Stand by Western Cuyahoga Audubon! Add your signature to thank Senators Rob Portman and Ben Cardin for their leadership and foresight on bird conservation through the introduction of bill S. 1537 reauthorizing the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, now titled Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Act, one of the nation’s most important bird conservation laws. 

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September 29, 2017

The Honorable Rob Portman
United States Senate
448 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Portman,

Many thanks to you and to co-sponsor, Senator Ben Cardin, for your leadership and foresight on bird conservation through the introduction of bill S. 1537 reauthorizing the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, now titled Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Act, one of the nation’s most important bird conservation laws.

Reauthorizing the bill would provide greater funding to continue to protect habitat, to provide vital research and education, and provide long-term protection of neotropical migratory birds within Ohio and beyond. The incredible journey taken by migrants is a natural spectacle as they travel between two worlds. Throughout North and South America more than 4 million acres of nesting, wintering or stopover areas have been secured through this funding.

Birding, or bird-watching, has a huge economic impact in Ohio with nearly $40 million coming in during the spring of 2017 for the Biggest Week in American Birding event in northwest Ohio. Visitors from throughout the United States and several countries attended in order to experience the diversity of birds and the spectacle of migration. This is due, in part, to the funds provided by the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Act.

In a rapidly changing world, the conservation and protection of the resources needed by bird species is important. The leadership that you and Senator Cardin have shown in working to advance this legislation will help protect birds now, and for the future so that generations will continue to enjoy the diversity of bird life of Ohio, the United States and the world. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society (Ohio)

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Photo: Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) by Chuck Slusarczyk Jr.