Fish and Wildlife Service Celebrates Endangered Species Day
In Michigan, Kirtland’s warblers, piping plovers show progress
On May 15, 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will honor Endangered Species Day and the numerous nationwide conservation programs underway aimed at protecting America’s threatened and endangered species.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA), one of the most important environmental laws in history and is credited with saving 99.9 percent of species protected by the ESA from extinction. Co-administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the purpose of the ESA is to conserve imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.
When Congress passed the ESA in 1973, it formally established that our rich natural heritage is of “esthetic, ecological, educational, recreational, and scientific value to our Nation and its people.” It also expressed concern that many of our nation’s native fish, wildlife, and plants were in danger of becoming extinct.
“The Endangered Species Act is the nation’s premier law protecting biodiversity today,” said Acting Fish and Wildlife Service Director Rowan Gould. “Without this law, we would probably not see bald eagles soaring in our skies or grizzlies in Yellowstone. Endangered Species Day provides an opportunity to celebrate our shared successes and look forward to a strengthened partnership with the American public to conserve our natural treasures of fish, wildlife, plants.”
In Michigan, there are 20 federally threatened and endangered species and two candidates. Recovery programs for endangered species succeed due, in large part, to very successful partnerships between the Service and other federal and state agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations. The piping plover, although still a long way from recovery, continues to increase in number. The number of breeding pairs in the Great Lakes in 2008 was 63, nearly double the number in 2001.
A successful partner network has made great strides in recovering the Kirtlands warbler, which is nearing its recovery goal. This weekend, May 16, Michigan celebrates its famous native bird at the annual Kirtland Warbler Festival, an event held at Kirtland Community College. The festival highlights wildlife and endangered species conservation with numerous events and activities, including many childrens activities.
The Service works with other federal agencies, State and tribal governments, environmental organizations, industry groups, species experts, academia, the scientific community, and other members of the public to conserve our Nation’s threatened and endangered fish, wildlife, and plants.
The bald eagle, grizzly bear, American alligator and gray wolf are all species which once found themselves on the list, facing the brink of extinction but have successfully rebounded. The wood stork, Kirtland’s warbler, Louisiana black bear and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle are listed species that are showing good progress towards achieving recovery – the ultimate goal of the ESA. These recovered and recovering species are just a few examples of those benefiting from the protections afforded by the ESA and the dedicated people who work to ensure their continued existence.
There are currently 1,317 species listed in the U.S.: 746 plants and 571 animals. To find out about endangered species in Michigan and around the country, visit http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov
