Migratory Bird Conservation - A Trust Responsibility

Target Audience:

Biologists, natural resource professionals, and law enforcement personnel responsible for implementing and administering federal agency actions that have potential for impacting migratory birds.

Summary and Objectives:

Enacted in 1918, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is an enduring cornerstone of the nation's wildlife conservation laws. This course is designed to give participants a working knowledge of the legal and conservation implications of the MBTA, with special attention given to the responsibilities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through its programs for migratory bird conservation. Partnerships, resources, and initiatives that address migratory bird conservation will also be discussed in detail, providing participants an excellent overview of how they can further implement migratory bird conservation.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the intent, applicability, and protections of the MBTA.
• Identify the responsibilities and challenges to the Service and other partners in implementing and enforcing the MBTA and other related bird conservation regulations.
• Discuss the existing initiatives, resources, and partnerships that have been developed to address migratory bird conservation.
• Determine the applicability of certain MBTA permits or regulations under various field scenarios and which activities require an MBTA Permit.

Competencies Addressed: 

Conservation Biology - Awareness, Ornithology - Awareness, Wildlife Biology - Awareness, Compliance - Awareness, Partnering - Awareness