Central Park

The Daily Plant : Monday, May 9, 2016

NYC Parks Joins The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service In Celebrating The Centennial Of The Migratory Bird Treaty

Daniel Avila

Last week, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, joined Chief of Populations for Migratory Birds, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Scott Johnston, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor, National Park Service Joshua Laird, and Director of Science and Conservation at NYC Audubon Susan Elbin to celebrate the one hundred year anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty at Central Park.

The treaty was an important milestone in bird conservation and connects the USFWS with their federal, state, local, private, non-government, tribal, and international partners who share a long, successful history of conserving, protecting, and managing migratory bird populations and their habitats. Celebrating the centennial of the first treaty allows the Service to bring together those who have contributed to its success, and to galvanize efforts to protect migratory birds for generations to come.

“We are very proud and prideful of the opportunity to continue contributing to the conservation of the various bird species that call New York City home,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “Over the years, NYC has had the foresight to preserve tens of thousands of acres of parkland. And from a bird’s point of view, our city is abundant in the green and blue spaces that they love so much.”

Located along the Atlantic Flyway, NYC is an important bird area with a great deal of effort dedicated to wildlife habitat restoration and conservation across the City’s public lands.

"Urban green spaces are good for the birds, and also for people living in and visiting cities across the country,” said Wendi Weber, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Regional Director. "New York is a great example of a city whose natural resource conservation has resulted in a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife, while also providing benefits to people. Green space means clean air and water, and a place for people to participate in outdoor recreation in their communities, and that's something we fully support through our urban conservation program."

In 2003, New York City became a signatory member of the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds, solidifying the City’s commitment to improving biodiversity and environmental conservation.

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