Thompson Appointed to Migratory Bird Conservation Commission

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) was appointed by Speaker John Boehner to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. Thompson will fill the spot vacated by Former Rep. John Dingell (D-MI). The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission was established on February 18, 1929, by the passage of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act. It was created and authorized to consider and approve any areas of land and/or water recommended by the Secretary of the Interior for purchase or rental by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and to fix the price or prices at which such areas may be purchased or rented. In addition to approving purchase and rental prices, the Commission considers the establishment of new waterfowl refuges.

"It is a tremendous honor to be appointed to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, and to the first member in the commission's history from the Pacific Flyway," said Thompson. "As a longtime waterfowler and conservationist I am proud to be part of this commission, and to have the opportunity to work on protecting and preserving our great wetlands and diverse wildlife."

"Congressman Thompson's knowledge of conservation, wetlands and waterfowl habitat makes him a perfect fit for the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission," said Ducks Unlimited President George Dunklin. "His appointment to the Commission is a step forward for conservationists nationwide."

"Congressman Mike Thompson is a dedicated sportsman with a long history of water fowling. His knowledge of key North American wetlands, especially in the pacific flyway, makes him a great choice for the commission," said Ducks Unlimited Director of Conservation Programs Fritz Reid.

As an elected official Thompson has led efforts to preserve waterfowl and conserve wetlands.

In the early 1990s, homeless people started camping along the South Spit of Humboldt Bay, located in Humboldt County, California. The Spit is one of the most important hunting areas in the state, annually hosts large numbers of Black Brant and other waterbirds. The situation on the Spit quickly worsened as garbage piled up, pit bulls hunted in packs, and abandoned cars, buses and trailers leaked fluids into wetlands. At the time, the land was privately owned and despite the huge numbers of felons on-site, enforcement of trespassing was lax. After visiting the Spit, Thompson forged new partnerships with local leaders. When agencies developed management plans that limited public use, Thompson rejected them. He wanted the Spit's historical uses preserved, most notably waterfowl hunting and fishing. Through Thompson's work, the Spit was acquired by the California Department of Fish and Game which gave the land the Wildlife Area status it enjoys today. Thompson ensured that the homeless were offered services and a huge clean-up took place to remove the toxins. Today, wildlife thrives and public access is secure.

Thompson also helped forge a deal in California's Del Norte County to save the Aleutian Goose. At the time the goose population was growing and they needed more grazing areas to forage. The geese competed with local ranchers, cattle and dairy operations. This created hardships for both the geese and the local farmers and ranchers. Thompson struck a deal with California State Parks that allowed the land to be restored to short grass, the preferred forage for Aleutians. This was a true win for the geese and the landowners.

Continuing his work on preservation, Thompson secured more than $20 million to restore the Napa-Sonoma Salt Marsh. This 20 year restoration project represents a remarkable recovery of one of the San Francisco Bay's great wetlands. The area was once diked and drained for agricultural purposes. After it was drained, it was used for commercial salt production. Because of Thompson's efforts, 10,000 acres of wetlands have been restored and hunting opportunities have been increased.

Additionally, as a co-author of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, Thompson's fingerprints are on conservation efforts spanning far beyond California. This law co-written by Thompson is responsible for the conservation of more than 23 million acres of wetlands.

Since the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission's establishment, more than 5.5 million acres have been acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by fee purchase, easement, or lease with monies from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund.

The Fund provides the Department of the Interior with financing for the acquisition of migratory bird habitat. There are four major sources of money for the Fund. The most well-known source is the revenue received from the sale of Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, commonly known as Duck Stamps. The other three major sources include appropriations authorized by the Wetlands Loan Act of October 4, 1961, import duties collected on arms and ammunition, and receipts from the sale of refuge admission permits as provided for by the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986. The Fund is further supplemented by receipts from the sale of products from rights-of-way across national wildlife refuges, disposals of refuge land, and reverted Federal Aid funds.

In 1989, the Commission acquired the additional responsibility to approve project funding under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. This Act provides for Federal funding to encourage partnerships to protect, enhance, restore, and manage wetlands and other habitats for migratory birds and other fish and wildlife to carry out the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. The North American Wetlands Conservation Council, which was created by this legislation, submits project recommendations to the Commission for funding approval. The Council has submitted more than 1,900 high priority projects for consideration by the Commission since its establishment. All have been approved for funding, representing a total of $1 billion for the protection of wetland habitat.

Thompson was recently inducted into the California Waterfowl Hall of Fame, where he was recognized for his passion for the traditions of waterfowling, one sign of which is that he is renowned as one of the foremost authorities on vintage California waterfowl decoys.

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