At sunset, thousands of migrating Sandhill Cranes return to the roost along the Platte River in central Nebraska. Video: Michael Forsberg
Water Management Is a Key Conservation Concern
Audubon and its partners will engage the public on water-management and water-quality issues; restore habitats on rivers, wetlands, and deltas; and explore market-based solutions that contribute to achieving our water goals.
What We’ll Do; Who We’ll Reach
We have a clear idea of what milestones we’ll need to reach to effectively influence water-management policies and protect lake and river habitats. Here’s a snapshot.
- 250,000 People engaged in advocacy on water conservation measures
- 25,000 Households participating in a native habitat/xeriscaping program designed to reduce water consumption by 300 million gallons
- $12-15 million Annual budget range to reach full potential
Beth Bardwell, director of freshwater conservation, Audubon New Mexico. Photo: Michael Lundgren
Working With Local Partners to Craft Water Policy
Strengthen the Audubon network of members and partners to advance balanced water-management decisions that benefit birds, habitat, and people. Seventy-five chapters and 10 Audubon sanctuaries and nature centers will engage in advocacy, education, and on-the-ground actions.
An endangered Everglades Snail Kite swoops down on its sole food source, an apple snail. Photo: Mac Stone
Focusing on Sustainable Water Goals
Audubon will work with international, federal, and state policy actions that ensure adequate flows to critical ecosystems, including the Colorado River Delta, the Salton Sea, the Mississippi River and Delta, the Great Lakes, and the Greater Everglades. In particular, Audubon will lobby for a 20 percent increase in federal and state funding or incentives to enhance water management and restoration action.
Sandhill Crane. Photo: Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark
Understanding the Issues Around Water
Audubon will expand our knowledge of water needs for birds and other wildlife, and establish a solid foundation of information on the impacts of water scarcity and water pollution on birds.
-
Sandhill Crane
Grus canadensis
- 650,000 Number of Sandhill Cranes that visit the Platte River in Nebraska during migration
- 36+ Age in years of the oldest recorded Sandhill Crane
- 2,418 Acres at Audubon’s Lillian Annette Rowe Bird Sanctuary, a gathering spot for migrating cranes
In 2014, following a Mexico–U.S. treaty, the Colorado River reaches the sea for the first time in years. Photo: Pete McBride
Mexico
Focusing on Water Issues in Mexico
We will help develop and advance market-based mechanisms to provide flexibility in water-management decisions. We will expand international partnerships to address water issues on a hemispheric scale, such as in the delta region of the Colorado River in Mexico.
Managing Vital Water Resources
Audubon is honing its focus on water at a really important time. We have an opportunity to help restructure the way in which water is managed. Audubon brings a potent combination of factors to the table: technical experts that can address specific problems, and a highly motivated grassroots network that brings the force of public will to an issue.
