Purpose: S. 690 would reauthorize an existing program that funds the conservation of neotropical migratory birds.
[teaserbreak]
Status: Referred to Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Action: SUPPORT. Please contact your two U.S. Senators and urge them to support S. 690. Tell your Senators that the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act seeks to protect wild neotropical birds that migrate to the U.S. The Act supports and encourages projects that promote conservation of these birds — often while the birds are on foreign soil — as well as providing funding to support the projects. The Act will expire in 2010 and is deserving of reauthorization.
Talking Points for your letter:
- Approximately 500 species of the 800 U.S. bird species spend their winters in Latin America and the Caribbean. Many neotropical bird populations are in decline and/or jeopardized due primarily to habitat loss and habitat degradation. Conservation of these birds requires effort and coordination by all countries along the birds’ migration routes.
- The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act seeks to perpetuate healthy populations of neotropical migratory birds; support conservation initiatives in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean to conserve these birds; and provide money and foster international cooperation for these initiatives.
- S. 690 would reauthorize the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, meaning that financial assistance for projects to promote conservation of neotropical migratory birds would continue. These projects enhance the conservation of neotropical migratory birds in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean through relying on local participation, ensuring that wildlife management officials are consulted, and emphasizing long-term, sustainable, and effective programs. A minimum of 75% of the funding annually must be used for projects outside the U.S.