Federal Funding Gives Bald Eagles More Room In Maryland

U.S. Sens. Mikulski and Cardin and U.S. Rep. Kratovil secure $2 million for Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

 

October 30, 2009

Contact:

Vanessa Vaughan, The Conservation Fund, (703) 908-5809; vvaughan@conservationfund.org

 

Cambridge, MD – One of Maryland’s most important protected areas for wildfowl, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, will soon expand thanks to $2 million in funding for land acquisition approved by Congress this week.

Located on Maryland’s scenic Eastern Shore, the 27,000-acre Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge contains the largest breeding population of American bald eagles on the East Coast, north of Florida, and protects some of the most important habitat for birds along the critical migration highway called the Atlantic Flyway.

The refuge is currently separated into two non-contiguous sections by an area of unprotected land. Both the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the congressionally-authorized Harriet Tubman Special Resource Study identified this area as ecologically and historically significant.

“The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is one of Maryland’s treasures. It supports more than 300 species of birds, fish and wildlife and provides an engaging environment to residents and visitors,” said Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, a member of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee that funds this program. “I will continue to fight for funds to preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay and its fragile habitat.”

“The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a national treasure that encompasses some of the most important marshlands in North America and it is vital to the health of migratory birds,” said Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin, chairman of the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee of the
Committee on Environment and Public Works. “We have a duty to protect this very important wildlife area for the future.” 

“This is a critical investment in the future of the Eastern Shore,” said Rep. Frank Kratovil. “Our wildlife is a tremendous asset, and I strongly support efforts to protect and expand areas like Blackwater for generations to come.”

The funding approved by Congress from the Land and Water Conservation Fund will be used to acquire additional land for the refuge, connecting vital wildlife habitat and enhancing the experience for the estimated 250,000 visitors that come to explore the refuge every year. These visitors provide about $4 million annually to the local economy.

“Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is one of Maryland’s most precious natural resources and an area of great historic significance because of its connection to Harriett Tubman,” said Patrick Noonan, chairman emeritus of The Conservation Fund. The Conservation Fund has been working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect lands at the refuge. “Senator Mikulski, Senator Cardin and Representative Kratovil have shown tremendous conservation leadership by securing funding to protect additional lands within the refuge.”

About The Conservation Fund

The Conservation Fund is dedicated to advancing America’s land and water legacy. With our partners, we conserve land, train leaders and invest in conservation at home. Since 1985, we have helped protect more than 6 million acres, sustaining wild havens, working lands and vibrant communities. We're a top-ranked conservation organization, effective and efficient.