Nongame Migratory Bird Consultation Process

At the Association’s 2004 Annual Meeting, a working group was created under the Bird Conservation Committee to explore developing a process whereby the States and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could more effectively consult on nongame migratory bird issues. The Working Group began work to pursue the best techniques for managing a process where the agencies and organizations could easily collaborate and share information. The Working Group felt that the Expanded Flyway System was the most promising alternative.

Expanded Flyway System

The Proposal for an Expanded Flyway System was developed in July 2005, and was distributed widely for comment and discussion (e.g., Flyway Councils and technical sections; State Agency wildlife directors, biologists, and wildlife diversity program managers; non-governmental partners, the bird conservation initiatives). It was endorsed by all accounts. With the latest endorsement by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the expanded Flyway System began implementation.

As of November 2005, states are nominating representatives to the nongame technical sections for each Flyway, and are discussing their representation on game and nongame issues with the Flyway Councils. In addition, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has nominated liaisons for the four nongame technical sections. Updates on implementation of the expanded Flyway System will soon be posted online.

For more information, please contact Deb Hahn at 202/624-7890 or dhahn@fishwildlife.org.