News Release

Fish and Wildlife Service

For release March 29, 1995


                SERVICE ANNOUNCES PUBLIC MEETING
               TO DISCUSS EXOTIC BIRD CONSERVATION

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced an April 6, 1995, public meeting to discuss opportunities for a voluntary program of labeling exotic birds, certifying exotic bird breeding facilities and retail outlets, and providing technical assistance to other countries as stipulated in the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 (WBCA).

The meeting, to be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Room 200, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia, is planned as a working session. Following the meeting, the Service will report the results to Congress.

The WBCA was enacted in 1992 by Congress to promote the conservation of exotic birds. Under its terms, any imports of these bird species into the United States must not be detrimental to the survival of wild populations and imported birds must be treated humanely during capture and transport. The Act also provides assistance for conservation and management programs in countries of origin.

The Service is also accepting written comments. Comments should be sent to Dr. Rosemarie S. Gnam, Office of Management Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203 or faxed to Dr. Gnam at (703) 358-2280. For further information, contact her at (703) 358-2095.

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