April 2nd, 2007: The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology (WSO), a statewide association of professional scientists and birdwatchers, recently created an endowment with the Natural Resources Foundation to support Wisconsin’s Important Bird Areas.  The newly created Important Bird Areas Fund will provide annual support to select sites throughout the state that provide essential habitat for birds.

Dr. Noel Cutright of Ozaukee County, a renowned birdwatcher and long-time board member of WSO, undertook an ambitious journey in summer 2004 to raise funds for bird conservation.  He spent 33 consecutive days doing 33 breeding bird surveys in a four-state area, securing over $53,000 in sponsorships that were gifted to WSO.

The Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program is a global initiative that links local and state conservation efforts to national and international efforts to identify and protect important bird habitat.  Although the program places special emphasis on birds, IBAs also benefit other non-bird species that share the same habitat.  Horicon Marsh in Dodge County became Wisconsin’s first IBA in October 2004.  Wisconsin currently has 48 official, 39 approved and 11 nominated IBA sites, and a Wisconsin IBA book is in the works.

“Maintaining these habitats for birds into the future is the most important part of the IBA process”, says IBA Coordinator Yoyi Steele.  “We are deeply indebted to Dr. Cutright for this effort to secure the long-term future of Wisconsin IBAs.”

"Now that so many Important Bird Areas have been identified and approved in Wisconsin, it is imperative that conservation and management strategies be implemented for long-term conservation of these priority bird species and their habitats," says Dr. Cutright.  "Creating the Important Bird Areas Fund through the Natural Resources Foundation will provide critical, long-term financial support for this program, including development of public education and outreach opportunities."

The Natural Resources Foundation offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to endow a conservation issue of their choosing through the Wisconsin Conservation Endowment.  Donors can create an endowed fund for a particular region of the state or habitat, a specific species of wildlife, a conservation program, or organization.

"We are very excited to hold this Important Bird Areas Fund,” says Charlie Luthin, executive director of the Natural Resources Foundation.  “Our state is fortunate to have a rich diversity of bird habitats, and numerous individuals - from casual observers who enjoy attracting birds to their homes to those who pursue field study or ornithology professionally –who care deeply about the preservation of our native bird populations."

The Natural Resources Foundation (NRF) is a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for individuals and organizations who care about Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife to: deepen their understanding and appreciation for these resources; support state and local conservation programs; and create conservation endowments.  For more information on NRF, visit http://www.wisconservation.org or call (866)264-4096.