The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is expanding the availability of challenge funding grants to nine additional cities under the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds.


 


The program works with cities and partners to conserve birds through education, reduction of hazards to birds, and conservation and habitat improvement efforts in metropolitan areas – efforts designed to help municipal governments conserve bird species that nest overwinter or fly through their cities.


 


“These partnerships are not only good for birds – they’re also good for the people,” said Paul Schmidt, assistant director for the Service’s Migratory Bird Program. “Residents all across the country enjoy bird watching and it’s a very educational experience. Wildlife watching generates more than $122 billion to state and national economies each year.”


 


Launched in 1999, the first treaty was signed with the city of New Orleans and now there are treaties in effect with a total of nine cities – New Orleans, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Portland, St. Louis, Nashville, Anchorage and New York. Each city receiving a grant works with partners and commits to restoring, conserving and protecting valuable bird habitats within its metropolitan environment and developing an informed public through educational programs and conservation actions. Partner organizations also match the grant money with funding and “in-kind” contributions of goods and services.


 


“Birds are the most visible wild creatures in the metropolitan environment and can inspire a life-long interest and enjoyment of the great outdoors,” said Schmidt. “By taking steps to conserve birds and their habitats, we can also make our communities better places to live. Bird habitats in metropolitan environments – parks, greenways and tree-lined streets contribute to migratory bird conservation.”


 


The Service’s Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds program is designed to increase citizen appreciation, awareness, and understanding of the importance of migratory bird conservation.


The program works with cities and partners to conserve birds through education, reduction of hazards to birds, and conservation and habitat improvement efforts in metropolitan areas – efforts designed to help municipal governments conserve bird species that nest overwinter or fly through their cities.


“These partnerships are not only good for birds – they’re also good for the people,” said Paul Schmidt, assistant director for the Service’s Migratory Bird Program. “Residents all across the country enjoy bird watching and it’s a very educational experience. Wildlife watching generates more than $122 billion to state and national economies each year.”


Launched in 1999, the first treaty was signed with the city of New Orleans and now there are treaties in effect with a total of nine cities – New Orleans, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Portland, St. Louis, Nashville, Anchorage and New York. Each city receiving a grant works with partners and commits to restoring, conserving and protecting valuable bird habitats within its metropolitan environment and developing an informed public through educational programs and conservation actions. Partner organizations also match the grant money with funding and “in-kind” contributions of goods and services.


“Birds are the most visible wild creatures in the metropolitan environment and can inspire a life-long interest and enjoyment of the great outdoors,” said Schmidt. “By taking steps to conserve birds and their habitats, we can also make our communities better places to live. Bird habitats in metropolitan environments – parks, greenways and tree-lined streets contribute to migratory bird conservation.”


The Service’s Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds program is designed to increase citizen appreciation, awareness, and understanding of the importance of migratory bird conservation.