About The Ornithological Council
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Purpose
Need for the Council
Council Clients
Ornithological Concerns
Services
Ornithological Council News
You Can Help
Officers of the Council
Member Societies
of the Ornithological Council
Representatives of Member Societies to the Ornithological
Council Board of Directors
for more information on the Ornithological Council contact Dr. David Blockstein
at OC@CNIE.org
Purpose
The Council and its members:
- Link the scientific community with public and private decision-makers
- Provide timely information about birds to help ensure scientifically-based
decisions, policies, and management actions
- Inform ornithologists of proposals and actions that affect birds or
the study of birds
- Speak for scientific ornithology on public issues
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Need for the Council
Public interest in birds is at an all-time high, with billions of dollars
spent annually on bird-related recreation and business. Public policy issues
involving such birds as - the Bald Eagle, Northern Spotted Owl, Red-cockaded
Woodpecker, and California Gnatcatcher - receive attention at the highest
levels of government.
However, few ornithologists participate in policy decisions regarding birds.
Additionally, ornithologists are concerned about levels of funding for research,
employment prospects for ornithologists, the long-term viability of government
regulations on avian research.
All of these concerns point out a communication gap between ornithologists
and users of scientific information. The Ornithological Council was formed
to improve this situation.
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Council Clients
A broad spectrum of clients are served, including:
- Public policy-makers
- Wildlife resource managers
- Scientists and educators
- The general public
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Ornithological Concerns
The Council works on issues that affect birds and their survival, as well
as the needs of ornithologists. It attempts to resolve conflicts and seeks
to promote sound management and sustainability in uses of natural resources.
Some issues of concern include:
- Funding for ornithological research and educational programs
- Governmental regulations and permits for avian research activities
- Habitat and biodiversity management decisions
- Impacts of birds on fisheries, urban areas and agriculture
- Declining, threatened and endangered species
- Information on the role of birds in ecosystems
- Standards for use and maintenance of live birds in research
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Services
Database of Expertise
One of the Council's major objectives is to develop a database of ornithological
experts. This proprietary computerized file will list scientists by specialty
and qualifications. From this file, the Council can identify scientists to
review research projects, to serve as expert witnesses, and to provide management
or policy advice concerning birds. A survey of potential users will precede
development of the database.
Analyze Funding Trends in Ornithological Programs
The Council reviews trends in government funding for ornithological programs.
The Breeding Bird Survey and the North American Bird Banding Program collect
vital information about birds. The Banding Lab, for example, maintains records
of 51 million banded birds - essential data for the study of migration patterns
and population trends. There are a growing number of uses for such large
and continuing data sources, and demands upon these programs increase each
year. The Council encourages long-term support of these programs and works
to improve their ability to meet user needs.
Information Exchange to Improve the Quality of Decisions
The Council, headquartered in Washington, D. C.,. provides an active presence
in the federal arena for those who study avian systematics, ecology, physiology,
behavior, anatomy and management. The Council communicates with this entire
science community on a regular basis. A full-time staff will enable the Council
to call upon its members to provide imput into important decisions within
government agencies and to advise environmental groups and industry in management
decisions. The Council and its member groups provide testimony, issue reports
and resolutions, and identify potential speakers for groups upon request.
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You Can Help
Your financial contribution is welcome. The Council is also soliciting funding
as "seed money" from environmental foundations. Your contribution to support
the Council's goals and activites is fully tax deductible; the Council is
a 501(c)(3) organization for charitable, research and educational giving
purposes.
Ornithologists who wish to participate in the Council's activities should
complete the form below.
We do not currently have the ability to process donations online.
To Help
Name ___________________________
Address ___________________________
___________________________
Phone ___________________________
Fax ___________________________
E-Mail ___________________________
Amount of tax-deductible contribution enclosed $___________________________
(All contributions are tax-deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS
Code)
Please mail to: The Ornithological Council
Attn: D. Blockstein
1707 H Street, NW Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
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Officers of the Council
Executive Director
Ellen Paul
8722 Preston Place
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Phone (301) 986-8568
Fax (301) 986-5205
epaul@concentric.net
Chair
David Blockstein, Ph.D.
1707 H St., NW, Suite 200
Washington DC 20006.
Phone (202) 207-0004
Fax (202) 628-4311
OC@CNIE.org
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