Audubon CEO comments on The State of the Birds 2013

National Audubon Society President and CEO David Yarnold today issued the following statement on the release of The State of the Birds 2013: Report on Private Lands:

“American landowners play a critical role in the future of America’s native birds. From California’s rice fields to Vermont’s forests, landowners are finding ways to protect birds and earn income at the same time,” said Audubon President and CEO David Yarnold (@david_yarnold). “But the support for many of those practical solutions is disappearing because a dysfunctional Congress can’t pass the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is America’s bridge between agriculture and conservation – and conservation doesn't have a political party. Those critical parts of the Farm Bill allow landowners to participate in programs that promote conservation measures on private lands.”

Examples of Audubon’s partnerships to promote conservation on private lands across America, as cited in the report:

• California: Rice farm habitat for waterbirds (Page 8)
• Vermont: Working forests that work for birds: (Page 27)
• Gulf Coast: Coastal reserves on private lands (Page 29)
• Nebraska: Private protected lands and land trusts (Page 39)