House Natural Resources Committee
Water, Oceans and Wildlife Subcommittee
Going, Going, Gone? An Assessment of the Global Decline in Bird Populations
In light of recent scientific research documenting noticeable declines in many common bird populations in the United States, the House Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, led by Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU), will hold an oversight hearing to investigate probable causes and potential effects of the decline on ecosystems.
Birds are of great ecological, economic and scientific value to the United States and other countries. Annual survey data by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Audubon Society, however, have revealed significant declines in the average population of birds across the continent.
The Subcommittee will hear from bird experts and other officials to further investigate the factors affecting stressed bird populations and bird habitats, and to explore possible policy options to address this situation.
Witnesses:
- Paul R. Schmidt, Assistant Director, Migratory Birds and State Programs, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Department of the Interior
Accompanied by: Wayne E. Thogmartin, Ph.D., United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior,
(Dr. Thogmartin will be available to answer questions but will not testify)
- David Erickson, Assistant Director, Missouri Department of Conservation
- John Wiens, Ph.D., Chief Conservation Science Officer, PRBO Conservation Science
- George E. Wallace, Ph.D., Vice President, International Programs, American Bird Conservancy
- Tom Bancroft, National Science Director, National Audubon Society
- Dale Humburg, Chief Biologist, Ducks Unlimited