[BCNnet] LEGISLATION TO PROTECT WETLANDS

[Judy Pollock]

>
>
> Washington, D.C., July 24, 2002 - Audubon today hailed proposed legislation
> that would restore federal protection for millions of acres of wetlands that
> provide crucial habitat for birds and other wildlife.
>
> The Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2002 seeks to remedy a Supreme
> Court decision last year that removed federal protection for "isolated"
> wetlands across the United States.  That decision said federal officials
> could not rely on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act -- or the presence of
> migrating birds -- as the sole factor when acting to protect wetlands that
> are separated from navigable waterways or other wetlands. 
>
> "These wetlands are not isolated from wildlife, they are a haven for birds,
> and the Supreme Court decision seriously undercuts their protections," said
> Bob Perciasepe, Audubon's Senior VP for Public Policy.  "Millions of birds
> depend on isolated wetlands for their survival."  
>
> More than half of the duck population produced each year in North America
> comes from breeding in isolated wetlands known as "prairie potholes," for
> example.  Prairie potholes provide vital habitat for hundreds of
thousands of
> migratory shorebirds and endangered species including piping plovers and
bald
> eagles. These wetlands are in danger of disappearing as more land is used
for
> agriculture and development. 
>
> Other types of isolated wetlands, such as bogs and playas, provide crucial
> habitat for shore birds, raptors, cranes and other migratory birds. Isolated
> wetlands, which are connected hydrologically to navigable waters, also
filter
> pollutants from surface run-off, removing pollutants before the water is
> taken up by animals, birds and plants. 
>
> The legislation was introduced today in the Senate by Sen. Russ Feingold
> (D-Wis.) and in the House by Reps. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) and John Dingell
> (D-Mich.).