New York City Signs Migratory Bird Treaty

On October 17, New York City, the most prominent city in America, boosted the efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by becoming the ninth city to sign the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds. This internal treaty creates a partnership between New York City Parks and Recreation, Audobon New York, New York City Audobon, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Together they will work to protect native habitats of migratory birds within the city limits.

The U.S. FWS offered a $65,000 challenge grant to start off the campaign. So far, partnering organizations have matched the funds to bring the total contributions well over $450,000. The money is to be used on projects and initiatives throughout the city.

Lynn Scarlett, the Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior, took part in the signing ceremony and said that this treaty was so important because "New York City, which lies along the Atlantic Flyway, is an essential urban sanctuary for migrating birds." With New York's 53,000 acres of park land, it is one of the most important cities in the country to have under the treaty.

The Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds is meant just as much to be for the enjoyment of the people as it is to protect the birds. Scarlett claimed that "for the vast majority of urban and suburban residents, birds represent their most frequent contact with wildlife." Marvin Moriarty concurred with the statement, "Wildlife watching contributes significantly to people's enjoyment of the outdoors, andis a major contributor to state and national economies, " supporting his argument that in 2006 "71 million Americans spent more than $45 billion observing, feeding, and photographing wildlife."

Adrian Benepe, New York City Parks and Recreation Commissioner, was on hand at the ceremony and said that he is "honored to join with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to aid in its efforts to protect migratory birds."

The treaty is not new; it was officially kicked off on June 13, 1999 when New Orleans, LA became the first city to sign the treaty with a challenge grant of $50,000. Chicago, IL followed the next year on March 25, 2000 with a grant of $120,000. The third and fourth cities, respectively, were Philadelphia, PA and Houston, TX. Other cities who have signed the treaty include: Portland, OR; St. Louis, MO; Nashville, TN; and Anchorage, AK.

The main components of the treaty for the cities selected so far have been the Creation, Protection, and Restoration of Habitat; Education and Outreach programs; Hazard reduction; and Non-native, Invasive, or Nuisance Animal and Plant Species Management. While the ideas have been the same, each cities plan is customized according to its needs.

Sources:

Press Release, "New York City Becomes Ninth City to Join Bird Treaty", U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Fact Sheet, "Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds", U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service