A bipartisan group of lawmakers is setting out to protect migratory birds. Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) led a group including Ohio Rep. Dave Joyce (R), Washington Rep. Rick Larsen (R), and Arkansas Rep. Mary Peltola (D) in introducing the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancement Act of 2023.
The legislation would continue to ensure robust conservation for migratory birds in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States.
Speaking on the bill, Salazar shared that “South Florida’s birds are a vital and necessary part of our ecosystem.” Explaining further, “Neotropical birds that span the Americas are not only unique but are critical to pollinating many plant species in our forests and wetlands, including the Everglades.”
Specifically, the legislation will provide competitive grants for habitat conservation, research and monitoring, and community outreach and education. Moreover, the bill will authorize this program for the next 5 years while authorizing increased funding each year. More projects will be funded, yielding a positive impact on migratory birds.
Steve Holmer of American Bird Conservancy praised the legislation, commenting that “the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation is essential for conserving migratory birds on their wintering grounds where most migratory bird species spend the majority of the year.”
“By increasing NMBCA funding, opening the door to greater participation from partner groups, and allowing larger projects, the program can be much more effective at meeting bird conservation needs,” Holmer added.
A press release from Salazar’s office informs that “the North American bird population has declined by 3 billion birds, and federal efforts are instrumental in protecting and conserving these species.”
Cunsumer spending on birdwatching currently generates almost $100 billion in economic output in the United States. The press release further notes that, through these increased investments, “we can conserve more birds migrating from thousands of miles away and help ensure they have the necessary habitat for their migration.”
