Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: January 5, 2005
CONTACT: Sean Mahar
PHONE: (518) 869-9731

Governor Pataki Celebrates National Audubon Society's
100th Birthday in State of the State

20 New Bird Conservation Areas Pledged

Albany, NY - Governor George E. Pataki today in his State of the State address celebrated the National Audubon Society's 100th birthday. It was on January 5, 1905, that the National Association of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals, later shortened to the National Audubon Society, filed its incorporation papers with New York's Secretary of State. This act marked the beginning of a national bird conservation movement under the umbrella of Audubon.

"We could not be more pleased with today's birthday surprise from the governor," said David Miller, Executive Director of Audubon New York, the state program of the National Audubon Society, on the Governor's announcement. "In 1905 we had Teddy Roosevelt, and now in 2005 we have George Pataki leading the charge for conservation."

"What a wonderful birthday present for Audubon. Our partnership with the State and the Governor has never been more productive," said Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Audubon New York.

In 1905, then President Teddy Roosevelt led ground breaking conservation efforts with leaders from Audubon such as William Dutcher (National Audubon Society's first president) and George Bird Grinnel (founder of Bird Lore). Today, that conservation tradition has continued in New York State with the Governor's goal of 20 New Bird Conservation Areas over the next two years, and yesterday's announcement of 104,000 acres of newly protected forest land in the Adirondacks.

"New York State has been at the forefront of bird conservation and protection throughout history, from the passage of the nation's first 'Audubon Plumage Law' in 1910 to the most recent passage of the nation's first Bird Conservation Area (BCA) Law in 1997" stated Miller. "We are thrilled with the Governor's Pledge to designate 20 new BCAs over the next two years adding to the 28 sites already established."

In 1997, with leadership from Governor Pataki, the legislature passed The New York State Bird Conservation Area Program, modeled after the National Audubon Society's Important Bird Areas (IBA) program, to safeguard and enhance bird populations and their habitats on State lands and waters. The BCA Program applies criteria developed under the IBA program to state-owned properties, and integrates bird conservation interests into agency planning on these lands. Already 28 sites have been designated, protecting bird habitats from Western New York to Long Island.

"A full century after its foundation, Audubon remains the nation's leading bird conservation organization," stated John Flicker, president of National Audubon Society. "From our landmark Important Bird Area program, to the recent battle to restore the nest site of legendary Red-tailed Hawk, Pale Male, Audubon's work today is as relevant and critical to bird conservation as it was 100 years ago. We will be here through the next 100 years to give voice to those same founding values and principles."

Audubon will be celebrating its centennial throughout the year with events across the country, including both annual activities like the Great Backyard Bird Count (Feb. 18-21, 2005), and new, special centennial events. Audubon New York will have specific activities at our Audubon Centers and with our local Chapters across the State throughout the year. For more information, and to learn more about Audubon's history of conservation, please visit ny.audubon.org or contact Sean Mahar (518-869-9731 / smahar@audubon.org).

Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.

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