FEINGOLD, BALDWIN INTRODUCE CRANE CONSERVATION ACT
Bipartisan Legislation Would Build on Successful Conservation EffortsLike
Those in Wisconsin
March 29, 2007
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) and U.S.
Representative Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) have introduced legislation in their
respective houses of Congress to protect cranes throughout North America
and the world. The Crane Conservation Act would provide funding to assist
in the recovery of several endangered crane species, enlist the Department
of Interior in helping enhance international and domestic crane conservation
projects, and encourage the Department of Interior to seek the input
of individuals and organizations actively involved in crane conservation.
Feingold introduced the Senate bill along with Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID).
“This legislation will build directly on successful conservation
efforts that have helped prevent the extinction of some crane species,”
Feingold said. “My home state of Wisconsin has been a part of
truly inspirational efforts to recover cranes and we would all like
to see similar success not only domestically but internationally, as
well. We need to enhance education and research opportunities for crane
conservationists so they can continue their important work to save these
magnificent birds.”
“The International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI has been a
world leader in protecting this endangered family of birds,” said
Congresswoman Baldwin. “With federal support, the work done in
Baraboo can inspire and instruct conservationists at home and abroad
in their efforts to protect this magnificent species. This is the Wisconsin
Idea in action and I’m proud to join Senator Feingold in introducing
this important legislation,” Baldwin said.
Cranes are the most endangered family of birds in the world, with eleven
of the world's fifteen species at risk of extinction. None is rarer
than the North American Whooping Crane. Industrial development, pollution,
and encroachments on their natural habitat have all contributed to the
shrinking crane population worldwide. The Feingold/Baldwin bill will
encourage further crane conservation efforts on behalf of endangered
cranes throughout the world by supporting initiatives and organizations
dedicated to the protection of these beautiful birds and their ecosystems.
Wisconsin plays an important role in crane conservation. Since 2001,
young whooping cranes have migrated from Wisconsin’s Necedah National
Wildlife Refuge to their breeding grounds in Florida’s Chassahowitzka
Wildlife Refuge in an effort to reintroduce a migratory flock into their
historic range in the eastern United States. The 1,300-mile journey
involves a cooperative effort between federal and state governments,
landowners, volunteers, and non-governmental organizations. The reintroduced
birds have come from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Patuxent
Wildlife Research Center in Maryland, as well as a captive flock established
at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The Crane
Conservation Act of 2007 is endorsed by the International Crane Foundation,
the National Wildlife Refuge Association, and Defenders of Wildlife.
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