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Congress Approves major funding increase for Long Island Sound Restoration

Washington, DC, Saturday, October 31, 2009 - As the debate on the federal budget has come to an end, Congress and the President have agreed to spend $7 million for protecting and restoring Long Island Sound, more than double the funding received last year. This funding will be split between the Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Acts, and stimulate efforts to improve water quality and protect important open spaces around this critical national treasure.

“Today is a great day for Long Island Sound, and this increased funding will jumpstart desperately needed water quality improvements, habitat protection initiatives, and enhanced public access opportunities, ensuring future generations will be able to enjoy a cleaner Long Island Sound.,” Said Albert E. Caccese, Executive Director of Audubon New York, the state program of the National Audubon Society. “We applaud our Congressional champions, especially Congressman Israel, Congresswoman Lowey, Congressman Bishop, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and the rest of the Long Island Sound Congressional Caucus members for fighting hard for this critical funding.”

To view a copy of the press release, click here.

Birds on the Brink: Private Landowners key to survival of Grassland Birds in NY
Audubon New York releases comprehensive plan for conserving fast declining bird species: Partners with DEC on creative incentive program

Ithaca, NY May 29, 2009–Fueled by habitat loss from suburban sprawl and industrialized agricultural practices, populations of New York’s grassland bird species are plummeting faster than any other habitat specific group of birds. To guide new and ongoing efforts to curb these precipitous declines, Audubon New York released a comprehensive Plan for Conserving Grassland Birds in New York. This groundbreaking assessment finds that private landowners and farmland preservation hold the key to the future survival of these species.

"This new plan provides the right ‘recipe’ for the state and private landowners to follow in protecting and properly managing habitat for grassland bird species before it’s too late." said Albert E. Caccese, Executive Director of Audubon New York. "As the majority of grassland bird habitat is in private ownership, individual landowners can play a crucial role in their conservation. Providing incentives and landowner education is critical to promote healthy wildlife populations that support local economies through outdoor recreation and ecotourism in rural New York."

Click here to read the rest of the release visit.
Also visit the DEC’s website for more details on the Land Owner Incentive Program.

Congressman Tim Bishop and Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward Honored for their Leadership to Restore Long Island Sound

New York, NY April 16, 2009–To celebrate the continued recovery of Long Island Sound, two of the most prominent leaders in the restoration efforts, Congressman Tim Bishop and Christopher O. Ward, The Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, were honored as the 2009 recipients of the Sound Guardian Award. This Award is given on an annual basis to outstanding policy makers whose actions have made a difference in the protection, restoration and stewardship of Long Island Sound.

The 2009 Sound Guardian Award was presented by Congressman Jerrold Nadler on behalf of the Clean Water/Jobs Coalition. Congressman Tim Bishop received the 2009 Sound Guardian Award for his leadership in urging Congress to prioritize the restoration of Long Island Sound’s water quality and beaches. Christopher O. Ward, received the 2009 Sound Guardian Award for his legacy of restoring Long Island Sound while serving as Commissioner of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Managing Director of The General Contractors Association of New York, Inc..

For a copy of the press release and photos on the event, Click here

Assemblyman Robert K. Sweeney Awarded Audubon New York's Prestigious William Hoyt Environmental Excellence Award

On March 27-29, 2009, over 50 Chapter leaders from a cross the state joined Audubon New York and the Audubon Council of New York State at the Spring Audubon Assembly. In addition to finalizing their annual conservation agenda, members were treated to a presentations by renowned author and ornithologist Kenn Kaufman, who provided a riveting account of bird conservation efforts in coffee producing regions of the world. In addition, Audubon presented Assemblyman Robert K. Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst), with the 2009 William Hoyt Environmental Excellence Award. Assemblyman Sweeney, Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, was chosen for his steadfast leadership on critical environmental issues including; preserving the Environmental Protection Fund, sponsorship of the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill and Wetlands protection measures, and securing passage of the Great Lakes Compact. Click here for a copy of the full release

Creating Urban Bird Habitat in Unlikely Places: Chimneys
Audubon and New York State Parks honor dedicated conservationist by building nest boxes to save a fast declining bird species

New York, NY March 27, 2009— With the spring bird migration just beginning, The National Audubon Society, Audubon New York and New York City Audubon, in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, have built Chimney Swift towers to lay out the welcome mat for this fast declining migratory bird. The towers have been erected in three State Parks in New York City: Clay Pit Ponds State Park in Staten Island, East River State Park in Brooklyn, and Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx, in an effort to provide nesting places for the Chimney Swift and honor the legacy of a dedicated conservationist. These towers are being installed in memory of Geoffrey Cobb Ryan an important leader in the Audubon movement in New York. Click here to read the full release