conocophillips spirit of conservation migratory bird … · program accomplishments 2005-2013...

Program Accomplishments

2005-2013

ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation

Migratory Bird Program

Green-winged teal at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Texas. Photo courtesy of Bill Powell.

2

About the Program

The ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation

Migratory Bird Program (SPIRIT of Conservation)

is funded by ConocoPhillips and the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service and directed by the National Fish

and Wildlife Foundation. The program provides

approximately $600,000 each year for

competitive grants to help conserve migratory

birds and their habitats. These grants support

the conservation of high-priority bird species,

often in areas near ConocoPhillips operating

facilities. Migratory birds are critical to the health of natural communities everywhere. Their migrations

represent a vital and irreplaceable flow of energy and nutrients among ecosystems across the globe, and

they include some of the most spectacular phenomena of the natural world. In addition, they drive many

economically important activies such as bird-watching and tourism. To continue to provide these

valuable services, migratory birds require breeding, stopover, and wintering habitats so they can

complete their annual life cycles. Past and ongoing destruction and degradation of these habitats have

contributed to population declines of many migratory bird species. SPIRIT of Conservation aims to help

reduce these threats by supporting projects that help protect, restore, and manage critical grasslands,

wetlands, and shorelines for imperiled bird species in the United States and across the world.

Program Accomplishments

From 2005 through 2013, SPIRIT of Conservation has awarded 55 grants worth $6.5 million to 32

conservation groups in 12 states and five countries. Grantees matched this funding with an additional

$11.2 million, for a total conservation investment of $17.7 million. As a result of this investment, over

109,000 acres of critical bird habitat have been protected, restored, or enhanced. This work is providing

important benefits to numerous species of conservation concern, including red knot, American

oystercatcher, Gunnison sage-grouse, greater sage-grouse, lesser prairie chicken, Attwater’s prairie

chicken, surf scoter, mottled duck, cerulean warbler, and

whooping crane.

Cerulean warbler. Photo courtesy of Barth Schorre.

3

Locations of Project Activities

SPIRIT of Conservation’s 55 projects have benefitted birds and their habitats

in 12 states and five countries. The following map shows where SPIRIT of

Conservation project activities have occurred. Each dot represents a project

activity; one project may be represented by multiple dots, as many SPIRIT of

Conservation projects have occurred over several areas in one state, region,

or country. Four project types are represented: coastal/shoreline habitat,

grassland/sagebrush habitat, wetland habitat, and international.

Iquitos gnatcatcher, a rare bird species found only in Peru. Photo courtesy of José Álvarez Alonso.

4

SPIRIT of Conservation Accomplishments and Investments:

55 SPIRIT of Conservation grants awarded to

32 conservation organizations in 5 countries

over 9 years

109,456 total acres acquired,

protected, or restored

88,281 acres of grassland/sagebrush

habitat restored

856 acres of coastal habitat restored

5,369 acres of wetland habitat restored

14,950 acres of habitat acquired for

protection

$6,500,000 in funding provided by

SPIRIT of Conservation

$11,200,000 in matching contributions leveraged by SPIRIT of

Conservation investments

9-year total conservation investment of $17,700,000

18

19

10

8

Number of Projects by Type

Coastal/Near-shore

Grassland

Wetland

International

10

8

18

5

12

Number of Projects by Species Group

Landbirds

Neotropicalmigrants

Shorebirds

Waterbirds

Waterfowl

5

Grasslands and Sagebrush

Grasslands once covered a vast majority of the central United States, and many migratory bird species

require this habitat for breeding, nesting, and foraging. The conversion of grasslands to croplands and

changes in land use practices have greatly reduced the extent of this habitat type on the landscape, and

this decline has threatened many migratory bird species. It is also threatening grassland-dependent non-

migratory species like Attwater’s prairie chicken and lesser prairie chicken. Grassland bird species are

the fastest declining group of birds in the United States;

almost 75% of species populations are declining.

In addition to providing critical habitat for numerous bird

species, grasslands offer many other ecological benefits.

They play an important role in reducing soil erosion,

improving water quality, recharging groundwater supplies,

and reducing flooding.

Sagebrush habitat is one of the largest ecosystems in the

United States, and like grasslands it is also declining rapidly

due to a number of threats. Encroaching pinyon–juniper

woodlands, subdivision, and development are factors

leading to the loss of sagebrush habitat and the species that

depend on it to survive.

SPIRIT of Conservation plays a critical role in achieving

lasting conservation of grassland and sagebrush-dependent wildlife. Since 2005, SPIRIT of Conservation

has helped restore more than 88,000 acres of

grassland and sagebrush habitat in Colorado,

Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and

Texas. This restoration work has benefitted

numerous bird species, including Gunnison

sage-grouse; lesser prairie chicken; greater

sage-grouse; Attwater’s prairie chicken;

various migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, and

waterbirds; Neotropical migrants; and other

grassland/sagebrush-dependent birds.

Following is a list of the grassland/sagebrush-

focused projects that have been funded by

SPIRIT of Conservation. Four projects are

highlighted to provide a more comprehensive view of some of the grassland/sagebrush conservation

work being implemented with support from SPIRIT of Conservation.

19 projects benefitting

grassland/sagebrush bird species

88,281 acres of

grassland/sagebrush habitat restored

$2,038,740 in

program funding directed to grassland/sagebrush projects

Greater sage-grouse are highly dependent on sagebrush habitat for food and habitat cover. Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

6

Project Title: Attwater's Prairie Chicken Breeding Facility (TX) Grant Recipient: Houston Zoo Year of Award: 2005 Award Amount: $100,000 Species Benefitted: Attwater’s prairie chicken Project Description: Build a new breeding site for the endangered Attwater's prairie chicken on 1.7 acres of National Aeronautics and Space Administration property. The project will enable better breeding success and higher chick production. Project Title: Attwater's Prairie Chicken Recovery (TX) Grant Recipient: The Nature Conservancy Year of Award: 2005 Award Amount: $50,000 Species Benefitted: Attwater's prairie chicken Project Description: Restore 15,000 acres of native prairie on the Refugio-Goliad Prairie of Texas using prescribed burns. Begin planning to increase captive breeding capacity for the endangered Attwater's prairie chicken and create management plans for private landowners. Project Title: Conservation of Shortgrass Prairie Birds Grant Recipient: Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $102,000 Species Benefitted: Long-billed curlew, ferruginous hawk, burrowing owl, mountain plover Project Description: Conduct landowner outreach to enhance over 7,000 acres of privately owned grasslands in eastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming. Project Title: Strawberry Valley Sage-grouse Recovery Project (UT) Grant Recipient: Brigham Young University Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $75,000 Species Benefitted: Greater sage-grouse Project Description: Increase genetic diversity and enhance recovery of the greater sage-grouse population in Utah by relocating grouses from source populations. Project Title: Attwater's Prairie Chicken Recovery (TX) Grant Recipient: Houston Zoo Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $100,000 Species Benefitted: Attwater’s prairie chicken Project Description: Expand breeding facility by twelve pens for Attwater's prairie chickens in an effort to increase numbers of birds produced for release. Project Title: Attwater's Prairie Chicken Recovery (TX) II

Grant Recipient: The Nature Conservancy Year of Award: 2007 Award Amount: $100,000 Species Benefitted: Attwater’s prairie chicken Project Description: Continue to restore native coastal prairie along the Texas Gulf Coast. The project will develop a plan for the release of Attwater's prairie chickens on private lands within the Refugio-Goliad Prairie. Project Title: Conservation of Shortgrass Prairie Birds II Grant Recipient: Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Year of Award: 2008 Award Amount: $125,000 Species Benefitted: Lesser and greater prairie chicken; migrating waterfowl and shorebirds; nesting/migrating Neotropical birds; grassland birds Project Description: Conduct landowner outreach to enhance at least 8,000 acres of privately owned grasslands in eastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming. Project Title: Restoring Texas Grassland and Savannah Bird Habitat Grant Recipient: National Audubon Society Year of Award: 2009 Award Amount: $44,230 Species Benefitted: Bobwhite quail, red-cockaded woodpecker, other grassland and shrub-obligate birds Project Description: Restore 50,000 acres of native Texas grasslands and savannahs to conserve threatened populations of bobwhite quail, red-cockaded woodpecker, and other grassland and shrub-obligate birds. Project Title: Enhancing Bird Habitat on Private Land (CO) Grant Recipient: Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Year of Award: 2009 Award Amount: $150,000 Species Benefitted: Various birds Project Description: Engage private landowners to enhance at least 7,000 acres of habitat for birds identified by the Colorado Wildlife Action Plan as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Project Title: Enhancing Lesser Prairie Chicken Habitat in Colorado Grant Recipient: Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Year of Award: 2010 Award Amount: $150,000 Species Benefitted: Lesser prairie chicken Project Description: Raise awareness and implement habitat enhancement projects on private lands in Colorado to benefit lesser prairie chicken. Project will reach a minimum of 50 private landowners and enhance over 10,000 acres.

7

Project Title: Gunnison Sage-Grouse Conservation on Private Lands in Colorado Grant Recipient: Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Year of Award: 2011 Award Amount: $200,000 Species Benefitted: Gunnison sage-grouse and other grassland birds Project Description: Hire a biologist for two years in the Gunnison Natural Resources Conservation Service office to provide technical assistance and deliver Farm Bill and other habitat enhancement programs for the benefit of Gunnison sage-grouse. Project Title: Nickel Preserve Stewardship for Migratory Birds (OK) Grant Recipient: The Nature Conservancy Year of Award: 2012 Award Amount: $100,000 Species Benefitted: Nesting, stopover, and wintering birds Project Description: Complete the necessary on-the-ground work to conserve stopover and nesting habitat crucial to the survival of the many bird species with migratory routes in the Ozarks of north-eastern Oklahoma. Project Title: Pinyon-Juniper Removal within Sagebrush Communities in Southeast Utah Grant Recipient: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Year of Award: 2012 Award Amount: $44,460 Species Benefitted: Golden eagle and various sagebrush-grassland landbirds Project Description: Remove encroaching pinyon pine and juniper on 2,232 acres of sagebrush habitat to benefit many species of wildlife, including golden eagles and other sagebrush-grassland birds. Project Title: Gunnison Sage-Grouse Conservation (UT) Grant Recipient: The Nature Conservancy Year of Award: 2012 Award Amount: $270,050 Species Benefitted: Gunnison sage-grouse Project Description: Permanently protect Gunnison sage-grouse habitat for Utah’s only population of the species. The project will purchase 1,080 acres, restore 130 acres of farmland to sagebrush, create 50 acres of wet meadow habitat, and augment Gunnison sage-grouse populations in Utah by translocating 20-30 birds from Colorado. Project Title: Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture Grassland Bird Restoration Focus Areas (TX) Grant Recipient: National Wild Turkey Federation Year of Award: 2013 Award Amount: $85,674

Species Benefitted: Attwater’s prairie chicken, northern bobwhite, other grassland birds Project Description: Enhance 2,000 acres of habitat on private lands to benefit grassland bird species including Attwater's prairie chicken and northern bobwhite. Project Title: Gunnison Sage-Grouse Critical Habitat Protection (CO) Grant Recipient: Montezuma Land Conservancy Year of Award: 2013 Award Amount: $43,000 Species Benefitted: Gunnison sage-grouse Project Description: Acquire two bargain-purchase conservation easements on properties with critical Gunnison sage-grouse habitat totaling 724 acres. Project Title: High-Priority Bird Species Conservation on Private Lands (CO) Grant Recipient: Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Year of Award: 2013 Award Amount: $195,500 Species Benefitted: Gunnison sage-grouse; lesser prairie chicken; other waterfowl, shorebird, and waterbird populations in Colorado Project Description: Raise landowner awareness and enhance/protect 10,200 acres of shortgrass, sagebrush, and wetland ecosystems on private lands in Colorado for prairie chickens, sage-grouse, and waterfowl/shorebirds. Project Title: Understanding Impacts on Lesser Prairie Chicken Populations (NM) Grant Recipient: New Mexico State University Year of Award: 2013 Award Amount: $78,825 Species Benefitted: Lesser prairie chicken and other grassland birds Project Description: Determine factors driving population declines of the lesser prairie chicken in managed landscapes in New Mexico. Project will look at historic changes in land use, vegetation characteristics, habitat selection, and demography. Project Title: Four Canyon Preserve Stewardship for Bird Habitats (OK) Grant Recipient: The Nature Conservancy Year of Award: 2013 Award Amount: $25,000 Species Benefitted: Lesser prairie chicken and other grassland birds Project Description: Restore and enhance fire-dependent native plant communities to improve habitat quality for a suite of obligate grassland bird species, including the lesser prairie chicken.

8

Enhancing Lesser Prairie Chicken Habitat in Colorado Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory

Project Overview The lesser prairie chicken is a candidate for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. In Colorado, lesser prairie chickens exist primarily on private lands in four counties in the southeastern part of the state. Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO) recognizes a critical need to build relationships with private agricultural producers in the region to help implement

conservation practices that will benefit lesser prairie chickens. RMBO has been working with landowners and conservation partners in eastern Colorado for over 10 years to help protect grassland birds. With this project, RMBO is capitalizing on this collaboration and focusing partners’ efforts on the lesser prairie chicken. RMBO and partners are meeting with landowners to encourage them to implement practices that will benefit the lesser prairie chicken and minimize negative impacts

to the bird’s habitat. These practices include fence marking, grazing deferrals, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) interseeding, and stock tank ladder installations. The project will result in approximately 50 newly established relationships with landowners and over 10,000 acres of enhanced habitat.

Year of Award: 2010

Award Amount: $150,000

Grantee Match: $158,018

Species Benefitted: Lesser prairie chicken

Project Location: Lesser prairie chicken habitats in Baca, Prowers, Kiowa, and Cheyenne counties in Colorado

Lesser prairie chickens on grassland habitat in Colorado. Photo courtesy of RMBO.

RMBO is encouraging producers to implement grazing management practices that will benefit lesser prairie chickens. Photo courtesy of RMBO.

9

Understanding Impacts on Lesser Prairie Chicken Populations (NM) New Mexico State University

Project Overview Lesser prairie chicken populations have declined dramatically over the last century and now exist only on small portions of their former range lands. In eastern New Mexico, lesser prairie chickens are found primarily in areas containing shinnery oak vegetation communities. Much of the conservation work focused on lesser prairie chickens in New Mexico is in these areas. The Sand Ranch and Mescalero Sands Area of Critical Environmental Concern in eastern New Mexico, owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management, exists within this shinnery oak community and is home to a large population of lesser prairie chickens. Based on breeding ground survey data, the number of lesser prairie chickens in this population has decreased substantially in the southern portion of this area, especially when compared to the northern portion of the area. New Mexico State University is conducting a study to better understand the processes driving decreased breeding ground activity and the declining population of lesser prairie chickens in this area. The study is comparing lesser prairie chicken reproduction, survival, and habitat use in the northern portion of the study area to those factors in the southern portion, and it will identify

landscape level characteristics that are affecting these factors. The project is providing on-the-ground support by hiring three seasonal technicians to capture and track prairie chickens and measure vegetation metrics. Results from this study will be used to determine future management decisions that could impact grazing and energy development operations that are believed to be impacting vegetation structure disproportionately in the southern portion relative to the northern portion of the project area.

Year of Award: 2013



Species Benefitted: Lesser prairie chicken and other grassland birds

Project Location: Core lesser prairie chicken breeding area in southeastern New Mexico on the Sand Ranch and Mescalero Area of Critical Environmental Concern

Lesser prairie chicken. Photo courtesy of Andrew Lawrence, New Mexico State University.

10

Four Canyon Preserve Stewardship for Bird Habitats (OK) The Nature Conservancy

Project Overview The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is contracting with a local fire management service provider to plan and implement prescribed burning on at least 3,000 acres of the Four Canyon Preserve in southern Ellis County, Oklahoma. The preserve encompasses 4,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, floodplain, riverine, and canyon habitats along the Canadian River. It supports numerous species of conservation significance, including the lesser prairie chicken. This project is restoring and enhancing fire-dependent native plant communities, which will result in improved habitat for a suite of grassland bird species and a variety of other game and non-game wildlife. Foraging and brood rearing conditions are among those habitat conditions that are being significantly improved. TNC is also managing water

development at the preserve. A two-year drought has meant that naturally occurring surface water is scarce, and TNC is purchasing a high-efficiency solar well pump and installing it in a preexisting well bore to provide ready access to water for prescribed burning and other conservation management activities. The project is also implementing an invasive species management plan on 500 acres at the preserve.

Year of Award: 2013



Species Benefitted: Lesser prairie chicken and other grassland birds

Project Location: The Nature Conservancy’s Four Canyon Preserve in western Oklahoma, which encompasses mixed-grass prairie, rugged canyons, and floodplains along the Canadian River in Southern Ellis County, Oklahoma

Four Canyon Preserve in Oklahoma. Photo courtesy of Jay Pruett, TNC.

Grasslands on Four Canyon Preserve provide habitat for Cassin’s sparrow (above) and a number of other rare grassland bird species. Photo courtesy of L. Selman, TNC.

11

Gunnison Sage-Grouse Conservation on Private Lands in Colorado Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory

Project Overview Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO) is increasing capacity to enhance, restore, and protect Gunnison sage-grouse habitat in Colorado. RMBO has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to place a Private Lands Wildlife Biologist in the NRCS Gunnison Field Office. Private landowners are critical in the work to conserve Gunnison sage-grouse, and the Private Lands Wildlife Biologist will help develop and cultivate relationships with landowners to ensure that they remain active in Gunnison

sage-grouse conservation initiatives. The biologist is visiting with, and providing technical assistance to, resource professionals and landowners and is assisting with the implementation of Farm Bill conservation programs to benefit Gunnison sage-grouse. The biologist is working to enhance, restore, and/or protect a minimum of 5,000

acres of Gunnison sage-grouse habitat and leverage at least $100,000 from Farm Bill programs. Habitat enhancement projects include introducing grazing management practices, enhancing wet meadows and developing springs for brood habitat, marking and removing fencing, and enrolling landowners in conservation easements. The biologist is also attending and/or participating in local working groups, agricultural producer meetings, conservation district meetings, and other events to raise awareness regarding Gunnison sage-grouse habitat needs and cost-share and easement programs available for landowners.

Year of Award: 2011



Species Benefitted: Gunnison sage-grouse and other grassland birds

Project Location: Throughout the Gunnison sage-grouse range in Colorado, with an emphasis on the Gunnison Basin

Gunnison sage-grouse chicks. Photo courtesy of RMBO.

A flock of Gunnison sage-grouse flying over sagebrush habitat in Colorado. Photo courtesy of RMBO.

12

Coasts and Shorelines

Coastal areas in the United States support a significant portion of the nation’s fish and wildlife. The coasts

are important migration routes for songbirds and waterfowl; they contain important fishery resources

and are used extensively by wintering waterfowl. Dynamic coastal areas like deltas, wetlands, and

estuaries, typically include areas where river systems and

the land meet and interact with the ocean.

Coasts and shorelines will always remain popular areas for

human recreation and development. Pressure is steadily

building on remaining coastal habitats and species to coexist

with one another as the human population grows. Fish and

wildlife species found along coasts are experiencing habitat

loss and disturbance caused by human activity.

Since 2005, SPIRIT of Conservation has contributed to the

conservation of bird species and their habitats along the

shorelines of Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coast states including

California, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, Texas,

and Washington among others. SPIRIT of Conservation has helped restore over 800 acres of coastal

habitat and has benefitted numerous bird species including American oystercatcher, whooping crane, red

knot, Scripps’s murrelet, and

surf scoter.

Following is a list of the

coastal/shoreline-focused

projects that have been

funded by SPIRIT of

Conservation. Four projects

are highlighted to provide a

more comprehensive view of

some of the coastal/

shoreline conservation work

being implemented with

support from SPIRIT of

Conservation.

18 projects benefitting coastal

bird species

856 acres of

coastal/shoreline habitat restored

$1,859,034 in

program funding directed to coastal/shoreline projects

American oystercatchers with chicks in Shark River Inlet, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Bill Dalton.

13

Project Title: Delaware Bay Shorebird Stewardship (NJ, DE) Grant Recipient: Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $24,642 Species Benefitted: Various shorebirds Project Description: Recruit and train volunteer Shorebird Stewards to prevent disturbances to shorebirds on the Delaware Bay migratory stopover. Volunteers will educate beach-goers and residents on the importance of horseshoe crabs as sustenance for shorebirds. Project Title: Coastal Bend Migratory Waterbird Program (TX) Grant Recipient: Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program Partnership Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $145,985 Species Benefitted: Great blue heron and other nesting waterbirds Project Description: Enhance coastal migratory bird populations by evaluating, improving, and creating nesting opportunities. The project will facilitate nesting by planting native vegetation, constructing platforms, and removing predators. Project Title: Migratory Bird Chenier Habitat Restoration (LA) Grant Recipient: Gulf Coast Bird Observatory Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $60,000 Species Benefitted: Numerous Nearctic-Neotropical migratory birds Project Description: Restore critical migratory bird stopover chenier habitat in Louisiana damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Project will clean and revegetate two sites, Grand Isle Sanctuary and Peveto Beach Woods. Project Title: Whooping Crane Critical Habitat Enhancement Grant Recipient: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Year of Award: 2008 Award Amount: $60,000 Species Benefitted: Whooping crane and other migratory birds Project Description: Enhance 800 acres of whooping crane critical habitat in Aransas NWR in Texas through prescribed burning and invasive species control. The project will also benefit other migratory birds and fauna.

Project Title: Derelict Fishing Net Removal in Puget Sound Grant Recipient: Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation Year of Award: 2008 Award Amount: $60,375 Species Benefitted: Numerous marine birds, fish, and mammals Project Description: Remove derelict fishing gear from marine waters in and around the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex, located in the Puget Sound, Washington. The project will restore at least 34.5 acres of priority migratory marine bird habitat. Project Title: American Oystercatcher Stewardship in Texas Grant Recipient: Gulf Coast Bird Observatory Year of Award: 2010 Award Amount: $100,000 Species Benefitted: American oystercatcher Project Description: Reduce gaps in knowledge of the American oystercatcher population status and breeding parameters on the Texas Gulf Coast. The project will enable the implementation of conservation strategies. Project Title: Recovering Rufa Red Knots Grant Recipient: Manomet Year of Award: 2010 Award Amount: $314,713 Species Benefitted: Rufa red knot Project Description: Employ science-driven, site-based conservation and rigorous success measures to recover the populations of the Rufa subspecies of red knots along the Atlantic Coast. Project Title: Conserving and Enhancing San Francisco Bay Scoter Habitats (CA) Grant Recipient: U.S. Geological Survey Year of Award: 2010 Award Amount: $189,270 Species Benefitted: Surf scoter Project Description: Identify and promote conservation of critical foraging areas for sea ducks in the highly urbanized San Francisco Bay. The project will document importance of restoring eelgrass beds. Project Title: Red Knot Roost Habitat Management Plan and Implementation (DE) Grant Recipient: Delaware Department of Natural Resources Year of Award: 2010 Award Amount: $36,460 Species Benefitted: Red knot

14

Project Description: Develop and implement an adaptive resource management plan for coastal impoundments in Delaware to improve roosting opportunities for red knots. Project Title: American Oystercatcher Stewardship in Texas II Grant Recipient: Gulf Coast Bird Observatory Year of Award: 2011 Award Amount: $24,094 Species Benefitted: American oystercatcher Project Description: Gain an understanding of where sub-adult American oystercatchers go between fledging and breeding at three years of age, and understand how they are using the coast during this time. Project Title: Derelict Fishing Net Removal in Puget Sound Grant Recipient: Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation Year of Award: 2011 Award Amount: $99,977 Species Benefitted: Numerous marine birds, fish, and mammals Project Description: Remove 90 derelict fishing nets from marine waters of north Puget Sound in habitats where birds have been known to die in derelict nets. The project will restore 10 acres of marine habitat. Project Title: Reintroduction of Whooping Cranes in Southwest Louisiana Grant Recipient: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Year of Award: 2011 Award Amount: $100,000 Species Benefitted: Whooping crane Project Description: Establish a self-sustaining whooping crane population on and around White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area in southwest Louisiana. Project Title: Coordinated Statewide New Jersey American Oystercatcher Conservation Grant Recipient: Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey Year of Award: 2011 Award Amount: $120,000 Species Benefitted: American oystercatcher Project Description: Develop a coordinated statewide conservation program for American oystercatchers. The project will include management of human disturbance and predators, monitoring of populations, and enhanced education of public. Project Title: Enhancing Tidal Mudflats and Marshes on Aramburu Island (CA)

Grant Recipient: National Audubon Society Year of Award: 2011 Award Amount: $135,000 Species Benefitted: Various shorebirds and waterbirds Project Description: Enhance 36 acres of degraded tidal mudflat and marsh habitat to improve habitat conditions for migratory shorebirds and waterbirds. Project Title: Derelict Fishing Net Removal in Whatcom County (WA) Grant Recipient: Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation Year of Award: 2012 Award Amount: $105,783 Species Benefitted: Numerous marine birds, fish, and mammals Project Description: Remove all of the 129 known remaining derelict fishing nets from the marine waters of Whatcom County. Project Title: Drayton Harbor Estuary: Coastal Wetlands (WA) Grant Recipient: Whatcom Land Trust Year of Award: 2012 Award Amount: $75,000 Species Benefitted: Numerous endangered and/or threatened birds Project Description: Acquire fee title interest to eight acres of land, including 1,700 feet of freshwater and salt water frontage in order to restore and protect critical fish and wildlife habitat. Project Title: Restoring the Population of Scripps’s Murrelet on Catalina (CA) Grant Recipient: Santa Catalina Island Conservancy Year of Award: 2012 Award Amount: $67,950 Species Benefitted: Scripps’s murrelet Project Description: Conduct population surveys and nest site habitat assessment to set baselines for restoration and threat reduction activities. Volunteers will work with staff to restore habitat through revegetation. Project Title: Texas American Oystercatcher Conservation Grant Recipient: Gulf Coast Bird Observatory Year of Award: 2012 Award Amount: $139,785 Species Benefitted: American oystercatcher Project Description: Continue to reduce the gaps in knowledge of American Oystercatcher population status and breeding parameters, and begin implementation of conservation strategies on the Texas Gulf Coast.

15

Derelict Fishing Net Removal in Puget Sound Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation

Project Overview Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation (NWSF) has been removing derelict fishing nets from Puget Sound for over a decade. It is estimated that over 5,000 nets have been lost in Puget Sound since the 1970s. Derelict fishing gear threatens and kills marine birds, fish, and mammals. It also impairs critical marine

habitat. Between 2002 and 2011, NWSF has removed over 3,800 derelict nets that were killing an estimated 21,000 marine birds every year. NWSF has found dead birds entangled in the nets that represent numerous species including Brandt's cormorant, pelagic cormorant, common loon, great blue heron, grebe, merganser, and pigeon guillemot. Other animals found dead in the derelict gear include sea lions, harbor porpoises, harbor seals, otters, salmonids, sixgill sharks, rockfish, octopuses, and crabs. In 2008 and 2009, Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation spent 31 days removing derelict fishing gear from the marine waters of Puget Sound. Removal efforts were conducted in the San Juan archipelago. The project removed 123 derelict gillnets, eight purse seines, and four crab pots. The removed nets measured 16.2 acres and were found in and around vital marine habitat including kelp beds, high relief rocky substrate, and mud and

boulder habitat. More than 8,000 animals, including eight dead marine birds and 29 fish, were found entangled in the gear. NWSF estimated that the 123 nets that were removed during this project captured approximately 1,326 birds, 4,404 fish, and more than 137,000 invertebrates each year.

Year of Award: 2008



Species Benefitted: Numerous marine birds, fish, and mammals

Project Location: Puget Sound in and around the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Derelict nets removed from Puget Sound. Photo courtesy of Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation.

Fishing nets being removed from Puget Sound. Photo courtesy of Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation.

16

Reintroduction of Whooping Cranes in Southwest Louisiana Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Project Overview The southwest corner of Louisiana was once the most important part of the whooping crane’s winter range, and until the mid-twentieth century it was the home of the United States’ only resident whooping crane colony. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recognizes the whooping crane’s historical importance to the area and plans to establish a self-sustaining whooping crane population on and around White Lake Wetlands Conservation

Area (WLWCA), a conservation area located in southwest Louisiana. A self-sustaining whooping crane population at WLWCA will consist of a flock with 130 individuals and 30 nesting pairs that survive for 10 years without

additional restocking. LDWF has partnered with several entities, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the International Crane Foundation, to accomplish the reintroduction effort. LDWF has hired a research biologist to monitor and manage the whooping crane reintroduction. LDWF has constructed enclosures for the birds and is conducting annual whooping crane releases at the project site, planning each release based upon the success of previous releases. LDWF has been closely monitoring the whooping cranes throughout the project’s duration.

Year of Award: 2011



Species Benefitted: Whooping crane

Project Location: White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area, a 70,965-acre conservation area owned by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and located south of Gueydan, Louisiana

Whooping crane release pen at White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area. Photo courtesy Sara Zimorski, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Foraging whooping cranes. Photo courtesy of Sara Zimorski, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

17

Coordinated Statewide New Jersey American Oystercatcher Conservation Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey

Project Overview New Jersey hosts a significant portion of the range-wide breeding population of American oystercatcher. Given New Jersey’s highly recreational coastal environment and the state’s limited suitable oystercatcher habitat, cultivating the oystercatcher population in New Jersey is critical for the long-term range-wide success of the species.

Several non-profit organizations, universities,

and federal, state, and municipal agencies are currently involved in American oystercatcher conservation or research within New Jersey. In an effort to stimulate a collaborative and intensive effort to conserve New Jersey American oystercatchers, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey is developing an integrated and focused approach to American oystercatcher conservation in the state. Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey is implementing a coordinated statewide conservation program for New Jersey American oystercatchers by hiring an American oystercatcher coordinator, hosting stakeholder meetings, and developing a statewide conservation plan. The project includes direct on-the-ground management that focuses on human disturbance, predators, and other factors that negatively impact oystercatcher productivity. Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey is also conducting monitoring during breeding and migratory periods, and making an effort to increase public awareness about oystercatchers within the state. The project’s primary long-term goal is to help facilitate a 30% increase in the oystercatcher population range-wide and within New Jersey over a 10-year period.

Year of Award: 2011



Species Benefitted: American oystercatcher

Project Location: The New Jersey Atlantic coast from Sandy Hook to Cape May Point

American oystercatcher with chicks in Shark River Inlet, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Tom McKelvey.

Stone Harbor Point/Hereford Inlet, New Jersey has one of the highest concentrations of breeding American oystercatchers in the state. Photo courtesy of Todd Pover.

18

Restoring the Population of Scripps’s Murrelet on Catalina (CA) Santa Catalina Island Conservancy

Project Overview Scripps’s murrelet is listed as threatened under the State of California's Endangered Species Act. Due to its small and declining population and limited geographic area, the species is also a candidate for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. Catalina Island is believed to support 5% of the total population of Scripps’s murrelet, but it also serves as a significant site for connecting populations from Santa Barbara Island (California) with populations from the Coronado Islands (Baja California). Scripps’s murrelet breeding habitats are poorly understood, and therefore very

little action has been taken to protect the species on Catalina Island. The overall goal of this project is to increase the population size of Scripps’s murrelet on Catalina Island by increasing reproductive output and recruitment and by decreasing chick and egg mortality through habitat restoration and threat reduction. Santa Catalina Island Conservancy will generate baseline measures by surveying

the entirety of Catalina Island to obtain a preliminary estimate of the population size of Scripps’s murrelet and to locate all Scripps’s murrelet breeding areas. Santa Catalina Island Conservancy is addressing threats to the Scripps’s murrelet population by restoring marine and terrestrial habitats. The Conservancy is restoring native plants, reducing light pollution, and removing invasive predatory animals on nesting sites.

Year of Award: 2012



Species Benefitted: Scripps’s murrelet

Project Location: The West End of Catalina Island, an isolated area of the island that contains a majority of Scripps’s murrelet colonies; Catalina Island, the third largest Channel Island, is located 26 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, California

Typical Scripps’s murrelet nesting habitat. There are at least three nests present at this site. Photo courtesy of Santa Catalina Island Conservancy.

Scripps’s murrelet about to be released after being banded. Photo courtesy of Santa Catalina Island Conservancy.

19

Wetlands

Wetlands in the United States are highly diverse. This diversity means that wetlands offer an

extraordinary array of ecological benefits. They provide critical stopover habitat for migratory birds and

provide vital nesting and foraging habitat for resident bird species. Wetlands are also responsible for

many ecological functions including recharging groundwater

supplies; slowing stormwater and thereby reducing flooding

impacts; maintaining biological diversity and wildlife

habitat; and increasing water quality in lakes and streams by

filtering out sediments and pollutants.

Wetlands also provide key economic and social benefits.

Flood reduction, water quality improvements, recharged

drinking water supplies, wildlife viewing opportunities, and

many recreational opportunities are made possible by

wetlands and are significant contributors to the economies

of local communities. Wildlife viewing, including bird-

watching, generates billions of dollars in economic activity

each year, and much of that activity is linked to wetlands.

There were once over 200 million acres of wetlands that existed in the contiguous United States. More

than half of these acres have been altered, degraded, or destroyed. Protecting and restoring the wetlands

that remain is critical to sustaining the ecological functions they serve, the populations of birds and other

wildlife that rely on them, and the economic benefits they provide. SPIRIT of Conservation has restored

and/or enhanced over 5,000 acres of

wetland habitat to benefit numerous

migratory waterfowl and waterbirds

including trumpeter swans and

mottled ducks.

Following is a list of the wetland-

focused projects that have been

funded by SPIRIT of Conservation.

Four projects are highlighted to

provide a more comprehensive view

of some of the wetland conservation

work being implemented with

support from SPIRIT of Conservation.

10 projects benefitting

wetland bird species

5,369 acres of wetland

habitat restored

$1,310,540 in

program funding directed to wetland projects

Whooping cranes on wetlands in Louisiana. Photo courtesy of Sara Zimorski, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

20

Project Title: Salt Lakes Habitat Protection (TX) Grant Recipient: The Nature Conservancy Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $150,000 Species Benefitted: Various birds Project Description: Acquire a 697-acre easement on the San Francisco Ranch in Willacy County, Texas. The project will protect Tamaulipan thornscrub habitat and shallow salt lakes used by migratory and wintering waterbirds. Project Title: Wetland Habitat Restoration at the Whitmire Unit (TX) Grant Recipient: Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $213,000 Species Benefitted: Various shorebirds and waterfowl Project Description: Create a reliable method for delivering freshwater to 750 acres of wetlands at the Myrtle-Foester Whitmire Unit. Project Title: Market Street Mud Flat Restoration (NJ) Grant Recipient: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - New Jersey Field Office Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $35,000 Species Benefitted: Red knot and other shorebirds Project Description: Restore 25 acres of wetlands by implementing water-control techniques. The project will limit the spread of invasive Phragmites, exposing mudflats for foraging shorebirds and improving waterfowl habitat. Project Title: Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Habitat Restoration (LA) Grant Recipient: The Trust for Public Land Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $499,290 Species Benefitted: Neotropical migrant songbirds Project Description: Acquire a 612-acre addition to the Tensas River NWR and restore 561 acres to bottomland hardwood forest. The project will increase breeding habitat for Neotropical migrant songbirds. Project Title: Gros Ventre Riparian Complex Restoration Grant Recipient: Audubon Wyoming Year of Award: 2007 Award Amount: $118,000 Species Benefitted: Trumpeter swan and other waterfowl, shorebirds, and Neotropical migrants Project Description: Restore 75 acres of wetlands throughout the National Elk Refuge in northwest Wyoming. Project will replace water control structures and reconstruct dikes to improve trumpeter swan habitat.

Project Title: Improving Nesting Habitat for Mottled Ducks at Katy Prairie (TX) Grant Recipient: Katy Prairie Conservancy Year of Award: 2009 Award Amount: $75,000 Species Benefitted: Mottled duck and other ground nesting birds Project Description: Enhance prairie habitat and construct wetlands to increase mottled duck individuals, nesting sites, and broods on 550 acres of Katy Prairie. Project Title: Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge Wetlands Initiative (TX) Grant Recipient: Texas Rice Industry Coalition for the Environment Year of Award: 2012 Award Amount: $48,250 Species Benefitted: Mottled duck and other wetland-dependent birds Project Description: Create 350 acres of wetlands and refurbish a 100-acre reservoir on the Anahuac NWR to create high-quality habitat for wetland-dependent wildlife. Project Title: Ouachita Wildlife Management Area Hydrology Restoration (LA) Grant Recipient: Ducks Unlimited Year of Award: 2012 Award Amount: $100,000 Species Benefitted: Various shorebirds and waterfowl Project Description: Restore hydrology on 725 acres of emergent wetlands and 466 acres of forested wetlands. Project Title: San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge Marsh Restoration (TX) Grant Recipient: Texas Rice Industry Coalition for the Environment Year of Award: 2013 Award Amount: $22,000 Species Benefitted: Mottled duck and a variety of other shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl Project Description: Restore 700 acres of intermediate marsh on the San Bernard NWR. The project will restore the hydrology of the marsh. Project Title: Bighorn Draw Wetland Improvement (WY) Grant Recipient: Popo Agie Conservation District Year of Award: 2013 Award Amount: $50,000 Species Benefitted: Trumpeter swan, ring-necked duck, lesser scaup, and other migratory birds Project Description: Restore 125 acres of shallow wetland habitat by repairing five low level dikes, constructing a junction box, and utilizing produced water from an adjacent oil field.

21

Improving Nesting Habitat for Mottled Ducks at Katy Prairie (TX) Katy Prairie Conservancy

Project Overview Mottled ducks are a resident species of the Texas Gulf Coast and utilize the area’s coastal marshes, prairie wetlands, and associated habitats for nesting, brood rearing, and molting. Changes in land use in the region have raised concerns about the status of mottled duck populations on the western Gulf Coast. Gulf Coast Joint Venture developed a Mottled Duck Working Group and associated Mottled Duck Conservation Plan to respond to these mounting concerns; the plan highlights the need for management activities that increase nest success and brood survival in order to increase overall population of western Gulf Coast mottled ducks.

Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC) is building upon its years of work benefitting the mottled duck and utilizing the plan established by Gulf Coast Joint Venture to create suitable nesting habitat for the species at Katy Prairie. KPC is constructing 17 acres of wetlands and enhancing upland prairie and wet prairie habitat on 550 acres. Restored habitat will provide suitable nesting habitat for mottled ducks that is proximal to the newly constructed wetlands.

KPC is creating the preferred vegetative community characteristics as outlined in Gulf Coast Joint Venture’s plan: restored upland habitat includes native grasses, moderately dense growth, woody components, and permanent pasture and idle fields. A long-term project outcome will be an increase in mottled duck individuals, nesting sites, and broods on Katy Prairie.

Year of Award: 2009



Species Benefitted: Mottled duck and other ground nesting birds

Project Location: Two preserves, Nelson Farms and Warren Ranch South, located in Texas and within a much larger protected complex of coastal prairie, agricultural land, and idle fields with adjacent seasonal wetlands

Mottled ducks at Katy Prairie. Photo courtesy of Greg Lavaty.

Mottled duck habitat restoration work being conducted at Katy Prairie. Photo courtesy of Katy Prairie Conservancy.

©Greg Lavaty

22

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge Wetlands Initiative (TX) Texas Rice Industry Coalition for the Environment

Project Overview In 2012, Texas Rice Industry Coalition for the Environment (Texas RICE) created 467 acres of high-quality freshwater wetland and moist soil habitat on the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to benefit many species, including both migratory and resident wetland-dependent wildlife. This wetland construction provides much-needed brood water habitat for the imperiled mottled duck. Texas RICE also restored a 100-acre reservoir on the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. This project exceeded its initial goal to create 350 acres of wetland units. The project involved taking current rice fields and using precision leveling to construct levees and install water control structures. The 467 acres of newly created

wetland habitat will be utilized by tens of thousands of wading birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Texas RICE consulted numerous conservation plans before implementing the wetland creation. These plans include the Gulf Coast Joint Venture Mottled Duck Conservation Plan, the Gulf Coast Joint Venture Chenier Plain Initiative, the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, and the Anahuac NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan. Texas RICE has been implementing wetland conversion projects in this area since 2007. Now that this project has created an additional 467 acres of wetland habitat, over 2,300 acres of rice farmland (almost 4 square miles) has been converted to functioning, high-quality freshwater wetland and

moist soil habitat for an immense number of birds and other wildlife species.

Year of Award: 2012



Species Benefitted: Mottled duck and other wetland-dependent birds

Project Location: The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, located in Chambers County, Texas on the east side of Galveston Bay

Bald eagles at the project site on Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy of Bill Powell.

Birds flock to a restored wetland on Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy of Todd Hogrefe.

23

Ouachita Wildlife Management Area Hydrology Restoration (LA) Ducks Unlimited

Project Overview Ouachita Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is owned and managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. It is part of the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV), a region widely recognized as an important conservation area that provides continentally significant habitat for large numbers of species addressed in four major North American migratory bird conservation plans. Ouachita WMA is managed for shorebirds, furbearers, waterfowl, and other wildlife. The area is open to the public for recreational purposes and has a very high public use rate due to its proximity to two cities.

The area is comprised of emergent wetland and forested wetland habitat. Emergent wetlands need periodic flooding to produce and sustain vegetation. The pumping system at the southern unit of Ouachita WMA was lost several years ago, and due to the lack of pumping capability the area has not been able to provide quality foraging habitat. Ouachita WMA has thereby suffered decreased usage by both wildlife and the public.

Ducks Unlimited has partnered with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to restore hydrology on approximately 725 acres of emergent wetland habitat and 466 acres of forested wetland habitat on Ouachita WMA. One new relief pump is being purchased and installed, and a new platform is being constructed to house the pump. The project work will allow for long-term management throughout the 1,191-acre project area.

Year of Award: 2012



Species Benefitted: Numerous shorebirds and waterfowl

Project Location: Ouachita Wildlife Management Area is part of the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley and is located in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana

Forested wetland habitat found at Ouachita Wildlife Management Area. Photo courtesy of Andi Cooper, Ducks Unlimited.

Gadwall is one of the many waterfowl species benefitting from habitat created at Ouachita Wildlife Management Area. Photo courtesy of Andi Cooper, Ducks Unlimited.

24

Gros Ventre Riparian Complex Restoration (WY) Audubon Wyoming

Project Overview The trumpeter swan is one of Wyoming’s rarest resident bird species and has been identified as a high-priority conservation species within the state. Conserving the trumpeter swan and its habitat is also a top priority for the National Elk Refuge, located near Jackson, Wyoming. The Gros Ventre Riparian Complex, located within the refuge, was identified as one of 22 sites at which summer habitat can be provided for trumpeter swans. From 2007-2009, Audubon Wyoming restored 75 acres of wetland habitat, including vital nesting habitat, in the Gros Ventre Riparian Complex for

trumpeter swans and various other waterfowl and shorebirds. Restoration efforts included the stabilization of 420 feet of stream bank to protect two ponds. Increased abundance of native vegetation was seen immediately following project work, and numerous shorebirds and waterfowl, including trumpeter swans, were observed using the restored wetlands.

Year of Award: 2007



Species Benefitted: Trumpeter swan and other waterfowl, shorebirds, and Neotropical migrants

Project Location: Gros Ventre Riparian Complex within the National Elk Refuge, north of Jackson, Wyoming

A pair of trumpeter swans. Photo courtesy of Audubon Wyoming.

Gros Ventre Riparian Complex. Photo courtesy of Audubon Wyoming.

25

International Impact

Critical bird habitat extends beyond the lands, coasts, and waters of the United States. The migratory

routes of numerous bird species extend from Central and South America up into the United States and

Canada. SPIRIT of Conservation has supported several projects that have positively impacted migratory

birds and their habitats in Canada, China, Colombia, and Peru. These projects have helped protect over

7,000 acres of critical forested habitats in Peru and Columbia for Neotropical migratory birds like the

cerulean warbler and resident species like the critically endangered Iquitos gnatcatcher. SPIRIT of

Conservation has also helped address the conservation needs of waterfowl in Canada’s boreal forests and

migratory waterbirds along flyways in eastern China.

ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation projects benefitting international bird conservation: Project Title: Conserving the Cerulean Warbler (Colombia) Grant Recipient: American Bird Conservancy Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $62,000 Species Benefitted: Cerulean warbler Project Description: Acquire and protect 440 acres of critical wintering habitat for the cerulean warbler. This land will nearly double the current site of the Cerulean Warbler Bird Reserve, the first area in Latin America specifically designated to protect Neotropical birds. Project Title: Expansion of Abra Patricia Reserve in Peru's Yunga Grant Recipient: American Bird Conservancy Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $190,000 Species Benefitted: Numerous globally threatened resident birds and Nearctic-Neotropical migrants Project Description: Acquire 1,332 acres for the new Abra Patricia National reserve. The project will leverage funds for the conservation of an additional 487,280 acres of outstanding Peruvian Yungas forest for migratory and critically endangered endemic birds. Project Title: Flyway Habitat Protection for Cranes in China Grant Recipient: International Crane Foundation Year of Award: 2006 Award Amount: $450,000 Species Benefitted: Migratory cranes and other waterbirds Project Description: Establish partnerships to address conservation needs for endangered cranes and their ecosystems along the east China flyway.

Project Title: Migratory Bird Boreal Habitat Assessment (Alberta, Canada) Grant Recipient: Ducks Unlimited Canada Year of Award: 2007 Award Amount: $174,000 Species Benefitted: Ducks and other waterfowl Project Description: Develop a tool for identifying important migratory bird habitats across the Boreal Forest and begin assessing impacts of landscape change on waterfowl abundance in the Utikuma Lake region. Project Title: Bird Conservation in the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve (Peru) Grant Recipient: American Bird Conservancy Year of Award: 2009 Award Amount: $226,446 Species Benefitted: Iquitos gnatcatcher and other migratory Neotropical birds Project Description: Acquire private inholdings within the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve of Peru. Construct a second ranger station, maintain infrastructure, and add capacity to address wild fires. Project Title: Bird Conservation in the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve (Peru) II Grant Recipient: American Bird Conservancy Year of Award: 2011 Award Amount: $110,000 Species Benefitted: Iquitos gnatcatcher and other resident and Neotropical migrant birds Project Description: Consolidate Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve in Peru to protect endangered and migratory birds. The project will include acquisition of threatened private inholdings and local capacity building.

26

International Migratory Bird Day

International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) celebrates one of the extraordinary events in nature—the

migration of millions of birds over thousands of miles. The mystery of their navigation and the power and

endurance of their flight has inspired generations of naturalists. IMBD was established in 1993 to help

focus attention on the migration of birds and bird conservation throughout the Americas. IMBD officially

takes place on the second Saturday in May each year, but in the United States most events occur

throughout the spring migration season. IMBD has been the vehicle for experts and the public to share

information on threats to birds throughout the hemisphere and on ways to help protect them.

ConocoPhillips and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation have had a long history of supporting this

important program. We encourage everyone to join in this endeavor.

ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation projects focused on International Migratory Bird Day:

International Migratory Bird Day/Bird IQ International Migratory Bird Day

Project Overview International Migratory Bird Day increased its presence in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America. This project improved the availability of information and materials about birds and their conservation. All aspects of IMBD grew including the number of IMBD events

and programs, the number of countries involved in IMBD events, IMBD’s web presence, and the quantity of education materials distributed.

The Birder's Conservation Commitment and Footprint Environment for the Americas, Inc.

Project Overview Environment for the Americas created the first international walkathon for conservation, Walk on the Wild Side. Walk on the Wild Side is a venue through which individuals and organizations may commit to bird conservation through

community involvement. Walk on the Wild Side programs are designed to be implemented by organizations at International Migratory Bird Day events across the United States. Environment for the Americas created on-line tools, promotional materials, and guidance so that organizations can effectively and easily host Walk on the Wild Side events at any site.

Year of Award: 2006



Project Location: United States, Central America, and South America

Year of Award: 2009



Project Location: United States; program developed for use at International Migratory Bird Day events

conocophillips spirit of conservation migratory bird … · program accomplishments 2005-2013...

Documents