The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation today celebrated the efforts of numerous organizations and individuals to acquire funding necessary for construction of a new
The Foundation's Executive Director Jeff Trandahl and Service Director H. Dale Hall presented awards to Wal-Mart, The Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, Parrots International, individual donors and twelve Puerto Rican companies that form the non-profit organization Herencia.
"Today we are going back to Congress to show them how far we have come, the partnerships that have been forged, and how all these elements are coming together to save the Puerto Rican parrot," said Hall. "No one single entity would be able to do it alone.?
In order to meet this funding challenge, the Foundation established broad partnerships with individuals, businesses and organizations. "The Foundation is pleased that business leaders, individuals, and the nonprofit community have enthusiastically responded to the call to help the Puerto Rican parrot, both by raising funds and public awareness. Together the public and private sectors will do everything possible to conserve and restore this beautiful bird and cultural icon," said Jeff Trandahl.
In addition to generous donations, some of the organizations recognized today will also host fundraising events in Puerto Rico and on the U.S. mainland to reach the $700,000 goal and help raise awareness of the plight of the parrot.
House Resources Chairman Richard Pombo, Resident Commissioner Luis Fortu
