The Urban Conservation Treaty, which carries with it a $100,000 matching grant, commits the Service to a long-term partnership with the City of Chicago and its conservation partners for the benefit of migratory birds. Only the second such treaty in the U.S., it is both a symbol of and a framework for Chicagos leadership in creating and enhancing urban natural areas.
"The treaty is an important addition to our ongoing efforts through Nature Chicago to create open space, enhance habitat, and give Chicagoans the opportunity to appreciate and be stewards of the natural environment," said Mayor Daley.
Director Clark noted that the Service and the City of Chicago have a long history of working together for the benefit of wildlife and the environment, and praised Mayor Daley for his strong commitment to migratory birds.
"Chicago has an outstanding record of building environmental partnerships with the Service. Im proud that we can stand here today and cement our partnership in a way that will benefit not only birds, but also the quality of life of Chicago-area citizens," said Clark.
The Urban Conservation Treaty will provide a framework to support initiatives that will improve the areas ability to sustain bird populations. In addition to working with the City and Parks District to incorporate bird- friendly landscaping into Chicagos parks and open spaces, the treaty partners will launch a campaign to educate Chicago-area homeowners about bird-friendly spaces in their back yards.
Chicago offers a unique environment that is crucial to the success of dozens of species of migratory birds. More than 7 million birds pass through the Chicago area during their spring and fall migrations, following the Lake Michigan shoreline and stream corridors such as those on the Chicago River. Treaty partners will classify and map key habitat for migratory birds along the lakefront and river, and in parks, cemeteries and other open spaces. They will also develop and implement recommendations for conserving and enhancing that habitat.
Partners will coordinate migratory bird education programs and outreach activities to inform the public about the benefits and needs of urban and migratory birds. Many of these birds stop in Calumet area wetlands, in city parks and forest preserves, and in backyards across the city. Urban and migrant birds also flock to spots in Chicago such as the Department of Environments North Park Village Nature Center, which contains woodland, wetland, prairie and savannah habitat.
Urban birds are among the nations most vulnerable bird groups. According to the most recent breeding bird survey conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Service, only 31 percent of urban bird species are estimated to have increasing populations. Their generally declining populations reflect the cumulative effects of habitat loss, deaths from improper pesticide application, and predation from domestic cats.
"We clearly have our work cut out for us as we strive to meet these challenges and restore the health of our urban bird populations. But the level of commitment in this city and the tremendous work that has already been done offers the best evidence yet that we can accomplish our goal," said Clark.
Through the Mayors Nature Chicago initiative, habitat enhancement projects are taking place on the lake and river, in the Calumet region, and in city parks. Chicagoans have opportunities in their neighborhoods through the Librarys NatureConnections program, and the Chicago Audubon Societys "For the Birds" classes offered in city parks.
Mayor Daley remarked that Chicagos efforts are supported and matched by those of many local groups.
"Many organizations and institutions are working together to protect our birds. Through Nature Chicago and organizations like Chicago Wilderness, we can have a tremendous effect," he said.
The Service and the City of Chicago joined more than 30 organizations to launch the Chicago Wilderness partnership in 1996, for which the Service has allocated $600,000 annually. The membership, now more than 100 organizations, includes federal, state, and local units of government, cultural and research organizations, and not-for-profits.
Planning teams composed of Chicago Wilderness partners have developed the terms of the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds, and will share in implementing it. As a first step, the teams have planned a series of nature walks, public events and other educational activities for International Migratory Bird Day in Chicago on May 13.
The Urban Conservation Treaty pilot program was started in 1999 when the City of New Orleans became the first Urban Conservation Treaty city. The Service hopes to use these agreements as models for bird conservation in other cities in future years.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 93-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses more than 520 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 66 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.
