fundamental goal of this legislation is to reverse the population declines of these birds. This would be accomplished by establishing a Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Account, authorizing and annual appropriation of up to $8 million until September 30, 2004, and providing the Secretary of the Interior with the responsibility to evaluate and select meritorious conservation projects. The Secretary is also required to submit a report to Congress by October 1, 2002 on the effectiveness of this act.
The legislation is based upon legislation passed by the Resources Committee last session, which were signed into law, that initiate federal and private funding for international programs designed to increase conservation and anti-poaching programs for African and Asian elephants, and endangered Rhinoceros and Tigers.
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