The document was drafted in 1916 and signed by US and Canada in 1918.
(The Monitor Daily, US) – Nature lover and bird watchers are expected to attend this year’s celebration of the Migratory Bird Treaty. The DNR celebrates the bird conservation centennial, an international effort to protect migratory bird species.
The Department of Natural Resources from Michigan, along with its partners, are celebrating the anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty, a document signed on the 16th of August, 1916 between the United States and Great Britain, who was acting on behalf of US’s northern neighbor.
The first draft of this document was created in 1916, but, historically speaking, the accord between the US and Great Britain was signed in 1918. Being much more than an attempt to bring together birds enthusiasts from several countries, the document actually managed to establish a directive for bird protection and conservation.
After the US and Great Britain signed the accord in 1918, several other countries joined the move. Thus, in 1936 signed the document, followed by Japan in 1972 and the Soviet Union in 1976.
According to some of the provisions of the document, the protection does not extend only to birds, but to their habitat and the environment as well. Moreover, like any other true democratic document, the Migratory Bird Treaty, does not make any discrimination between birds that are alive or birds who passed away. Basically, being either dead or alive weights the same in the eyes of the law.
Also, the document has quite a long grasp, meaning that every part of the birds is protected by the act including its feathers, eggs and, most importantly, their nests.
According to this act, anyone who unlawful hunts, owns or kills migratory birds faces criminal charges. The bill was even used in a court of law to uphold a cause. For those of you who are interested in learning more about the case involving the migratory bird law, then you are invited to read about the Missouri versus Holland case.
The DNR celebrates the bird conservation centennial with many educational oriented activities. According to the organizers of this event, this year’s anniversary will include bird stories from the public. Those of you who have an interesting story to share about birds can send it to the DNR Wildlife email address.
On the side, there are other educational programs, such as class orientations performed by the DNR’s staff members.
DNR celebrates the bird conservation centennial this year. And many staff members have come forth in order to praise this international accomplishment. Since the act was vetoed, many species of migratory birds have been identified and save from extinction.
Photo credits:www.pixabay.com
