The National Audubon Society (NAS) is calling all members and friends of birds and wildlife to raise their voices against a proposed rules change that will weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESP).
According to NAS, “The proposed rule to remove the definition of ‘harm’ under Endangered Species Act regulations could be devastating to a vast number of birds and other wildlife by weakening protections for habitat …This proposed rule could open the door to habitat loss for some of our most vulnerable species and discourage proactive measures, making it harder for species to recover.”
Click here to add your name in support of Audubon’s opposition to this change. And while you are there, sign up for FastAction alerts on conservation issues. National Audubon seeks thousands of emails every time there is a threat to conservation or an idea needing support. Many responses from all over the USA help advocacy efforts with elected and non-elected government officials.
Committed as long as it takes
Karen LaFrance, co-chairman of the Sonoran Audubon Society, has raised the alarm for her members especially to respond. “The proposal eviscerates a very important component of the Endangered Species Act (ESA),” she said. “By eliminating the ‘loss of habitat’ in the definition of ‘harmful’ to endangered birds and other species, this horrible proposal will nullify sections that protect threatened birds from habitat degradation. This would mean that birds, which have been drastically reduced in numbers by the billions already due to habitat loss, would be in even more grave danger.”
Sonoran Audubon sponsors internships and organizes a corps of volunteers monitor Yellow Billed Cuckoos in their habitat north of Phoenix every summer. “The western version of the cuckoo in the USA is a bird SPECIFICALLY endangered due to habitat loss, which criterion would be eliminated,” she said.
In addition to signing on in support of Audubon’s opposition to the rules change, you may also respond directly to the agency (The Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) by submitting your comment here. The deadline to weigh in is Monday, May 19.
Says Karen LaFrance: “Please mention that Sonoran Audubon is committed to this bird, for as long as it takes. We know that habitat is critical for birds; all the years of effort by volunteers and interns helping the Cuckoo to hold its own would be for naught if this rules change passes.”
Photo by Mary Miguez – Audubon Photography Awards
