As we celebrate World Migratory Bird Day this week, newly introduced bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives improves the path forward for the millions of migratory birds that travel through American cities and towns each year. The Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), provides local partners support for voluntary projects to improve habitat that is good for birds and people in communities stretching from Alaska to Alabama. The bill establishes a new dedicated investment of $1 million annually for the Urban Bird Treaty program, as managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
In addition to supporting birds, the program supports efforts that can deliver tangible benefits to people and businesses, from increasing green space and enhancing outdoor recreation to improving resilience to flooding and minimizing urban heat islands. Improved habitat also offers economic benefits by supporting the hobby of birdwatching, which is enjoyed by over 96 million Americans and creates a total economic output of $279 billion annually.
“This spring, some 3.5 billion birds will migrate across the United States, including as many as 500 million flying on some nights,” said Felice Stadler, vice president of government affairs at the National Audubon Society. “But for them to safely make their annual journeys, we need to ensure our communities are bird friendly. Considering our bird populations have dropped by 30 percent since 1970, it is vital that meaningful bipartisan legislation like the Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act becomes law, so we reduce this decline and bend the bird curve.”
The Urban Bird Treaty program supports partnerships with local agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and civic associations. In addition to conservation and community education, the program supports efforts to reduce hazards to birds in urban environments, including collisions with buildings, invasive species, and more.
About Audubon
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
Media Contact: Jeff Billington, jeff.billington@audubon.org
