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Since 1970, an estimated three billion birds have been lost in North America alone and hundreds of species continue to face numerous threats to their survival. Congress now has an opportunity to protect hundreds of migratory bird species through the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023. Please urge your representative to pass this important piece of legislation!

On June 27, 2023, the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023 (H.R 4389) was introduced by a bipartisan group of House leaders. Led by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and joined by Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Mary Peltola (D-AK), the bill will ensure that the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA), which is a federal grants program for conserving migratory birds across the Americas, receives authorization for five more years with an increase in funding annually.

The passage of this act will enable the United States to build partnerships throughout the Western Hemisphere to protect birds inside and outside of the country and it will fund more projects that have a greater positive impact on migratory birds in a cost-effective manner. Wintering habitats for birds in the Western hemisphere are most often outside the United States and by conserving these habitats, birds will be able to thrive before moving to their breeding ground in the U.S. and elsewhere.

There are more than 390 species of neotropical migratory birds whose members breed in North America before migrating to overwintering sites in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. While these birds are inherently valuable as individuals, they also play important roles in their ecosystems and boost the economy through ecotourism and birdwatching. Unfortunately, they continue to face a number of threats ranging from habitat loss and global heating to the use of pesticides, among other issues.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, since the law's passage in 2002, more than $89 million in grants have supported 717 projects in 43 countries, which has had a positive impact on 5 million acres of habitat for birds and helped build partnerships that have contributed millions more. For the continued conservation of migratory species, the NMBCA must be reauthorized and supported with increased funding, which will create more grant opportunities for diverse stakeholders to implement beneficial conservation projects.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Please Support the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023

As an informed and hopeful constituent and one of over 250,000 In Defense of Animals supporters, I respectfully urge you to support the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023 (H.R 4389) to help conserve and protect the habitats of migratory birds and ensure that the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) receives authorization for five more years with additional funding annually.

There are more than 390 species of neotropical migratory birds whose members breed in North America before migrating to overwintering sites in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. While these birds are inherently valuable as individuals, they also play important roles in their ecosystems, and boost the economy through ecotourism and birdwatching. Unfortunately, they continue to face a number of threats ranging from habitat loss and global heating to the use of pesticides, among other issues.

For the continued conservation of migratory species, the NMBCA must be reauthorized and supported with increased funding, which will create more grant opportunities for diverse stakeholders to implement beneficial conservation projects.

I hope that you will support this worthy bill.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.