Executive Order 13186 Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds

Executive Order – The Basics Birds have economic and ecological value U.S. agencies have obligations to implement the Treaties Federal Agencies that may have negative effects must develop an MOU

Executive Order – Important Points Avoid or minimize impacts of actions Restore and enhance habitat Ensure environmental impact analysis incorporates birds (NEPA) Identify actions that are likely to impact birds (stressors) Promote bird conservation through education, outreach and training Focus on BCC species

EO Implementation The US Fish and Wildlife Service Role: Leads coordination and implementation of the EO Provide training opportunities Provide guidance and technical assistance to federal agencies Provide guidance necessary for agencies to incorporate migratory bird conservation more fully into their programs

Council for the Conservation of Migratory Birds An interagency Council to oversee the implementation of the Executive Order Council members are Bureau Directors/Administrators Formed by the Secretary of Interior to establish an interagency Council to oversee the implementation of the Executive Order. Council members are Bureau Director/Administrator level staff Staff committee to “do the work”

Council for the Conservation of Migratory Birds Goals: Promote coordination and collaboration Improve opportunities for effective conservation of migratory birds Recognize positive impacts federal agencies have on bird populations Ensure successful implementation of conservation responsibilities Promote coordination and collaboration of migratory bird conservation amongst the Federal agencies whose actions may affect migratory bird populations Improve opportunities for Federal activities to more effectively protect and conserve migratory birds and recognize positive impacts Federal agencies are having on migratory bird populations Ensure that each representative agency to which EO 13186 …is applicable successfully implements its migratory bird conservation responsibilities…

Council for the Conservation of Migratory Birds Staff Committee that works to implement the EO Subcommittees address specific tasks Avian Resources Conservation Measures Formed by the Secretary of Interior to establish an interagency Council to oversee the implementation of the Executive Order. Council members are Bureau Director/Administrator level staff Staff committee to “do the work”

Developing Tools Tools Being Developed by Council Agencies: Data Management and Decision-support NEPA Recommendations Conservation Measures Facility Management Standard Conservation Measures Avian Knowledge Network

Presidential Award Annual Report

Executive Order 13186: MOUs Agencies are required to complete an MOU …If actions may have negative effect on birds Outlines how agencies will reduce impacts Clarifies direction and expectations

DoD MOU Purpose …to promote the conservation of migratory bird populations …while sustaining the use of military managed lands and airspace for testing, training, and operations ALSO TELLS THEM TO “PREVENT OR ABATE DETRIMENTAL ALTERATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS

A Closer Look at the MOU Avoid and minimize stressors Habitat protection that does not impede military training Prevent spread of invasive species Collaborate with partners Information sharing and management Include migratory birds in NEPA reviews Develop policies for facility management