Save Oregon's Marbled Murrelet 072318

Save Oregon’s Marbled Murrelet

The marbled murrelet is headed for trouble, and we’re running out of time to save it.

This small seabird nests in Oregon’s old growth forests and is declining in part due to habitat destruction.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission originally decided to uplist the status of the bird from "Threatened" to "Endangered" in February under the state’s endangered species law. But under pressure from special interest groups, the Commission reversed its decision in June and denied the bird the legal protections it needs to survive.

Tell Governor Brown to do the right thing for Oregon wildlife.

Contact Information

*Required fields

* Title:

* First Name:

* Last Name:

* Your Email:

* Address 1:

Address 2:

* City:

* State / Province:

* ZIP / Postal Code:

Country:

* Phone Number:

Enter your mobile phone number below to sign up for text alerts (msg & data rates may apply)

Question - Not Required - Mobile Phone Number (Join the Defenders mobile action network):

If you have not already registered, you will receive periodic wildlife e-updates and calls to action from Defenders. Privacy Policy

Message

* Subject:

Dear Governor Brown,

* Personalize your message

I am an Oregonian who cares deeply about imperiled wildlife and habitats in Oregon. I was pleased to see the Commission show strong conservation leadership when it voted to uplist marbled murrelets to endangered status under the state Endangered Species Act in February 2018. So, it was extremely disheartening when the Commission bowed to political pressure and reversed its decision during its June meeting. I understand that the Commission is now attempting to push through weak, voluntary survival guidelines for this species at its August hearing. I am writing to urge you to direct the Commission to adopt mandatory survival guidelines as proposed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) in a fair and transparent process.

I am deeply concerned by the Commission's disregard for fair, transparent, public processes when it comes to conserving our state's imperiled species. Instead of affirming its February vote to uplist marbled murrelets to endangered status and adopting survival guidelines as indicated in its agenda, the Commission instead allowed a rehearing of the uplisting decision. The Commission rejected science and proper process. It undermined the public trust and put an imperiled Oregon species at even greater risk.

The decision to reverse the uplisting of the species is not based on sound science and is against ODFW's own staff recommendations. It puts the species at risk while we debate over its status. Regardless, marbled murrelets are a threatened species, and under the Oregon Endangered Species Act, the Commission must adopt mandatory survival guidelines for all state-listed species. I therefore request that you direct the Commission to adopt mandatory survival guidelines that ensure the survival of individual members of the species as required by state law.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]