Defenders of Wildlife Blog

WASHINGTON—The Interior Department announced plans yesterday to review a proposal for  an 847-mile long transmission line capable of delivering some 7,000 megawatts of wind energy generated off the Atlantic coast to the grid.

The proposed Offshore Atlantic Wind Connection transmission line would link up to offshore wind energy areas off Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia. Interior will announce the locations of these wind energy areas next month.

Defenders of Wildlife advocates for “Smart from the Start” clean energy development, where projects and transmission lines are guided to low-conflict areas and avoid and effectively mitigate unavoidable impacts to wildlife.

Defenders will be reviewing the plan to ensure that it protects key habitat for the endangered right whale, important flyways for migratory birds and habitat for other sensitive  wildlife.

The following is a statement from Jim Lyons, Defenders of Wildlife’s senior director for renewable energy:

“Defenders of Wildlife supports renewable energy that is ‘Smart from the Start’ and is part of a comprehensive strategy for offshore wind energy, which includes transmission.

“The Atlantic coast  offers  significant clean energy potential that can help shift our nation away from dangerous and dirty fossil fuels and offshore drilling. But the key to wind energy’s success is developing wind projects and  transmission lines in low-conflict areas and operating them  to avoid harming sensitive wildlife and habitat.

“Some of these offshore waters are critically important to endangered right whales and other important wildlife species.  We will be reviewing the proposed route to determine if the project can be permitted efficiently and with greater certainty for developers, investors, and conservationists by avoiding and effectively mitigating unavoidable impacts on right whales and other imperiled wildlife.”

BOSTON (October 31, 2011)— Conservation and animal protection groups filed a lawsuit today asking a federal court in Massachusetts to hold the National Marine Fisheries Service accountable for continuing to allow four federal fisheries to injure and kill endangered whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.

Each year, endangered whales become entangled in commercial fishing gear. Entanglement makes it harder for them to swim, feed and reproduce and it can cause a chronic infection or even drowning.

Already, 2011 has seen the death of two right whales from entanglement, as well as at least seven additional new entanglement reports for right whales. Since June alone, eight endangered humpback whales have been reported with first time entanglements.

“Every single right whale counts when it comes to ensuring the species’ survival, but the Fisheries Service continues to place whales at risk of injury and death,” said Sharon Young, marine issues field director for The Humane Society of the United States. “Safeguarding the right whale from entanglements in fishing gear is a vital step towards moving this species out of the emergency room and onto the path to recovery.”

“The Fisheries Service needs to take immediate action to put protections in place to make the fisheries safer. If they don’t act now, we will see the extinction of the right whale in our lifetime.”

“The Fisheries Service is well aware that North Atlantic right whales need better protections, yet it is allowing these fisheries to continue to operate without them,” said Sierra Weaver, attorney for Defenders of Wildlife. “The Fisheries Service needs to take immediate action to put protections in place to make the fisheries safer. If they don’t act now, we will see the extinction of the right whale in our lifetime.”

“In an increasingly busy ocean, the survival and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale depends on protecting each individual from entanglement-related injuries and deaths,” said Regina Asmutis-Silvia, senior biologist for Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.

Background:

• The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world’s most endangered large whales, with an estimated population of less than 400 individuals. In fact, the National Marine Fisheries Service (“NMFS”) has previously stated that the “loss of even a single individual may contribute to the extinction of the species.”
• NMFS has cited entanglements in commercial fishing gear as one of the most significant threats to the right whale’s survival and recovery. Yet, almost every year since 2002, at least one entangled right whale has been found dead or so gravely injured that death is deemed likely.
• In addition to right whales, fishing gear used by the American lobster, northeast multispecies, monkfish, and spiny dogfish fisheries continues to injure and kill endangered humpback, fin, and sei whales.
• Today’s lawsuit was filed by Defenders of Wildlife, the Humane Society of the United States and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society in the federal district court for Massachusetts.

Learn more:

See what Defenders is doing to make waters safer for critically endangered right whales.

This October, the Defenders Wildlife Volunteer Corps once again took to the shrubland of Kittery, Maine, planting 600 plants and continuing to restore habitat for the state-threatened New England cottontail. In what has become our most popular recurring volunteer event with the Fish and Wildlife’s (FWS) Rachel Carson Refuge, our band of bunny faithfuls once again picked up their shovels and headed into the wilderness and did their part to help this state icon survive.

The Kittery site covers about 9 acres in its second year of growing. Already starting to look like the shrubland habitat the New England cottontail depends on for survival, the Fish and Wildlife Service is working with this plot and several others in the area to determine the most effective way to restore them.

Karrie, the FWS project leader from the Rachel Carson Refuge had this to say: “Brian, thank you and the Defenders volunteers that came out to help us. They always have great attitudes and help us move closer to our management goals. We truly appreciate all your and the volunteers’ support over the years. You all have made substantial contributions to this project and we would not have accomplished this without your support!”

And we here at Defenders thank you for your efforts too!

Named for an ancient Aztec emperor, the town of Montezuma in the heart of the Empire State is also the home of New York’s oldest wildlife refuge. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is located on the northern end of Lake Cayuga between Rochester and Syracuse, New York.  Founded in 1938, it’s still one of the best places to enjoy wildlife.

The 9,000-acre refuge includes forests, grasslands and wetlands. In 1973, the swamps of the Montezuma were designated as a national natural landmark—which means the land is valuable to science and education because of its unique geology and ecosystem. And the wetlands are widely considered shining examples of undisturbed marsh habitat endemic to New York and New England.

The varied land lends itself to biological diversity. If you’re looking for a place to see an array of wildlife, look no further than Montezuma Refuge. The refuge boasts 243 bird species, 43 mammals, 16 amphibians and 15 reptiles.

Like many wetlands in the Northeast, Montezuma is part of the Atlantic flyway, where migratory birds stop to refuel. Snow geese, tundra swans, American black ducks and mallards flock in huge numbers over the lakes and marshes as they journey to and from home. Other birds like great blue herons, crowned night herons, and even bald eagles call the refuge home. In 1976, Montezuma Refuge was the site of the first ever bald eagle “hacking”­— a process where juvenile birds are brought to an uninhabited area and raised in high towers to mimic nests in the wild. Ideally, the raptors will return to breed in these areas — eventually recovering the population. The project that started at Montezuma was a success and continued on in other parts of the New York. In a little less than two decades, the number of nesting pairs of eagles skyrocketed from just one to 10 by 1989.

What To Do?

Today, there are several active bald eagle nests throughout the refuge. One nest can be spotted from Armitage Road right off of NY State Highway 89. Four of the refuge’s hiking trails also provide an opportunity to see eagles and other animals up close.

You can even watch or photograph wildlife from your own vehicle with the refuge’s three-mile Wildlife Drive. The route runs along the refuge’s Main Pool and has designated viewing areas, where you can hop out to get a closer look. Beaver, deer, red fox and turtles are common sites. A photo blind is located along the route to help you stealthily capture brilliant pictures.

The refuge’s visitor center is open from April through December. Inside, volunteers can help you plan your visit. You can also check out the exhibits to learn about the refuge’s wildlife and the history of the land. In spring and summer, you can also view osprey nesting close up and in real time thanks to Osprey Cam— a Web broadcast provided by Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.

Friends of Montezuma also holds an annual photography contest, and the winners have their photographs published in the Friends’ calendar.

There is enough to see and do that any visitor will be able to keep themselves busy. The refuge is simply an oasis of beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife nestled in the heart of New York. Take some time away from machine-brewed morning coffees and street lunches to TAKE REFUGE  in Montezuma, NY.

Philadelphia is a city of tradition. It’s the home of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. But you may not know that it also preserves some of our nation’s natural heritage.

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, located within the city limits, protects the last 200 acres of freshwater tidal marsh in the entire state. All summer long we’ve encouraged you to escape big cities — to reconnect with your wild side. This time you don’t have to leave the urban jungle to enjoy nature.

History

In the early 17^th century, settlers erected stonewalls and drained much of the Tinicum Marsh to provide grazing areas for livestock. Back then, the marsh covered more than 5,000 acres. However, rapid urbanization in the early 20th century reduced it to the current size. To protect the remaining wetlands, Congress established the Tinicum Environmental Center in 1972, which was later renamed in honor of the late Sen. John Heinz III. When land acquisitions are finalized, the refuge will protect some 1,200 acres of habitat, according the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

What to Do

Admission is free to the public and the refuge grounds are open every day year round from sunrise to sunset (except the education center, which is closed on federal holidays). Visitors can download a wealth of information from the refuge’s knowledgeable staff about events, trails, wildlife and history of the land at the Cusano Environmental Education Center, located at the main entrance.

Canoeing Darby Creek is a great way to spot the refuge’s diverse wildlife: fox, deer, possum and muskrat — just to name a few. But rarer critters, such as the state endangered red-bellied turtle and leopard frog, also call the refuge home.

Like many wetlands along the Eastern coast, the refuge is a sanctuary for migrating birds. Warblers, egrets, sand pipers and ducks stop to feed in the marshes during their spring and fall journeys.

For shutterbugs, the refuge hosts an annual photo contest with cash prizes. The competition is split into three categories by age. All photo entries must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2011. Each category has its own set of rules and unique prizes.

The casual naturalists, however, can find more than 10 miles of trails through woodlands and grasslands.

The refuge’s main entrance is located at the intersection of 86^th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, less than a mile from the Philadelphia International Airport.

Go experience the last historic remaining tidal marsh in Keystone State. TAKE REFUGE at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in the city of brotherly love.

When you think of New York, you may think of Broadway, bright lights, busy streets and expensive living. But far from the big city, you can find a striking example of New York’s iconic natural beauty. The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge–often called one of western New York’s best kept secrets—sits midway between Rochester and Buffalo along the Oak Orchard Creek.

The 10,828 acres of wetlands, forest and grasslands was originally called the Oak Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. However, the state of New York managed adjacent property known as the Oak Orchard Wildlife Management area. To avoid confusion, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) renamed the wildlife refuge “Iroquois” for the Native Americans who once inhabited the area.

The refuge is located along the important Atlantic flyway. Many birds travel this route to move between their nesting grounds and their winter homes. A variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, warblers and sparrows are among the more than 260 bird species documented on the refuge.

In 1986, two bald eagles took up residence in the refuge. The birds were relocated from Alaska in attempts by the state and FWS to restore New York’s eagle population. Today, several nesting eagles live in the refuge. The return of the eagle is a triumph for the natural environments of the state and the country. Other birds of prey include the red-tailed hawk and the American kestrel, which are both common sights.

What to Do

Photographers and nature observers can find great viewing spots along nature trails and overlooks. Hiking, fishing, skiing and snow shoeing are also popular activities.

Kayaking and canoeing are permitted (no motorized boats allowed) and offer closer looks at wildlife around Oak Orchard Creek. Beavers, turtles, mink and red fox can be seen along the river edge.

If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, head over to the refuge headquarters. Here you can grab brochures, view display panels and talk with personnel to find out where you should start exploring.

The refuge hosts several special events throughout the year, including guided tours and bird watching days hosted in partnership with the Buffalo Audubon Society. Through a continued partnership with Canisius College, visiting groups can team with specially trained college students who guide them through a day of wildlife observation.

So while skyscrapers are still stunning sightings, you should find a little time to ditch the big city for some truly awe-inspiring scenery and TAKE REFUGE at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in the towns of Alabama and Shelby, New York.

And don’t forget:  If there’s a refuge you want us to spotlight, comment on this post, and we’ll do our best to answer your questions or feature your refuge, here, on our blog.