MADISON, WI (WSAU-WXPR) — The U.S. and Canada will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Migratory Bird Treaty tomorrow. This historic agreement established bird protection measures across state and international borders.
DNR spokesperson Meredith Penthorn says ecological destruction at the turn of the 19th century led conservationists in each nation to work together to maintain bird populations. She says state and provincial laws were passed but lacked enforcement. She says the nations moved to protect migratory birds, especially after the loss of one species.
Penthorn said, “In 1914, one of the deciding factors was the demise of the last Passenger Pidgeon. Considering that bird was one of the most numerous birds in the world at the time it really got lawmakers thinking a lot more carefully about what needs to be done.”
Penthorn says a significant meeting happens in Rothschild on October 27 when the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative is held. The overall theme of the meeting, “Protecting Birds through Action and Art,” brings together bird conservation partners and Bird City Wisconsin representatives to address threats to birds and art’s influence on bird conservation.
By Ken Krall, WXPR.
