CLEVELAND (August 15, 2019) — Today, Audubon Great Lakes and leaders from Blackbrook Audubon Society, Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, and Lake Metroparks took Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) on a bird walk through Veteran’s Memorial Park in Mentor, OH. Audubon thanked the Congressman for introducing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2019, an important piece of legislation that would increase funding for the GLRI from $300 million to $475 million over the next five years, and emphasized the overall importance of federal conservation funding.

“Billions of birds migrate through the Great Lakes region every year, drawing nearly 40 million anglers, hunters and bird watchers annually,” said Dave. “It is undeniable that the Great Lakes are a national treasure and an economic powerhouse, which is why I have championed efforts to reauthorize and fully fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to protect the Great Lakes for current and future generations. I applaud the conservation work conducted by Audubon Great Lakes and I look forward to our continued efforts to preserve Lake Erie and the species that depend on it.”

“Audubon applauds Congressman Joyce’s leadership on Great Lakes restoration funding which has been crucial to protect and restore Lake Erie and the birds and people that depend on it,” said Marnie Urso, Policy Director for Audubon Great Lakes. “The GLRI enhances water quality and habitat protection for birds like Least Bittern, which is even more at risk in a changing climate. The GLRI Act will ensure that additional investments in our Great Lakes benefit the 30 million people and the 350 plus species of birds that call the Great Lakes home.”

“Places like Veteran’s Park are important for birds in the Great Lakes region and for the people right here in northeast Ohio. Blackbrook Audubon Society supports increasing that investment, and I really appreciate Congressman Joyce taking the time to experience the benefits of conservation right here in our community,” added Becky Donaldson, President of Blackbrook Audubon Society.

Veteran’s Memorial Park, located near the Lake Erie shoreline, is a remnant of original Ohio swamp forest and a birding hotspot that has received $74,250 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
 

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Contact: Marnie Urso, Policy Director, Audubon Great Lakes

216-246-7150

murso@audubon.org

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.