DNR Press Release,
May 12, 2001

A landmark conservation agreement, a new state birding trail and a restored wetland, all aimed at assuring the future of birds in Wisconsin, were unveiled today, International Migratory Bird Day, in ceremonies held at Wisconsin's Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. Under the voluntary conservation agreement, known as the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative (WBCI), state and private conservation organizations have pledged to work together to preserve habitat for resident birds and birds that annually migrate to or through Wisconsin.

"The Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative is designed to meet the challenge of preserving habitat for birds in Wisconsin. These birds are an integral part of Wisconsin's ecosystem and important for maintaining our biodiversity for the future," said Franc Fennessy, Department of Natural Resources deputy secretary. Fennessy also announced that Wisconsin will use $100,000 from the federal Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program to establish a birding trail that eventually will stretch throughout the state. The trail will enable citizens of Wisconsin and visitors yet another opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and see hundreds of species of birds that live in and migrate through Wisconsin.

In addition to the WBCI signing ceremony, a recently restored 200-acre wetland immediately adjacent to the Horicon Visitor Center was also dedicated. The restoration was made possible through the efforts of Ducks Unlimited, the Horicon staff and a generous contribution from the Ted and Grace Bachhuber Foundation in memory of Ted and Grace Bachhuber, founders of the Mayville Engineering Company. The restored wetland, dedicated as the Ted and Grace Bachhuber Memorial Wetland Restoration Project, will be the focal point of the planned Horicon International Education Center as well as providing excellent habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and a host of other wetland wildlife. "This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when partners work together," said Richard Pierce, director of operations for Ducks Unlimited's Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office. "Similarly, DU is quite pleased to play a role in the new Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative."

The Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative was modeled after the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, which was created to coordinate and integrate four existing major bird management plans: Partners in Flight, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the United States Shorebird Conservation Plan and the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan. In addition to protecting endangered birds, the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative will work to prevent other bird species, such as the western meadowlark, red-headed woodpecker, and blue-winged teal from continuing the population declines noticed in recent years.

"The wide diversity of birds in Wisconsin is reflected in the diversity of the 50-plus organizations and agencies which have endorsed the initiative," said Karen Etter Hale, executive secretary of the Madison Audubon Society. With the enthusiastic support of so many partners, we hope to reverse the population declines so many species have experienced in recent years and assure the future for Wisconsin's birds." As well as being a vital part of Wisconsin's environment, migratory and resident birds also provide recreation for a growing number of bird watchers. A study of state park use by the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment has shown that bird watching increased 150 percent between 1985 and 1995 and wildlife observation and photography is expected to increase 50 percent by the year 2040.

"Once again, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and its partners lead the way with today's signing of the nation's first all-bird conservation plan," said John Christian, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "This comes on the heels of Wisconsin's enthusiastic support for and participation in the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership's work to re-establish a wild migrating flock of whooping cranes between Wisconsin and Florida. After a nearly 100 year absence, we are very close to having whooping cranes returned to Wisconsin. We anticipate having the final decision to move ahead with this project made in early to mid-June." Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area and the adjacent Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, which comprise the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, are popular locations for bird watching. Horicon is renowned for its migrant flocks of Canada geese and is home to more than 260 kinds of birds.

WHEREAS, conserving our state's natural and wildlife resources is one of the most Important responsibilities we have to this and future generations of Wisconsin citizens; and

WHEREAS, according to the Wisconsin Society of Ornithology, 414 species of birds have been recorded in Wisconsin; and the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas lists 236 species of birds as confirmed or likely to breed in Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, bird watching is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the United States and nearly 40% of Wisconsin residents participate in bird watching and nature study activities; and

WHEREAS, bird watching generates over $500 million in economic activity, 7,000 jobs and $14 million in sales tax revenue within Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, over 50 organizations, representing a diverse array Wisconsin's governmental, business and nonprofit interests, have joined forces to create the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative and deliver the full spectrum of bird conservation; and

WHEREAS, the second Saturday in May has been established as an international celebration of birds and bird conservation.

NOW, THEREFORE I, Scott McCallum, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim the second Saturday in May as Bird Conservation Day in Wisconsin.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be affixed at the Capitol in Madison on this 12th day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and one.

Governor, Scott Mccallum
Horicon, Wisconsin
May 12, 2001.