New EO 13186 Memorandums of Understanding Developed with OSMRE and EPA's Office of Pesticides!

Executive Order 13186: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds provides broad guidelines on conservation responsibilities for federal agencies, and requires the development of more detailed guidance within Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). Elements of each MOU align with the standards set forth in the Executive Order, and are designed to promote the conservation of migratory birds within the purview of each agency’s mission.

The newly signed MOU between the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) includes direction for ensuring that best management practices for minimizing and mitigating the impacts of mining operations on migratory birds are addressed. Through its oversight and in cooperation with states and tribes, OSMRE actively promotes native reforestation and reclamation and works to ensure that coal mines are restored to beneficial post-mining land uses, such as healthy, productive forestland and habitat for migratory birds.

The newly signed MOU between the Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Pesticide Management includes direction for how the effects of pesticides on migratory birds are considered in EPA actions, how EPA’s reporting on wildlife incidents will incorporate migratory birds, and when and how best available data on migratory birds will be used in ecological risk assessments. The MOU also will help ensure that language pertaining to bird hazards appears on all appropriate pesticide product labels, and encourage Integrated Pest Management to reduce impacts to birds when pest management is necessary.

This is a great cause for celebration, as each of these MOUs represent the culmination of years of commitment and dedication of federal agency staff on the Council. The Service looks forward to a continued and strengthened partnership with both agencies in the years to come as we work together to achieve the goals in each of the MOUs. Look for a news release and publication of these two new MOUs in early 2017!