Responsibilities of Federal Agencies To Protect Migratory Birds
Federal Agencies Must Make Plans to Protect Migratory Birds
What it does
Agencies must develop and implement Memoranda of Understanding with the Fish and Wildlife Service to avoid and reduce harmful effects on migratory birds.
Real-world impact
- Requires agencies to sign conservation MOUs within two years.
- Adds bird impact reviews to agency environmental analyses.
- Establishes an interagency council to oversee conservation efforts.
Topics
Summary
This order requires executive departments and agencies whose actions harm or could harm migratory birds to develop and implement a Memorandum of Understanding with the Fish and Wildlife Service within two years; the Fish and Wildlife Service must set a schedule for these MOUs within 180 days.
It directs agencies to avoid or lessen intentional and accidental killing of birds, include bird impacts in environmental reviews, restore and protect bird habitat, report intentional take, provide employee training, and form partnerships. A new interagency council will oversee implementation and report annually.
Questions, answered
Ask questions about this executive order and its implications. Try:
- “What agencies are affected by this order?”
- “How does this order change existing policy?”
- “What are the practical implications of this order?”