Council for the Conservation of Migratory Birds Status Report Contents Goal and Purpose . . 2 OSM...... 13 The Council for the Conservation of Migratory Summary...... 2 Background...... 3 USFWS...... 14 Birds was established in 2009 by the Secretary Subcommittees . . . . 3 NOAA...... 15 Implementation . . . 4 DoD ...... 16 of the Interior to oversee the implementation Survey Results . . . . . 5 DOE...... 17 APHIS ...... 7 USCG...... 18 of Executive Order 13186, Responsibilities of USFS...... 8 EPA...... 19 NRCS ...... 9 FAA...... 20 Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds. BLM...... 10 Conservation Tools.21 BOEM...... 11 Presidential Award. .22 NPS...... 12

Cover photos: Barn Owl by Dr. Thomas Barnes; Golden-winged Warbler by Mike Sweet; Harlequin Duck by USFWS; Laysan Albatross by David Pattee USFWS; Rufous Hummingbird by USFWS; American Avocet by Eric Kershner. Inside photo: Indigo Bunting by Steve Maslowski. Back photo: Osprey by USFWS. SUMMARY

In 2011, agencies worked independently and with other federal and state agencies and private organizations on large and small projects to promote the conservation of migratory bird populations and their habitats. For example, agencies surveyed birds after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and created emergency habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl along the Gulf Coast.

Some agencies and their partners surveyed migratory

Photo: Bald Eagle USFWS birds on millions of acres of private and public land throughout the country and studied migratory birds Council for the in areas targeted for energy development. New technologies were used to study the breeding, migra- Conservation of tion, and wintering ecology of raptors, to remotely sense migratory birds offshore, and to use geolocators to identify wintering grounds and migratory pathways. Migratory Birds In addition, agencies worked with other countries to reduce seabird bycatch in longline fisheries and to Status Report 2011 develop pesticide risk assessments for birds.

GOAL AND PURPOSE Taken together, these accomplishments represent a To fulfill the reporting requirements set forth in Executive significant achievement for conserving migratory birds Order 13186: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies To and their habitats. However, there is still much work to Protect Migratory Birds (66 FR 3853, Jan 17, 2001), the do. The Council will focus on the areas that need the Council for the Conservation of Migratory Birds (Council) most improvement, as well as those where significant developed this annual report to highlight the progress opportunities exist that can be achieved in the upcoming made by the Federal Agencies participating in the Council year. Subcommittees will play a key role making the during 2011. This report provides an overview of how Council an effective voice for advancing bird Council members are implementing their responsibilities conservation in Federal agencies by: in Section 3 of the EO. • Identifying potential voids in bird data repositories; • Developing comprehensive conservation measures Purposes of the Report are to: and making these available to agencies; and • Report activities associated with implementation of • Promoting the Presidential Migratory Bird Federal the EO and associated Memorandum of Understandings Stewardship Award to continually challenge agencies (MOUs) for the current year; to excel in seeking highly effective and innovative • Report agencies’ additional accomplishments related methods of conserving migratory birds throughout to migratory bird conservation; the range of their annual life cycles. • Identify opportunities within agencies and areas for improvement related to migratory bird conservation; and • Identify recommendations regarding improvements in implementation of the EO.

Photo: Florida Scrub-Jay Eric Kershner BACKGROUND SUBCOMMITTEES Executive Order 13186, “Responsibilities of Federal Agencies During 2011, several subcommittees of the Staff Committee To Protect Migratory Birds”, was signed in January 2001. The worked on tasks requested by the Council. Subcommittees EO identified responsibilities of Federal agencies pursuant are appointed by the Council as needed for specific tasks. to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the AVIAN RESOURCES Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy The Avian Resources subcommittee was formed due to Act and other pertinent statutes. Per the EO, “each Federal Council inquiries regarding where to access “bird data” that agency taking actions that have, or are likely to have, a can be used when evaluating proposed actions that may measurable negative effect on migratory bird populations impact birds. Based on this request, the subcommittee is is directed to develop and implement…a MOU with the investigating the various types of available bird data and Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that shall promote the where to obtain these data. The subcommittee will look at conservation of migratory bird populations.” It further stated what resources are available and how to make bird data that “each MOU shall establish protocols for implementation repositories and resources accessible to Council members. of the MOU and for reporting accomplishments.” Through the end of 2011, seven MOUs were signed and five MOUs were under development. CONSERVATION MEASURES The EO also established the interagency Council to oversee The Conservation Measures Subcommittee is compiling the implementation of the EO, and identified four duties for a comprehensive list of conservation measures (best the Council: management practices) that can be implemented during agency actions, with the goal of avoiding or minimizing 1. Share the latest resource information to assist in the impacts to migratory bird populations. Conservation conservation and management of migratory birds; measures are largely driven by legislation such as the 2. Develop an annual report of accomplishments and National Environmental Policy Act, and can be integrated recommendations related to this order; into and implemented through agency plans and guidance. The subcommittee is also working with the Avian Resources 3. Foster partnerships to further the goals of this order; and subcommittee on the best mechanism for making this 4. Select an annual recipient of a Presidential Migratory resource available to Council agency personnel. Bird Federal Stewardship Award for contributions to the protection of migratory birds. PRESIDENTIAL AWARD The Council meets annually, with the meetings chaired by The Presidential Migratory Bird Federal Stewardship Award the Director of the USFWS. Staff for each agency on the Subcommittee is responsible for the call for nominations, Council (Staff Committee) meet as needed throughout compiling the results, and presenting the evaluated the year. Much of the Council’s work is carried out by nominations to the full Council for their discussion and task-oriented subcommittees. To date, 20 agencies have vote. The subcommittee develops the award criteria and participated on the Council. evaluation rubric for the award. The subcommittee will continue to evaluate award criteria and the overall process to identify and implement improvements for the award.

Photo: Mallard Eric Kershner 3 Photo: Song Sparrow Eric Kershner IMPLEMENTATION

To provide a concise visual display of the aggregated score MOU STATUS for each category, a color-coded scoring system was used. To date, the following Memoranda of Understanding with The Council considered a score of 3 or higher to be con- USFWS have been finalized in accordance with the EO. sistent with an action being “implemented”; a score of 2 is Department of Defense “partially implemented”; a score of 0 or 1 is “not yet imple- Department of Energy mented”. The aggregated scores reflect this range as noted Department of Agriculture below. The results reveal that in 2011 the Council, as a whole, Forest Service has partially implemented the responsibilities outlined in Department of the Interior the EO for four categories. The Council did not participate Bureau of Land Management in or fund international conservation actions at a level to be National Park Service considered partial implementation. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Results for each of the five categories are shown on the next two pages. TRACKING PROGRESS In an effort to track how well Federal agencies participating on the Council are implementing the various elements of the EO, each agency completed a survey based on elements in Section 3 (“Federal Agency Responsibilities”) of the EO. Participation in the survey contributes to the understanding of how the EO is being implemented and allows for improvements in implementation and conservation of migratory birds. Color Key Green: Implemented (score range 3.00 - 4.00) The elements listed in this Section were grouped into five Yellow: Partially Implemented (score range 2.00 – 2.99) categories: Red: Not Yet Implemented (score range 0.00 – 1.99) 1. Policy and Planning (6 questions) 2. Conservation Actions (5 questions) 3. Partnerships (4 questions) 4. Bird Conservation Training (3 questions) 5. International Conservation (2 questions)

A total of 1,720 individuals from 17 agencies responded to the survey. Responses from each agency were aggregated and then all scores were averaged for each question and across category. Each survey question had response values ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (always). A response of “N/A” was also available for respondents who felt the question did not apply to their specific agency. Values were calculated for each of the five categories based on the aggregated survey responses. Only responses with a value from 0 to 4 were used for the aggregated scores. Responses of “N/A” were not included in the aggregated score tabulations. Photo: Royal Tern Tern Photo: Royal Eric Kershner 4 5. Environmental review analyses identify actions where unintentional take may have a short- or long-term negative effect on migratory bird populations. 6. Provides advance notice or annual reports to the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service on actions intended to take migratory birds (e.g. through banding, scientific collecting, taxidermy, depredation control, construction etc.).

Photo: Black-necked Stilt Eric Kershner SURVEY RESULTS

Response Proportion The Council expected scores for this first report to fall within the partially implemented range, considering the Council first met in December 2009 and not all Council agencies have signed MOUs. As discussed above, the Council will focus on how overall success improves from year to year across categories, rather than scrutinize the score of any specific category in a given year. This first year ilustrates that there is room for improvement within every category, particularly support for International Conservation. As additional agencies complete the MOU process, awareness and support of migratory bird conservation within the CONSERVATION ACTIONS Council should correspondingly improve. 1. Measures that avoid or minimize adverse impacts on migratory birds and their habitat are implemented when The Council is pleased to note that all agencies have at conducting agency actions. least partially implemented actions related to Policy and 2. Migratory bird habitat restoration and/or enhancement Planning, Conservation Actions, Partnerships, and Bird are included in agency actions. Conservation Training. During the next year, the Council 3. During agency actions, measures are implemented to will review the survey results in more detail and focus on prevent or abate the pollution of migratory bird habitat. the areas of greatest concern so that the responsibilities in the EO are better implemented in the future. In addition, 4. Within the scope of its statutorily-designated authorities, individual agency scores were provided to each agency with the agency controls the import, export, transport, and information on specific areas for improvement. establishment in the wild of live exotic animals and plants that may be harmful to migratory birds or their habitat and food resources. To measure the Council’s overall success in meeting the 5. The agency minimizes the intentional take of species directives set forward in the EO, answers to the following of concern by delineating standards and procedures for statements were ranked on a zero to four scale representing such take and developing procedures for the review and always to not applicable. evaluation of take actions.

POLICY AND PLANNING 1. Agency plans and planning processes include considerations for migratory bird habitat conservation. 2. Agency plans and planning processes include considerations for migratory bird conservation. 3. Agency plans and actions promote and incorporate (as appropriate) goals and objectives of comprehensive migratory bird planning efforts (e.g., U.S. Shorebird Response Proportion Conservation Plan, Partners in Flight Landbird Conservation Plan, North American Waterfowl Management Plan). 4. Effects of agency actions on migratory birds and habitat are evaluated through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or other established review process.

5 PARTNERSHIPS INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION Partnerships are considered all entities that are associated 1. Participates in international migratory bird conservation with an action through monetary and in-kind support. partnerships (partners are associated with the action through monetary and in-kind support). 1. Develops partnerships and coordinates with other 2. Provides funding for international migratory bird agencies and nonfederal entities in agency management conservation. planning for the conservation benefit of migratory birds. 2. Promotes information and data exchange as well as research related to the conservation of migratory bird resources. 3. Recognizes and promotes economic and recreational values of birds. 4. Provides funding opportunities for partners to promote conservation, research, or recreational opportunities, as appropriate.

Response Proportion

Response Proportion

The Figures represent the distribution of scores from 17 Federal Agencies that responded to the Council survey. The first pie chart shows the percentage of agencies who have Implemented (green), Partially Implemented (yellow), or Not Yet Implemented (red) the respective category. Only responses with a “value” (excludes any response of “N/A”) were used to compute the

aggregated scores. The second pie chart shows the total number BIRD CONSERVATION TRAINING of responses, from all respondents across all agencies, with 1. Provides training opportunities for appropriate “values” of zero to 4 (blue) and responses of “N/A” (gray) for that employees for the implementation of Migratory Bird Treaty category. Two charts are used since each agency typically had Act and/or agency MOU. some respondents answer “N/A” in every question. It was therefore 2. Provides training and information to appropriate not possible to present a category of “N/A” for an agency as a employees on methods to avoid or minimize the take of whole in any category. migratory birds. 3. Provides training and information to appropriate employees on methods for the conservation, enhancement, and restoration of migratory bird habitat.

Response Proportion PARTNERSHIPS Partnerships are considered all entities that are associated with an action

Photo: Marsh Wren George Gentry USFWS

6 Department of Agriculture Department of Defense USDA FOREST SERVICE

Mission: To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Photo: Saw-whet Owl USFS Photo: Saw-whet Owl

The United States Forest Service (USFS) Partnerships Conservation Actions manages approximately 193 million The USFS is working with partners across Enabled by broad partnerships and acres of forests and grasslands through the western hemisphere to achieve informed by a strong scientific the National Forest System. These lands conservation objectives for migratory foundation provided through research provide essential habitat for hundreds of birds. The Integrated Monitoring in and sophisticated monitoring efforts, species and millions of birds. In addition Bird Conservation Regions Partnership the USFS is developing tools to inform Program was developed by the USFS the targeted delivery of conservation to managing habitat for birds on National and its partners in the western U.S. to actions for priority bird species. Forest System lands, the USFS is helping implement the objectives outlined in the Grassland birds on their breeding to develop a strong science based U.S. North American Bird Conservation grounds have benefited by research foundation for conservation actions Initiative report “Opportunities for and monitoring informing improved through its Research and Development Improving Avian Monitoring”. In 2011, management approaches for National Branch and is collaborating with partners this partnership leveraged almost one Grasslands. These same birds that across the western hemisphere through million dollars for bird monitoring across also winter on the Chihuahuan Desert the International Program ‘Wings Across approximately 276 million acres of public grasslands in Mexico are welcomed the Americas’. and private lands. These data are used to by increased conservation planning, generate robust population density and education and improved management. occupancy estimates at a variety of spatial Policy and Planning scales, from individual management units to entire bird conservation regions, and to Research Serving Conservation Some USFS Regions have been working develop conservation planning tools. USFS scientists conduct a wide range to align the Regional Forester's Sensitive of research to inform the conservation Species List with the USFWS Birds of of migratory bird populations and their Conservation Concern in order to ensure International Conservation habitats. Examples include impacts that both agencies are working together USFS International Programs’ Wings of forest fragmentation by oil and on the same priority species when Across the Americas supports gas development on songbirds in the improving habitats and reducing adverse international work throughout the Appalachians; how grazing practices impacts. Western Hemisphere, from boreal forest affect the European Starling, a birds in Canada to boreal-breeding ubiquitous exotic species that usurps grassland birds that winter in Argentina. nest sites from native migratory birds; The Copper River International Migratory projected responses of Blackpoll Bird Initiative is currently supporting Warblers to climate change; and effects a population survey of Western of forest management on Wood Sandpipers throughout their winter Thrushes, Prairie Warblers, and Brown range from British Columbia to Peru. Creepers. The Western Hummingbird Partnership collects information on flower use by hummingbirds from Canada, USA, and Mexico.

The International Program "Wings Spectacled Eider USFWS Across the Americas’" provides important coordination and assistance Critical habitat for endangered Red- Photo: USFS for international conservation of cockaded Woodpeckers is maintained migratory birds that depend on lands through prescribed burning and thinning outside the U.S. for part of the year. of long-leaf pine forests. Photo: USFS

8 Department of Defense

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Mission: To ensure that all military departments have ac- cess to the land, sea, and air resources necessary to ensure realistic testing and training. Photo: Cerulean Warbler USFWS

Partnerships Conservation Actions DoD cooperates with many public and DoD continues to explore innovative private partners to identify and protect tools and technologies (satellite, radar, key habitats and species (longleaf pine, acoustic monitoring, stable isotopes, shortgrass prairie, Sonoran Desert; geolocators) to monitor birds Rusty Blackbird, Cerulean Warbler, in inaccessible or unsafe habitats Northern Bobwhite) in the most cost and better understand migratory efficient ways possible. These efforts, connectivity to non-breeding habitats plus regional partnerships (Southeast outside the U.S. Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability and Western Regional Partnership), help DoD maintain Research and Training maximum flexibility to use its lands for DoD and USFWS held a joint Migratory mission testing and training while also Birds: A Trust Responsibility course at DoD ensuring the long-term health of its Marine Corps Base Hawaii-Kaneohe Bay. The Department of Defence (DoD) has natural resources. This third offering of the joint course, provided an emphasis on military more endangered and imperiled species activities and DoD case studies. In per acre than any other federal agency. International Conservation addition, DoD has hosted several one- DoD’s natural resources managers enable DoD collaborated with BirdLife day short courses at national Sustaining the military combat readiness mission Caribbean to identify where priority Military Readiness Conferences. by helping to ensure continued access species breeding on DoD lands spend to realistic training conditions, while the non-breeding months in the meeting DoD’s legal compliance mandate Caribbean. Burrowing Owls have Policy and Planning to protect all listed species and its provided opportunities to work with To ensure compliance with the Bald and stewardship responsibility to keep at-risk Canadian and Mexican partners on Golden Eagle Protection Act following species from being listed. identifying movements of owls following the release of draft wind energy the breeding season. Work has involved guidelines, DoD initiated a dialogue radio telemetry, geolocators, and will with USFWS regarding military activities The Sikes Act requires the development begin to use new, smaller satellite and eagles to determine if specific and implementation of Integrated tracking devices. guidance for DoD is required. Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs) for all military installations with significant natural resources. These plans, prepared in cooperation with the USFWS and state fish and wildlife agencies, integrate DoD’s natural resources management program with military testing and training requirements, as well as with other installation programs such as master planning and cultural resources Spectacled Eider USFWS management.

DoD cooperates with many public and private partners to identify and protect key habitats and species such as the Rusty Blackbird, Cerulean Warbler, and Northern Bobwhite. Photo: Northern Bobwhite USFWS 16 Department of the Interior Department of the Interior US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Mission: Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the

American people. Photo: Marbled Godwit Eric Kershner

As the lead Federal agency for managing The USFWS administers the Federal Partnerships and conserving migratory birds in the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation The USFWS also administers the United States, many USFWS programs Stamps, commonly known as “Migratory Migratory Bird Joint Ventures, a national are actively involved in migratory bird Bird/Duck Stamps.” Originally created network of self-directed partnerships conservation activities. Although these in 1934 as federal licenses required for that implement bird conservation in activities are generally developed within hunting migratory waterfowl, these ecoregions around the nation. Since a specific USFWS Program, the success stamps have generated more than $750 the program's inception in 1986, Joint of these activities is also dependent Ventures have invested $4.5 billion to million to help purchase or lease more conserve 15.7 million acres of migratory upon close intra-USFWS coordination in than 5.3 million acres of waterfowl bird habitat. addition to building and sustaining vital habitat, now protected within the partnerships with other Federal and State National Wildlife Refuge System. Training agencies, tribes, and private entities. USFWS holds the Migratory Bird The North American Wetlands Conservation: A Trust Responsibility Conservation Actions Conservation Act has generated more course at least twice yearly. In addition, Today, the National Wildlife Refuge than $1.08 billion in grants, plus another several one-day short courses have System is the nation’s most extensive $2.24 billion in partner contributions to been held at in the DC area. Regular network of public lands and waters improve 25.9 million acres of habitat in Webinars are offered throughout the with the primary mission to conserve North America. Similarly, the Neotropical year on a variety of topics. In 2011, the USFWS assisted with training of multiple wildlife and natural habitats. Fifty- Migratory Bird Conservation Act supports nine National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) federal agencies including BLM and FERC. projects through grants that leverage Training content included understanding have been established primarily to matching funds. These funds have been MBTA regulations and tools and guidance conserve threatened or endangered used to conserve over 2 million acres to assist agencies in MBTA compliance. species; examples include Attwater’s of bird habitat throughout the Western Prairie-Chicken NWR (Texas), Mississippi Hemisphere. Sandhill Crane NWR (Mississippi), and Aransas NWR (Texas), which supports the Policy and Planning only naturally occurring overwintering The USFWS has Congressional authority population of Whooping Cranes. to conserve and protect migratory birds on all U.S. lands and waters through Because of its key role in conserving several legislative mandates. Among the migratory birds on all U.S. lands, first and most important is the MBTA, which provides federal protection for the USFWS administers habitat 1,007 migratory bird species. grant programs through a variety of mechanisms.

As the lead Federal agency for managing and conserving migratory birds in the United States, many USFWS programs are actively involved in migratory bird conservation activities. Photo: Northern Gannet Eric Kershner Photo: USFWS 14 Photo: Red Knot USFWS

Department of the Interior

Mission: BOEM manages the exploration and development of the nation's offshore resources. It seeks to appropriately balance economic development, energy independence, and environmental protection through oil and gas leases, renewable energy development and envi- ronmental reviews and studies. Photo: Black-footed Albatross Photo: Black-footed Eric Kershner

A recently-completed Bureau of Ocean Policy and Planning Research and Training Energy Management’s (BOEM) study The BOEM authority extends to BOEM is working to develop new focused on risk to Roseate Terns, Piping submerged lands from beyond three technologies to allow remote sensing of Plovers and Red Knots from offshore nautical miles from the coast (9 nm off birds and bats offshore and to improve wind energy development and showed Texas and the west coast of Florida) out the safety, accuracy and efficiency of that risk is minimal and very limited in to the 200 nautical mile limit of the offshore surveys by using high-altitude time each year. A satellite telemetry Exclusive Economic Zone. Thus, BOEM aerial surveys with high-definition can affect migratory bird conservation study of Long-tailed Ducks around imagery and with experimental use of in three ways: 1) selection (or unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct the Nantucket, MA showed that they do elimination) of ocean blocks to be surveys. not use Horseshoe Shoals, the site of considered for potential leasing to the proposed Cape Wind project. Given developers for energy development or the paucity of information about birds sand/gravel/mineral extraction, 2) lease on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), stipulations regulating actions of the BOEM’s research is the absolutely critical developers, and 3) funding scientific foundation that supports all BOEM research to close information gaps and

decision-making. As a result, BOEM has to allow BOEM to wisely choose the been and continues to be a world leader appropriate ocean blocks to lease and in ocean science. Every penny BOEM the appropriate lease stipulations. currently spends on bird studies on the Atlantic OCS is aimed at helping to Conservation Actions identify areas where birds aggregate With the dramatic rise in interest in and areas where there are the fewest offshore wind energy development off Photo: Roseate Tern Kirk Rogers USFWS birds. This will enable BOEM to choose our Atlantic coast, BOEM has placed ocean blocks to lease that will have the strong emphasis on understanding how least possible effect on birds. birds use the Atlantic OCS. BOEM initiated an ambitious research program by first working with federal partner agencies to synthesize existing information and knowledge of migratory birds in the Atlantic Ocean from Maine to Florida. The data dates back more than 30 years and is being compiled, synthesized and incorporated into a comprehensive GIS database to assist agency scientists and decision makers regarding potential impacts from wind energy development on the Atlantic OCS.

BOEM is working to develop new technologies to allow remote sensing of birds Photo: Red Knot USFWS

11 Department of the Interior Department of Agriculture

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Mission: To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Photo: Western Meadowlark Meadowlark Photo: Western Hollingsworth USFWS

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Partnerships Conservation Actions manages more migratory bird habitat The BLM achieves nearly all of its In Oregon, the BLM partnered with the than any other federal agency. With migratory bird accomplishments through Klamath Bird Observatory to develop more than 245 million acres under BLM a variety of partnerships that include the Great Gray Owl Conservation management, wildlife habitat (including the USFWS, the USFS, the individual Assessment, which includes a complete that for migratory birds) is a high priority states where BLM manages lands, literature review and summary of known under the BLM multiple-use mandate. and non-government organizations locations for the species on BLM lands. such as The Nature Conservancy, the Once completed, this document will National Audubon Society, various bird provide information about the status As the State of the Birds 2011 report observatories, and the numerous colleges of Great Gray Owls in the region. demonstrated, many species of birds and universities in Cooperative Ecosystem depend on aridlands, grasslands, and Study Units across the U.S. Through these arctic and alpine habitats under BLM crucial partnerships the BLM can reach its Training administration. The BLM is also a major goals and successfully address the special In 2011, the BLM partnered with the habitat manager in western forests and needs of areas of high conservation value. USFS and the USFWS to conduct boreal forests. In fact, as many as 300 two migratory bird training courses in Cheyenne, WY. These courses are species of migratory birds depend on Working with its many partners, the BLM multiple-use, agency-adapted versions BLM lands. Many of these species are is addressing migratory bird species that of the USFWS course: Migratory Bird also dependent on BLM habitat use sagebrush habitats. Collaborative Conservation; A Trust Responsibility. management efforts to maintain efforts will assess the effects of Greater sustainable populations. Sage-grouse habitat work on other sagebrush dependent species in the Policy and Planning same region. In order to comply with the 2009 Rule for Bald and Golden eagles, the BLM continues its policy implementation International Conservation efforts and close coordination with In southern New Mexico, the BLM the USFWS to develop Golden Eagle continues to work with the NRCS, grazing guidance. The BLM looks forward to permittees, and the Jornada Experimental finalizing its Golden Eagle policy and Range to monitor wintering grassland guidance development efforts. bird response to range improvement activities and invasive shrub removal. Best management practices have been developed for ranchers in both the U.S. and Mexico through a Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory project funded by BLM and its partners in 2011. Implementation Photo: Aplomado Falcon of these practices is expected to help BLM winter survival of grassland birds wintering in the U.S. and Mexico.

Working with its many partners, the BLM is addressing migratory bird species that use sagebrush habitats including Sage Thrasher, Green-tailed Towhee, Brewer’s Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Ferruginous Hawk, Black-tailed Towhee, and Gray Flycatcher. Photo: Sage Thrasher USFWS 10 Department of Agriculture NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION

SERVICE

Mission: NRCS provides products and services that enable people to be good stewards of their soil, water, and related natural resources. Photo: Alicia King Photo: USFWS

The Natural Resources Conservation Conservation Actions Research Service (NRCS) envisions a productive, Ducks Unlimited presented their 2011 The NRCS has funded studies such as a habitat patches study which indicates sustainable agricultural sector in balance Wetlands Conservation Achievement Award to NRCS, spotlighting maintaining and grouping Conservation with a high-quality environment. Reserve Program (CRP) lands in larger Productive use of the Nation's cropland, achievements in creating bird habitat in the Gulf of Mexico flyways and delivering than 40-acre blocks will be most grazing land, and forest land is essential a record-setting year in WRP enrollments. beneficial to grassland birds. In addition to the Nation's security and the health to the Northern Harrier, five other species and well-being of its citizens. These lands In the face of disaster, NRCS challenged (Sharp-tailed Grouse, Willet, Marbled form the foundation of a vibrant the threat of the Deepwater Horizon oil Godwit, Upland Sandpiper, and Wilson’s agricultural economy that provides spill to migratory shorebirds and Phalarope) were detected and seemed to food, fiber, forest products, and energy waterfowl through its Migratory Bird prefer larger patches. for the Nation. These lands also produce Habitat Initiative (MBHI).The MBHI environmental benefits that people need offered landowners cost-share and - clean and abundant water, clean air, and technical assistance to provide healthy ecosystems. emergency habitat for migratory birds. Farmers and partners created habitat for Partnerships migratory birds on over 471,000 acres in targeted states. Over the past 20 years, NRCS has worked with more than 11,000 landowners to voluntarily enroll over 2.3 million acres of wetlands and associated habitats on private lands through the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP). For example, the Whooping Crane population has increased from 21 birds by 1941 to over 400 birds, many of which are documented using WRP wetlands in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, and Florida. Photo: Northern Harrier USFWS

NRCS's Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative offered landowners cost-share and technical assistance to provide emergency habitat for migratory birds. Photo: Whooping Cranes USFWS 9 Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

Mission: To protect the health and value of U.S. agricultural, natural, and other resources.

Photo: Micronesian Starling Eric Kershner

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Partnerships APHIS provided technical and operational Service (APHIS) responds to issues APHIS and the Oregon Department of support for development of biosecurity involving animal and plant health, Transportation (ODOT) partnered to protocols and implementation of rodent minimize the risk of unlawful bird take eradication on Cocos Island, which conflicts with wildlife, and animal well- is located near Guam. The project being. Together with customers and by managing birds on transportation projects. The success of this strategy culmination was the release of Guam stakeholders, APHIS promotes the resulted in the Federal Highway Rails on the island in 2009. In 2011, Cocos health of animal and plant resources to Administration awarding ODOT with Island was declared rodent-free, and the facilitate their movement in the global an Environmental Excellence Award rail, seabird, and Micronesian Starling marketplace and to ensure abundant in Migratory Bird Management and populations are now flourishing. agricultural products and services for U.S. Conservation. consumers. Research APHIS partners with USFWS and the A research effort led by APHIS ’ National Wisconsin Department of Natural Wildlife Research Center and supported Policy and Planning by the U.S. Department of Defense’s It is APHIS’s policy to identify, preserve, Resources to protect federally-listed endangered Kirtland’s Warblers. APHIS (DoD) Legacy Resource Management and protect fish and wildlife populations Program used satellite telemetry and habitat on property owned or removes Brown-headed Cowbirds which parasitize Kirtland’s Warbler nests. technologies to study the breeding, operated by the Agency and consult Cowbird removal improves the success migration, and wintering ecology of with the USFWS and state fish and game of Kirtland’s Warbler nests and is a key Osprey. DoD planners incorporated agencies in developing, implementing, component in Kirtland’s Warbler recovery study findings into military training flight managing and evaluating plans for fish projects. operations along the eastern seaboard, and wildlife management, as appropriate. reducing the risk of osprey-aircraft The Agency works actively to prevent collisions. or minimize damage to fish and wildlife Conservation Actions populations and their habitat resulting APHIS and the Michigan Department of from construction or other activities or Natural Resources partnered to reduce the impacts of non-native Mute Swans operations on Agency property. on state-listed threatened Trumpeter Swans in Michigan. With support from an Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant, APHIS was able to remove Mute Swans from 40 sites and protect an estimated 3,036 acres of natural habitat.

APHIS is partners with USFWS and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to protect federally-listed endangered Kirtland’s Warblers.

Photo: Kirtland's Warbler Photo: Osprey USFWS USFWS

7 Department of Commerce NATIONAL OCEANIC

AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION Mission: Science, Service, and Stewardship. To understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, To share that knowledge and information with others, and To conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and

resources. Albatross Photo:Black-footed NOAA

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Partnerships The three albatross species (Short-tailed, Administration (NOAA) protects, NOAA manages coastal wetlands and Black-footed, and Laysan) that breed on islands in the North Pacific and overlap preserves, manages, and enhances the intertidal habitats in cooperation with the USFWS, NPS, BLM, and others, to with U.S. fisheries are listed under ACAP’s resources found in 3.5 million square Annex 1 of protected species. miles of coastal and deep ocean waters. protect vital habitat for coastal waterfowl, The system includes 13 sanctuaries and wading birds, and shorebirds. NOAA one Marine National Monument. These Fisheries also provides support to Conservation Actions the World Wildlife Fund’s Smart Gear The NOAA Fisheries’ National Seabird publicly owned, federally managed areas Competition. The 2011 Grand Prize provide important habitats for some Program monitors and reduces seabird winner was the "Yamazaki Double-Weight bycatch in U.S. marine fisheries, works of the world’s largest concentrations of Branchline", which increases the sinking to reduce seabird interactions in birds. rate of fishing gear and makes it more International fisheries, and promotes the difficult for seabirds to chase baited importance of seabirds as ecosystem NOAA manages coastal and oceanic hooks. Used in conjunction with other indicators and a vital component of habitats that are vitally important for a devices, the "Yamazaki Double-Weight healthy oceans. In 2001, NOAA Fisheries variety of birds including albatrosses, Branchline" can reduce seabird mortality began implementing the National Plan of by almost 90%. Gear innovations like Action or Reducing the Incidental Catch petrels, shearwaters, storm-petrels, this are especially important in tuna pelicans, cormorants, murrelets, puffins, of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries. fisheries managed by Regional Fishery Commercial fishermen using longline and skimmers. Management Organizations. NOAA gear in NMFS-managed fisheries off Fisheries coordinates with many member Alaska and off Hawaii employ mandatory NOAA Fisheries is responsible for countries to address seabird bycatch seabird avoidance measures (streamer reduction. the management, conservation and lines, nightsetting,weighted branch lines, protection of living marine resources etc.) to keep seabirds such as Northern International Conservation Fulmars, gulls, shearwaters, albatrosses, within the United States Exclusive from taking baited hooks or becoming Economic Zone. NOAA Fisheries also NOAA Fisheries partners with USFWS entangled in the fishing gear. plays a supportive and advisory role and the Department of State in the in the management of living marine United States’ participation at meetings resources in coastal areas under state of the Agreement on the Conservation of jurisdiction and provides scientific and Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). ACAP is policy leadership in the international a multilateral agreement that seeks to arena and implements international conserve albatrosses and petrels by coordinating international activity to conservation and management measures mitigate known threats to albatross and as appropriate. petrel populations.

NOAA manages coastal and oceanic habitats that are vitally important for a variety of birds including albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, storm- petrels, pelicans, cormorants, murrelets, puffins, and Photo: Paired streamer lines in action: skimmers. Washington Sea Grant. NOAA Photo: Bird Release NOAA 15 Department of the Interior Federal Aviation Administration

OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING

Mission: To carry out the requirements of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act in cooperation with States and Tribes. Photo: Cerluean Warbler Photo: Cerluean Warbler USFWS

The Office of Surface Mining (OSM) is Partnerships Conservation Actions responsible for establishing a nationwide Major ARRI partners include notable The focus of ARRI is restoring forests program to protect society and the bird conservation organizations such where deforestation by surface coal environment from the adverse effects of as the American Bird Conservancy, the mining has occurred, which coincides Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture, largely within the Appalachian breeding surface coal mining operations, under the Cerulean Warbler Technical Group, range of neotropical migratory song which OSM is charged with balancing the Golden-Winged Warbler Working birds, notably the Cerulean Warbler. the nation’s need for continued domestic Group, the National Fish and Wildlife Virtually all of the land being surface coal production with protection of the Foundation, The Trust for Wildlife, and mined for coal in Appalachia was environment. OSM and its partners many other conservation /environmental woodland or forest at the time it was are also responsible for reclaiming and groups and international associations. mined. The resultant forest restoring lands and water degraded fragmentation has environmental by mining operations. OSM works with International Conservation impacts, reduces carbon sequestration, colleges and universities and other State limits the land’s economic value, and ARRI signed an MOU in 2008 with reduces habitat for neotropical and Federal agencies to further the the United Nations Environmental science of reclaiming mined lands and migratory songbirds that depend on Program (UNEP) establishing a goal to intact interior forests. The positive protecting the environment, including plant 38 million trees on reclaimed coal results of ARRI’s actions in reducing initiatives to promote planting more trees mines in three years. This was part of existing and potential adverse impacts and establishing much-needed wildlife a larger UNEP goal to plant 300 million to migratory birds and their habitats habitat. trees in North America and seven billion have been nationally and internationally trees worldwide. The commitment by recognized. OSM through ARRI was the largest North Policy and Planning American pledge for the UNEP Campaign. To promote proper mine land reforestation on active mine sites, Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) (created in 2004) advocates using a set of best management practices called the Forestry Reclamation Approach - a five step process on allARRI planting sites. A variety of native, high-value hardwood seedlings are planted, which often include disease-resistant American chestnut trees. Photo: OSM

OSM and its partners are responsible for reclaiming and restoring lands and water degraded by mining operations. Photo: OSM receives the Presidential Photo: OSM receives for 2012 USFWS Award 13 Federal Aviation Administration FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Mission: To provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. Photo: USFWS Kodiak Plane Photo: USFWS Kodiak Plane USFWS

The Federal Aviation Administration Partnerships Conservation Actions (FAA) is responsible for providing a safe As part of the FAA’s public outreach and FAA routinely works with other agencies and efficient airspace. The FAA strives education effort to increase awareness and private entities to research efforts to to address conflicts between aviation within the aviation community about encourage the coexistence of aviation safety and wildlife. FAA’s wildlife hazard wildlife hazards, FAA co-sponsors the and migratory birds. In 2009, FAA began management program has been in place Bird Strike Committee USA, a volunteer a study on how lights on towers, required organization which consists of members for aviation purposes, affect migratory for more than 50 years. This program from FAA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, birds. The study looked at various types focuses on working with airport sponsors Department of Defense, aviation industry, of lights and their effects on not only to mitigate wildlife hazards on or near airlines, and airports. The Bird Strike aviation safety but also how migratory airports through habitat modification, Committee USA facilitates the exchange birds were affected. FAA is working on exclusion techniques, harassment of information, promotes the collection developing standards that will provide technology, strike reporting and research. and analysis of accurate wildlife strike the necessary aviation safety, but limit the In short, proactive techniques to reduce data, promotes the development of effects on migratory birds. wildlife attractants on and near an airport new technologies for reducing wildlife that provide some level of food, water or hazards, promotes professionalism in The FAA is currently engaged in an shelter means fewer wildlife hazards that wildlife management programs and is a extensive research effort to determine require reactive mitigation. liaison to similar organizations in other the efficacy of using radar and other countries. sensors to detect and track birds. Radar The FAA continues to coordinate with the systems are deployed at Seattle Tacoma USFWS to protect wildlife when possible FAA entered into a Memorandum of International Airport, Chicago O’Hare Agreement (MOA) with the U.S. Air International Airport and John F. Kennedy and to study migratory bird species. FAA Force, U.S. Army, EPA, USFWS, and the International Airport as part of the tries to preserve habitat for migratory U.S. Department of Agriculture to overall study to assess the performance birds that do not present a hazard for address Aircraft-Wildlife Strikes. The of commercially available bird detection aviation safety including non-flocking MOA establishes procedures necessary radar systems. Additional sensors are also small grassland birds. Wherever possible, for each agency to coordinate their being studied for the potential to provide FAA encourages airport sponsors to missions to more effectively address augmented capabilities to the radar minimize maintenance in these areas existing and future environmental systems. when these birds are present. conditions contributing to aircraft- wildlife strikes throughout the U.S. The The research partnership between the FAA is expanding its partnership with FAA and USDA at the National Wildlife the USFWS through an MOU regarding Research Center in Sandusky, Ohio is implementation of the EO. currently investigating avian visual perception and the efficacy of various light schemes on aircraft to reduce bird strikes. Preliminary data indicates pulsating lights can be detected more quickly by avian species than non- pulsating lights. Earlier detection provides more avoidance time and thus reduces strikes. Photo: Mallard USFWS 20 Department of the Interior Department of Energy NATIONAL PARK

SERVICE

Mission: To conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. Photo: Scripps's Murrelet Eric Kershner

The National Park Service (NPS) Organic Research for Conservation Conservation Actions Act of 1916 states that "the Service NPS is collaborating with the Wildlife Channel Islands National Park thus established shall promote and Conservation Society to help conserve implemented a suite of restoration regulate the use of Federal areas known migratory grassland birds. To facilitate actions that have resulted in protection as national parks, monuments and a complete life-cycle, landscape level of designated critical habitat, expansion reservations . . . by such means and conservation project, a pilot research of suitable habitats previously measures as conform to the fundamental project was initiated in 2011 to test the degraded by non-native species, and purpose of the said parks, monuments efficacy of using geolocators to identify reestablishment of species that were wintering grounds for the Sprague’s Pipit extirpated or substantially reduced. For and reservations, which purpose is to and the Chestnut-collared Longspur. conserve the scenery and the natural and example, the elimination of non-native Such information will help identify key rats from Anacapa Island has resulted in historic objects and the wild life therein areas to focus conservation efforts. and to provide for the enjoyment of the the recovery of populations of nesting Scripps’s Murrelets and Cassin’s Auklets; same in such manner and by such means International Conservation the removal of feral cats from San as will leave them unimpaired for the Nicolas Island is leading to recovery of enjoyment of future generations." The As part of a technical assistance project, National Park Service staff prepared a populations of the federally threatened NPS still strives to meet those original Birdwatching Action Plan for Nyungwe western Snowy Plover, Brandt’s goals, while filling many other roles as National Park in Rwanda. The project Cormorant, and Western Gull; and well: guardian of our diverse cultural included conducting an assessment on restoration of habitat on Santa Barbara and recreational resources; environmental the current birdwatching opportunities and Santa Cruz islands has supported advocate; world leader in the parks and and guide training skills, providing increased nesting of Ashy Storm-petrels, preservation community; and pioneer in recommendations on how to improve Cassin’s Auklets, and Scripps’s Murrelets. the drive to protect America's open space. birdwatching opportunities within the park, developing an overall birdwatching management plan that included needed Partnerships training, and conducting a review of the The NPS Migration Conservation Effort existing birdwatching trail network and works collaboratively with other federal signage. agencies and universities to develop technologies to identify migration routes, design and implement monitoring and research projects necessary for effective management strategies, and create policy and partnerships to ensure responsible stewardship of our shared species. Photo: NPS

National Parks contribute to the conservation of migratory species by conserving quality habitat for species as they traverse the continents and seas during and on the endpoints of their migration. Photo: NPS 12 Department of Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Mission: To ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. Photo:Bald Eagle USFWS

The Department of Energy (DOE) Partnerships Act and those currently listed, candidate, catalyzes the transformation of the DOE continues its sponsorship and or proposed for listing under the nation’s energy system and secures U.S. participation in the National Wind Endangered Species Act; general wildlife leadership in clean energy technologies; Coordinating Collaborative, including its surveys to record all wildlife species maintains a vibrant U.S. effort in science Wildlife Workgroup, to identify, define, observed; and general conservation discuss, and address wind-wildlife measures that include biological and engineering as a cornerstone of monitoring during all construction our economic prosperity; and enhances and wind-habitat interaction issues to promote the shared objective of activities, a worker environmental nuclear security through defense, awareness training program, a Habitat nonproliferation, and environmental developing commercial markets for wind power in the United States. This includes Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, and efforts. access to DOE’s Wind-Wildlife Impacts implementation of the Avian Power Line Literature Database (WILD), a searchable Interaction Committee guidelines. DOE manages approximately 2.28 million bibliographic database of documents, acres of land, of which a substantial including Avian Reports that focus on Conservation Actions amount is undeveloped and includes the effects of wind energy development on wildlife. DOE conducts migratory bird research wetlands, shrub-steppe, shortgrass on western Burrowing Owls; surveys prairie, desert, and forested areas. Much of plots for wintering and migrating of these lands provide habitat for a Policy and Planning raptors; radio-tracking of Swainson’s variety of wildlife, including many species DOE utilizes NEPA to examine the Hawks; banding of Purple Martins; and of migratory birds. DOE advocates an socioeconomic and environmental development of a computer model to environmental management system impacts of planned projects, including utilize radar images for locating roosts approach, conforming to the ISO the conservation of migratory birds. For through an automated system. 14001:2004 (E) International Standard, example, DOE used the NEPA process towards compliance with applicable to evaluate the potential impacts DOE is working to resolve environmental environmental laws and regulations, from constructing, operating, and issues that may hinder acceptance of decommissioning a 550-megawatt and preservation of natural and cultural renewable energy technologies. This photovoltaic solar energy generating includes evaluation of the effects of resources. facility located at a private site in wind energy development on migratory California. Activities included a Biological birds; initiation of pre- and post-turbine Assessment to provide information monitoring of migratory birds; and regarding wildlife species, those identification of corresponding protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty mitigation strategies. - Photo: DOE

Wldlife biologist at DOE’s Pantex Plant in Texas releases a A device to protect raptors from electro cution installed on new utility poles at Photo: DOE Plant. DOE’s Pantex radio-marked Swainson’s Hawk south of the facility. 17 Environmental Protection Agency Department of Homeland Security

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

AGENCY Mission: To protect human health and the environment. Photo: Rough-legged Hawk USFWS

Within the context of the Environmental Partnerships Conservation Actions Protection Agency (EPA) broad EPA’s Office of Research and Development OPP routinely conducts ecological mission, the Office of Pesticide Programs is working with OPP and the European risk assessments that consider the (OPP) protects human health and Union to develop an avian population potential risks to wildlife, including safeguards the environment from model for use in pesticide risk birds, from pesticide exposures. OPP’s potential risks associated with the use assessments for birds. OPP supports the risk assessments have resulted in the Raptor Research Forum providing travel of pesticides. OPP carries out its specific cancellation of products containing the funding and staff expertise. OPP works following pesticides: azinphos-methyl, responsibility for regulating pesticides with the U.S. Department of Agriculture carbofuran, disulfoton, fenamiphos, through a variety of licensing and review to implement research, demonstration, methamidophos, methidathion, processes and associated support and education programs to support aldicarb, endosulfan, lindane, methyl activity. By controlling insect pests, plant nationwide adoption of Integrated Pest parathion, and molinate. EPA has issued diseases, and invasive species, pesticides Management (IPM). IPM is intended a draft notice of intent to cancel a can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, to provide pest control through non- class of rodenticide products whose including (but not limited to) the chemical and chemical techniques and manufacturers have not adopted new following: increasing food production, helps to ensure selection of pesticides is safety measures intended UNITEDto protect STATES controlling household pests, protecting carefully considered in light of the nature children, pets, and wildlife. OPP’s rights-of-ways, keeping waterways and extent of the pest pressure. proposed actions to removeCOAST these GUARD

navigable, restoring native habitats, and pesticide products from the market OPP assists USFWS and other Federal place is intended to benefit migratory protecting human health (e.g., disease agencies in applying IPM techniques birds and all wildlife. vector control) and approaches for pest management activities and supports efforts to promote Policy and Planning IPM through Federal procurement and regulatory policies. OPP promotes EPA is an active participant on the a variety of partnerships related to Council for the Conservation of pesticide use, including the Pesticide Migratory Birds and the Migratory Bird Environmental Stewardship Program a Conservation Commission. OPP is the voluntary private and public partnership first EPA office to draft a Memorandum dedicated to reducing pesticide use and of Agreement (MOU) with the USFWS risk, and the IPM in Schools Program. for the conservation of migratory birds. USFWS and OPP are actively engaged in discussions to finalize this MOU.

Photo: White Ibis Eric Kershner

OPP routinely conducts ecological risk assessments that consider the potential risks to wildlife, including birds, from pesticide exposures. Photo: Black-crowned Night-heron USFWS 19 Department of Homeland Security

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

Missions: Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security; Drug Interdiction; Aids to Navigation; Search and Rescue; Living Marine Resources; Marine Safety; Defense Readiness; Migrant Interdiction; Marine Environmental Protection; Ice Operations; and Law Enforcement. Photo: Piping Plover Photo: Piping Plover USFWS

As the world’s premier maritime service over 620,000 cubic yards of sand onto personnel, and students from and steward of the United States’ the TRACEN’s beach during the winter Connecticut College, and New London marine environment, the United States of 2011 due to the worst coastal erosion Magnet School to replace the special Coast Guard (USCG) goal is to manage in the past 20 years. USCG TRACEN nesting boxes. Cadets, students, and staff the land, sea, and air resources under has continuously maintained the built 200 new nesting boxes in November 2011. During spring 2012, Sustainability its cognizance in an environmentally beach property and has continuously incorporated special actions toward Club Cadets, Academy and USFWS staff responsible manner reflective of its role went to Falkner Island, part of the Stewart as an environmental regulatory agency. the conservation of migratory birds and preservation and restoration of B. McKinney NWR, cleaned up the nesting The USCG is responsible for contributing their habitat. area by removing litter and debris, and to the preservation of marine biodiversity then placed the new nesting boxes and preventing marine ecosystem at specific locations for the returning degradation by its own actions and those Partnerships Roseate Terns. it regulates. In support of these missions At the USCG Academy in New London, the Academy’s Cadet Sustainability Club and strategic objectives, the USCG’s Milford Point, part of the Stewart B. UNITED STATESenvironmental goal is to ensure that all is a cadet run and oriented organization founded in 2006 by cadets. Its mission McKinney NWR, is a barrier beach and USCG operations, facilities, equipment, is to serve as an organized means of potentially good habitat for Piping COAST GUARDand vessels comply with Federal, State, directing the Corps of Cadet’s recycling Plovers, a federally threatened shorebird. and local environmental requirements, and sustainable activities, as well as to Tropical Storm Irene washed up tons of including the MBTA and EO 13186, in the serve as a liaison for sustainable activities sand onto the dune on Milford Point, most cost effective manner. throughout the Academy and beyond. creating a “washover habitat” perfect for The Club welcomes the opportunity to Piping Plover. USFWS staff hoped that assist with stewardship efforts involving Piping Plover will nest at Milford Point but Conservation Actions imperiled and endangered species. the beach area was littered with plastic The beaches along the southern In 2011, the USCGA Club participated bottles, old syringes, large items such as boundary of the USCG Training Center in partnership programs with other chairs and kids’ toys, and styrofoam. The (TRACEN) Cape May, New Jersey are agencies working for the conservation Sustainability Club recruited other cadets designated nesting areas for Piping of migratory birds and preservation and and staff and partnered with students Plover and Least Tern. In cooperation enhancement of their habitats. from Connecticut College to assist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USFWS personnel to clean up Milford City of Cape May, and the New Jersey Point in order to improve and protect the Department of Environmental Protection, Stewart McKinney National Wildlife potential habitat for Piping Plovers. USCG conducted a project that pumped Refuge encompasses 10 different barrier beaches, tidal wetlands and island habitats along the shoreline of Connecticut. During major power outages caused by Tropical Storm Irene, USFWS staff used Academy facilities. Academy staff and cadets learned from USFWS personnel that the storm destroyed all special nesting boxes that were critical to the survival of the Roseate Tern, a federally listed endangered bird. The Cadet Sustainability Club and Academy staff immediately coordinated with USFWS personnel and planned, coordinated, organized, and partnered Photo: Least Tern Hillebrand with Connecticut Audubon, USFWS USFWS Photo: Academy Cadets build Photo: nest boxes 18 CONSERVATION TOOLS -

photo credit photo credit photo credit Photo: Long-billed Thrash er USFWS Photo: Green Jay USFWS Photo: Common Yellowthroat Gentry USFWS

Bird Lists The Focal Species strategy involves Partners in Flight: The USFWS utilizes a number of different campaigns for selected species to Partners in Flight is a broad partnership lists to direct actions and priorities to provide explicit, strategic, and adaptive of Federal and State agencies, non- manage and protect migratory birds. sets of conservation actions required governmental organizations, industry, to return the species to healthy and academia, and individuals in the U.S. Birds Protected by the MBTA sustainable levels. The list of focal that works for the conservation of species and links to select focal species The USFWS regulates the taking, landbirds in the Western Hemisphere. conservation plans can be found at Species assessment, planning, possession, transportation, sale, purchase, http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/ barter, exportation, and importation of monitoring, research, land management CurrentBirdIssues/Management/ recommendations, and various needs migratory birds. An accurate and up-to- FocalSpecies.html date list of species protected by the MBTA assessments are prepared for all lands is essential for regulatory purposes. The in the United States, and in cooperation bird species protected by the MBTA are Bird Conservation Initiatives with international partners, for lands found in 50 CFR 10.13. This list is based in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and The USFWS collaborates with other Central America. More information on the species and families covered by federal and state agencies, Tribes, and the Migratory Bird Conventions with regarding Partners in Flight can be found other organizations to manage migratory at: http://www.partnersinflight.org/ Great Britain, Japan, Mexico, and Russia. bird species through the support of The species protected by the MBTA partnerships that deliver regional, Joint Ventures: can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/ national and international management migratorybirds/RegulationsPolicies/ plans that conserve habitat for migratory Joint Ventures are collaborative, mbta/mbtandx.html birds. regionally-based partnerships of agencies, non-profit organizations, corporations and Tribes that work to Birds of Conservation Concern: Shorebird Initiative: implement bird conservation plans within The 1988 amendment to the Fish and Shorebird related activities are a specific geographic area. Eighteen Wildlife Conservation Act mandates the coordinated to develop and implement Joint Ventures in the U.S. address bird U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to “identify monitoring efforts, support shorebird conservation issues based on the habitats species, subspecies, and populations of management training and identify and bird species within their areas, and all migratory nongame birds that, without and protect critical shorebird habitat. three species-based Joint Ventures work additional conservation actions, are The U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan to further the scientific understanding likely to become candidates for listing can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/ needed for effective management of under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) shorebirdplan/ specific bird species or groups of species. of 1973.” Birds of Conservation Concern For more information see: http://www. 2008 (BCC 2008) is the most recent Waterbird Initiative: fws.gov/birdhabitat/JointVentures/index. effort to carry out this mandate. This list shtm can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/ The Waterbird Initiative is engaged in migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/ a variety of activities to ensure colonial SpecialTopics/BCC2008/BCC2008.pdf nesting waterbird populations remain healthy including monitoring of nesting colonies, conducting or funding research, Focal Species: and restoring nesting habitats. The The USFWS initiated the Focal Species North American Waterbird Conservation strategy to better measure its success in Plan can be found at: http://www. achieving its bird conservation priorities waterbirdconservation.org/nawcp.html and mandates.

Photo: Brown Pelican Eric Kershner

21 CONSERVATION TOOLS PRESIDENTIAL MIGRATORY BIRD FEDERAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD

2011 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD

The Presidential Migratory Bird Federal Stewardship Award annually recognizes a single project or action conducted by or in partnership with a Federal agency that meets the intent and spirit of the EO by focusing on migratory bird conservation. Actions may involve reducing existing or Photo: Cerlean Warbler USFWS potential adverse impacts to migratory Under the leadership of OSM and birds and their habitats, restoring or the ARRI, the surface mining industry enhancing migratory bird habitat, and has planted about 70 million trees on incorporating conservation of migratory approximately 103,000 acres of mined birds and their habitat into agency land that might otherwise have been plans, guidance, or other activities. The reclaimed to grasslands with dense action should demonstrate leadership ground cover. “I am honored to accept in inspiring others to further migratory this first-ever Presidential Migratory Bird bird conservation. This could include Federal Stewardship Award on behalf developing and implementing best- of OSM, the Appalachian Regional Photo: OSM management practices, a policy action, or Reforestation Initiative and our partners,” research. said OSM Director Joseph Pizarchik. “ARRI’s work clearly demonstrates The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation how government agencies working and Enforcement (OSM) was the recipient cooperatively can create effective of the first Presidential Migratory Bird environmental protection programs that Federal Stewardship Award in 2011 benefit everyone. More importantly, in recognition of OSM’s Appalachian programs like ARRI also develop the Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI). talents of hard-working volunteers, many of whom have chosen careers in the Created by OSM in 2004, the ARRI focuses environmental field.” on restoring forests where deforestation by surface coal mining has occurred. The ARRI has attracted significant These areas include the Appalachian international attention. It is serving as an breeding range of neotropical migratory organizational model for other groups song birds, notably the Cerulean Warbler, across the world seeking to restore which depends on intact interior forests. disturbed landscapes with reforestation on a regional scale, and involves more than 200 different organizations. Photo: Volunteers Planting Trees OSM

Photo: Volunteers Planting Trees OSM Photo: OSM and partners recieve recieve partners and OSM Photo: Alicia King Award 2011 22