WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 2022 State of the Birds Report underscores the urgent need to invest in collaborative, on-the-ground conservation efforts to conserve and restore U.S. birds, with more than half of all birds species  in decline. The one bright spot in the report, thriving waterbirds and ducks, highlights how proactive, dedicated investments from laws like the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and North American Wetlands Conservation Act can make a difference.

“America’s wildlife are in crisis with one-third of species at heightened risk of extinction. People and wildlife face many of the same threats, and we know that when we invest in conserving and restoring birds and other species, we also are investing in clean water, clean air, thriving ecosystems, and vibrant parks and public lands,” said Corina Newsome, associate conservation scientist for the National Wildlife Federation. “The State of the Birds report is a clarion call for us all to help address the wildlife crisis and equip our state, Tribal, and territorial wildlife managers with the tools and funds they need to strengthen our shared stewardship of birds and the diversity of life that depends on them.”

The National Wildlife Federation urged Congress to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act to apply the lessons learned from duck, geese, and other wetland species’ recoveries. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would be the most significant species-conservation legislation in half a century. It would invest $1.4 billion every year in state, territorial, and Tribal wildlife conservation efforts.

Visit the National Wildlife Federation Media Center at NWF.org/News.

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