[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E6-E7]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 1999

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce today the 
Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act.
  This important conservation measure is modeled after the highly 
successful programs that Congress created to assist African and Asian 
elephants, rhinoceroses, and tigers.
  Based on the success of the African Elephant Conservation Act, I am 
confident that this small investment of Federal funds will provide the 
lifeline that neotropical migratory birds need to survive in the wild.

[[Page E7]]

  Neotropical birds, like bluebirds, robins, orioles, and goldfinches, 
travel across international borders and depend upon thousands of miles 
of suitable habitat. In fact, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, neotropical migratory birds typically spend five months of the 
year at Caribbean/Latin American wintering sites, four months in North 
American breeding areas, and three months traveling to these sites 
during spring and autumn migrations.
  Sadly, there are 90 North American bird species that are listed as 
either threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act and an 
additional 124 birds that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has 
identified on its list of Migratory Nongame Birds of Management 
Concern.
  In North America, an estimated 70 percent of prairie birds are 
declining. The Government of Mexico lists approximately 390 birds 
species as endangered, threatened, vulnerable, or rare. What is 
lacking, however, is a strategic plan for bird conservation, money for 
on-the-ground projects, public awareness, and any real coordination 
among the various nations where neotropical migratory birds reside.
  While the full extent of the problems facing neotropical migratory 
birds is unclear, there is no debate over the fact that both bird 
populations and critical habitat declined significantly in the 1990's. 
We must act now before more of these species become endangered or 
extinct. This bill will contribute to the recovery and conservation of 
migratory birds, without violating private property rights.
  There are 60 million adult Americans who enjoy watching and feeding 
birds at their homes. In fact, these activities generate some $20 
billion in economic activity each year. In addition, healthy bird 
populations are an invaluable asset for farmers and timber interests. 
By consuming detrimental insects, these birds prevent the loss of 
millions of dollars each year.
  Under the terms of this legislation, an individual or an organization 
would be able to submit a project proposal to the Secretary of the 
Interior. While the bill does not limit the type of projects, I would 
expect that efforts to determine the condition of neotropical migratory 
bird habitat, implement new or improved conservation plans, undertake 
population studies, educate the public, and reduce the destruction of 
essential habitat would be forthcoming. Since these birds migrate 
between the Caribbean, Latin America, and North America, comprehensive 
plans must be developed. It does little good if we are successful in 
conserving suitable habitat in only a portion of their range.
  During the previous Congress, I introduced a similar bill to assist 
neotropical migratory birds. In fact, that bill was the subject of a 
public hearing on September 17, 1998. At that time, the Administration 
testified that ``H.R. 4517 goes a long way in promoting the effective 
conservation and management of neotropical migratory birds by 
supporting conservation programs and providing financial resources. We 
applaud this important and timely initiative.'' In addition, 
representatives from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the 
National Audubon Society testified in strong support of my legislation.
  I am confident that a Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Fund 
would provide much-needed support for projects designed to conserve 
critical habitat for declining migratory bird species in an innovative 
and cost-effective way.
  I urge my colleagues to support the Neotropical Migratory Bird 
Conservation Act.

                          ____________________