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Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources has authorized a groundbreaking new regulation, setting a significant precedent for the safety of migratory birds. The authorized regulation goals to scale back the lack of migratory birds from “incidental take” — the unintended however predictable killing of birds.
“The new system is the primary of its form within the nation, offering a mannequin for different states to comply with,” says Joel Merriman, American Bird Conservancy’s (ABC’s) Bird-Smart Wind Energy Campaign Director. “The conservation advantages are clear, and the rule additionally gives readability to {industry} on the circumstances underneath which unavoidable incidental take is allowed. This all happens via using established industry-specific finest practices geared toward decreasing impacts.”
The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, now over 100 years outdated, gives clear protections for migratory birds. Discussions about strengthening its implementation and enforcement have been underway for a few years, leaving a chance for management on the state degree.
“Virginia has actually stepped up and proven others how this could and ought to be carried out,” says Steve Holmer, ABC’s Vice President of Policy. “The easy, commonsense strategy on this regulation gives a much-needed mannequin for different states to comply with. This gives safety for birds and long-sought regulatory certainty for {industry}.”
Cerulean Warbler, copyright Nolan A Lameka, from the surfbirds galleries
Virginia’s actions comply with on the heels of three years of regulatory rollbacks on the federal degree. The present Administration has begun steps to revive misplaced protections for birds; within the meantime, declining birds are at larger threat.
“Each yr, as much as 1.1 billion birds are killed by industrial actions within the U.S.,” Holmer continues. “We applaud the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for taking this necessary step towards an answer to this large toll on chicken populations, and strongly encourage different states to comply with their lead.”
“This is a terrific step ahead for birds, and we applaud the Commonwealth of Virginia,” says Mike Parr, ABC’s President. “It is particularly encouraging to see this on the heels of restoring habitat for waterbirds within the Hampton Roads space final spring.”
Implementation of the brand new regulation will start on July 1 of this yr, marking a significant milestone for migratory chicken safety.
Source www.surfbirds.com
