Kirtland's Warbler Initiative

The Kirtland’s warbler is a conservation success story. For over 40 years the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Kirtland’s Warbler Recovery Team and other conservation partners have been committed to the recovery of the species through investments to conduct integrated habitat management and cowbird control programs. These efforts have resulted in the species returning from near extinction to numbers strong enough for the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service to consider delisting under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Michigan’s Kirtland’s warbler program is considered a national conservation success story for endangered species management!   Recovery and eventual delisting is the goal of any species protected by the ESA, and the right next step for Kirtland’s warbler. This transition, however, presents a unique challenge. Kirtland’s warbler is considered a “conservation reliant” species meaning it needs continued human intervention and action for long-term survival. To successfully transition from recovery to a future of sustained conservation programs and strong population numbers new strategies and partnerships must be put in place to successfully achieve long-term sustainability. The Kirtland’s Warbler Initiative (Initiative) was developed to help with this transition and eventually make delisting a reality. - See more at: http://www.huronpines.org/program.asp?pjt=gv&gid=6#sthash.lchrtAxR.dpuf