National Audubon Society

August 2020

Audubon Advocates Make a Difference

Dear Friends,

Last month, we announced a change in how Audubon is implementing efforts throughout the region, merging the Pennsylvania and Maryland state offices into Audubon Mid-Atlantic. As we move forward in this transition, you can expect some changes in branding and digital content as we restructure our communications.

This month we highlight the amazing efforts of Audubon advocates, which have led to some recent victories for birds. Throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, as well as the country, the voices of Audubon advocates are helping to protect birds and the land and waters on which they, and all of us, depend. Many of these federal legislative wins will drive new investments in regional conservation, impacting the Mid-Atlantic.

As more opportunities and challenges are ahead, Audubon continues to count on dedicated advocates like you to take action for birds. THANK YOU for making a difference!

Amy Sobel
Vice President, Atlantic Flyway
National Audubon Society

Great Egret. Photo: Andres Leon/Audubon Photography Awards

Red-winged Blackbird

Major Victory for Birds

In a major victory for conservation groups, a federal judge has recently ruled that the administration's rollback of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is illegal and “runs counter to the purpose of the MBTA to protect migratory bird populations.” United States District Court Judge Valerie Caproni has ruled in favor of birds and the MBTA’s power to protect them, stating “It is not only a sin to kill a mockingbird, it is also a crime.” The ruling is a major win for six environmental groups and eight states whose three consolidated complaints argued that the law clearly makes it illegal to kill, hunt, capture, or attempt to capture a bird or egg without a permit “by any means or in any manner.”

Red-winged Blackbird. Photo: Ed Mattis/Audubon Photography Awards

Great American Outdoors Act Signed into Law

Earlier this month, the President signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act, a historic bipartisan conservation law, which will provide parks and public lands the protection and care they deserve, with permanent, mandatory funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at no additional cost to taxpayers. Audubon joined with Pew Charitable Trusts and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in a press release praising enactment of the law.

Red-tailed Hawk. Photo: Jesse Deitz/Audubon Photography Awards

Audubon advocates provide testimony on behalf of birds at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting.

Victory for Atlantic Seabirds

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission menhaden management board voted unanimously to adopt a new approach, known as ecological reference points, to ensure the menhaden population never drops below levels that would put birds and other wildlife at risk. Managing fish this way would mean more menhaden and healthier marine life from Maine to Florida, while allowing commercial fishing to continue. Audubon members have been active in advocating for similar treatment of river herring and shad since they spawn in the Delaware River. In the Mid-Atlantic region, several chapters have supported the appointment of Dr. Michelle Duval to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to represent Pennsylvania in pursuing the Council’s mission of responsible management of marine resources, which is critical to the long-term ecological, economic, and social well being of the region.

Audubon advocates provide testimony on behalf of birds at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting.

House Passes Water Resources Development Act

In late July, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 in a bipartisan vote, authorizing projects and programs led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study, design, and construct water transportation and infrastructure projects including the restoration and maintenance of wetlands and watersheds critically important to birds. This federal investment in natural infrastructure will help increase preparedness of coastal communities and economies, while benefitting fish and wildlife, which also often provide a critical foundation for coastal economies.

Willet. Photo: Jeremy Squire/Audubon Photography Awards

Moving Forward Act Passes the House

Early last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Moving Forward Act, directing investments to programs that encourage and fund green- and nature-based solutions for reducing stormwater pollution and protecting vulnerable infrastructure systems. Among the investments in the bill were key protections for birds and wildlife, including amendments that incorporated the Bird-Safe Buildings Act and Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.

Bald Eagle. Photo: Ed MacKerrow/Audubon Photography Awards

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610-666-5593 | pa.audubon.org

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