News Release
May 19, 2010
Contact:
Georgia Parham
812-334-4261 x 1203
Georgia_Parham@fws.gov
Vanessa Kauffman
703-358-2138
vanessa_kauffman@fws.gov
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Celebrates Endangered Species Day
Five years ago, the U.S. Senate designated the third Friday in May as Endangered Species Day. This year, Endangered Species Day is May 21, an opportunity to raise awareness about imperiled plants, animals, and habitats, and to demonstrate ways that others can help conserve these resources. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its wildlife management partners will observe Endangered Species Day to recognize the conservation programs underway nationwide aimed at protecting Americas threatened and endangered species.
"The Endangered Species Act is the nations premier law protecting biodiversity today," said Acting Service Director Rowan Gould. "The bald eagle, 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, Kirtlands warbler, Louisiana black bear and Kemps Ridley sea turtle are still listed species that are showing good progress towards achieving recovery - the ultimate goal of the ESA. These species and many others continue to benefit from the protections afforded by the ESA and the dedicated people who work through the Act to ensure their continued existence."
In the Midwest, the Service uses Endangered Species Day to highlight conservation projects that help not only imperiled species, but habitats and ecosystems. From stream improvements to prairie restoration, from whooping cranes to darters, since 1973, the Endangered Species Act has helped restore the natural landscape of the Midwest. Co-administered by the Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the purpose of the ESA is to conserve imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.
For information on endangered species work in the Midwest, visit http://www.fws.gov/endangered/ESDay/2010.html
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 " href="/">/www.fws.gov.
