Take Action to Protect Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)

The Trump administration's official interpretation of the MBTA reverses decades of policy, stating that the law only applies to intentional activities such as hunting and poaching, meaning that all industrial activities will be exempt from the law, including oil waste pits, oil spills, power lines, tailings ponds, and more. Take action with this MBTA Support Sign on Letter and MBTA Fact Sheet.

Take Action to Protect Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by Jan 26, 2018 by Troy Peters, Engagement Manager, Audubon Great Lakes

Dear Ohio Chapter Leaders,

Over the last few weeks you should have received alerts about the recent efforts in Congress to mark the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by gutting the law’s vital protections for more than 1,000 species -- nearly every native bird in the country.

As you know the early National Audubon Society and chapters across the country were instrumental in passing this foundational bird protection law, which helped save innumerable species from extinction at a time when bird populations were plummeting. Yet as we celebrate this success, our most important bird conservation law is facing its most serious threat in a century of existence.

In December, the Trump administration released an official interpretation of the MBTA, reversing decades of policy, stating that the law only applies to intentional activities such as hunting and poaching, meaning that all industrial activities will be exempt from the law, including oil waste pits, oil spills, power lines, tailings ponds, and more.

There are efforts afoot in Congress to codify this change to the MBTA and end liability for industrial activity for good. In the U.S House, Rep. Liz Cheney added an amendment to H.R. 4239 that would no longer prohibit industrial bird deaths.
We're working to ensure this language does not pass by any means, but we need your help to do it. Please sign on to the attached letter on behalf of your chapter and supporting the Migratory Bird Treaty Act directly with your elected officials and in the media. We want to demonstrate a groundswell of support across the region and nationally to make clear the importance of this issue.

Attached you will find a draft of the MBTA Support Sign on Letter. In order to sign the letter please follow the link to Audubon Works (Note: This letter is for organizations only). For more information on the importance of the MBTA and potential impacts to birds if it is rolled back please also find the attached fact sheet.

If you have any questions, contact me. Thank you for your consideration on this important matter.
​
Sincerely,
Troy Peters
Engagement Manager
Audubon Great Lakes
(312) 453-0230 x2004

​View or Download: Audubon Migratory Bird Treaty Act Fact Sheet

​View or Download: MBTA Support Sign on Letter

---

Make A Donation to Western Cuyahoga Audubon. Your gifts guarantee chapter activities, programs and research continues to reach members and connect birding conservationists around the world. Use our safe and secure PayPal payment button below to make a donation of any amount you choose. All donations are gratefully received.

---