What are the Current Market Conditions Indicating Interest in Birds?

Bird watching is one of the fastest growing of the major outdoor activities in the U.S. This fact is verified by a significant national study sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service. Source: H. Ken Cordell, U.S. Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Athens, Georgia. "Outdoor Recreation in American Life: An Assessment of Demand and Supply Trends." Sagamore Publishing, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois (1998, forthcoming). Data based on a random population telephone survey of 17,000 people.

Bird watching is perhaps the single fastest growing major outdoor activity in the U.S.

• 21 million participants in 1982-83.
• 54 million participants in 1994-95.
• 155% growth in participants in 13 years.
• 7.5% compound annual growth.

In terms of age, bird watching peaks among young adults:

Other participation measurements:

Ages of Enthusiast Bird Watchers:

Ethnic Group Participation:

Summary

Over 75% of people 16 years of age and older in the U.S. (153 million) participate in outdoor viewing or learning activities of some kind every year.

54 million watch birds (27% of all people over 16 years of age).

Bird watchers average about seven trips per year away from home for this activity and indicate instances of bird watching on almost 88 days per participant per year. In total, this means:

• 671 million trips away from home dedicated in whole or in part to bird watching.
• 4,749 million days of participation in which there was at least one instance of bird watching varying from a few minutes to several hours.

Cat Documents

Letter from John Flicker

Excerpts from the report, Cat Predation of Birds and Other Wildlife

Commonly Asked Questions about Indoor Cats

How to make your Outdoor Cat a Happy Indoor Cat

Free-Roaming/Unowned/Feral Cats. Position of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians.

December 15, 1997

Dear Chapter President:

At our recent Board of Directors Meeting in California, a resolution was adopted regarding the negative impact that feral and free-ranging domestic cats have on birds and other wildlife. Several chapters have become involved in this issue in their communities, and requested the support of the Board.

The Science Committee of the Board first recognized the science-based conclusions that feral and free-ranging domestic cats have an adverse impact on birds and other wildlife. The Board then voted to convey those science-based conclusions to Audubon chapters so that chapters, if they so wish, will be in a position to advocate on this issue. Audubon will also work with appropriate organizations and agencies to educate the public on this issue, and will work with other organizations and agencies as appropriate to reduce this threat to birds and other wildlife.

Enclosed is a copy of the resolution adopted by the Board, as well as background documents to support this position. There were several key points that led the Board to this conclusion, including the following:

• Feral and free-ranging domestic cats (Felis catus), which are non-native predators in all habitats in which they occur, kill hundreds of millions of native birds and other small animals annually in the United States;
• Birds represent 20-30% of the prey killed by feral and free-ranging domestic cats;
• The American Ornithologists' Union, American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc., and the Cooper Ornithological Society have concluded that feral and free-ranging domestic cats can have a significant negative impact on bird populations and indeed have contributed to the decline and extinction of many bird species throughout the world;
• Feral cat colony programs, wherein feral cats are captured, trapped, vaccinated, neutered and fed, do not eliminate predation on native wildlife or reduce the size of feral cat colonies;
• Bites, scratches, and fecal contamination from feral and free-ranging domestic cats pose a risk to the general public through transmission of diseases such as toxoplasmosis, roundworm, and rabies.

I hope this information and resolution are helpful to you. If you want more information. please send your questions by email to Susan Drennan, Vice President, Ornithology, sdrennan@audubon.org, write her at 700 Broadway, New York, New York 10003, or check out the citizen education on the web at http://www.audubon.org/bird/cat/.

John Flicker President

Excerpts from the report, Cat Predation of Birds and Other Wildlife, The American Bird Conservancy, September 24, 1997.

III. EXTENT OF CAT PREDATION OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Overview

Cats kill hundreds of millions of birds, and probably more than a billion small mammals, in the United States each year. Cat predation is a serious problem for birds and other wildlife because domestic cats are non-native predators with significant competitive advantages over native predators. Domestic cats also spread disease to America's native wildlife. Although exact numbers of birds and other wildlife killed by cats cannot be pinpointed, scientists have documented that cats are a threat of consequence to birds and other wildlife generally, and that cats have killed species protected by the Endangered Species Act. Studies also confirm that commonly-held beliefs about strategies to deter cats from killing wildlife are wrong.

Cats Are Not a Natural Part of Ecosystems.
The domestic cat, Felis catus, is a descendant of the wild cat of Africa and extreme southwestern Asia, Felis silvestris libyca. Domesticated in Egypt approximately 4,000 years ago, cats were introduced to Europe around 2,000 years ago. Cats were introduced to North America when Europeans arrived on this continent, but were brought in large numbers during the latter part of the nineteenth century in an attempt to control burgeoning rodent populations associated with the spread of agriculture.

Cats Compete With Native Predators.
Owned cats have huge advantages over native predators. They may be afforded some protection from disease, predation, competition, and starvation, factors which control native predators such as owls, raptors, bobcats, coyotes and foxes. Cats with dependable food supplies are not as vulnerable to changes in prey populations. Unlike many native predators, cats are not strictly territorial, keeping members of their own species out of a given area. As a result, cats can exist at much higher densities than native predators and may out-compete them for food. In addition, unaltered cats are prolific breeders. A female cat can have up to three litters per year, with four to six kittens per litter.

Cats Transmit Disease to Wildlife.
Free-roaming cats can transmit diseases to America's native wildlife. Domestic cats are suspected of spreading feline leukemia virus to a mountain lion in California and may have infected the endangered Florida panther with feline distemper. Feline infectious peritonitis has been diagnosed in mountain lion and lynx, and feline immunodeficiency virus has been found in Florida panther and bobcat. Unvaccinated domestic cats can transmit rabies to wildlife and humans. Cats are the domestic animals most frequently reported rabid to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Studies of Cat Predation

Extensive studies of the feeding habits of domestic, free-roaming cats have been conducted over the last 50 years in Europe, North America, Australia, Africa, and on at least 22 islands. These studies show that approximately 60 to 70 percent of the wildlife killed are small mammals, 20 to 30 percent are birds, and up to 10 percent are amphibians, reptiles, and insects.

Scientists have found that the number and types of animals killed by cats vary greatly, depending on the individual cat, time of year, and availability of prey. Some free-roaming domestic cats kill more than 100 animals each year. Sonic cats specialize in killing birds while others take mainly small mammals. One regularly fed cat that roamed a wildlife experiment station was recorded to have killed more than sixteen hundred animals (mostly small mammals) over 18 months. Rural cats take more prey than suburban or urban cats. Birds that nest or feed on the ground are the most susceptible to cat predation, as are nestlings and fledglings of many other bird species. Following are summaries of specific studies:

Wisconsin Study.
Domestic cats’ impacts on wildlife populations are very difficult to pin down precisely. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin coupled their four-year cat predation study with data from other studies, and predicted a range of values for the number of birds killed each year in the state. By estimating the number of free-ranging cats in rural areas, the number of kills per cat, and the proportion of birds killed, the researchers calculated that rural free-roaming cats kill at least 7.8 million and perhaps as many as 217 million birds a year in Wisconsin. They estimated that in some parts of the state, free-roaming cat densities reach 114 cats per square mile. (Coleman, J.S. and S.A. Temple. 1995. How many birds do cats kill? Wildlife Control Technology: 44.)

Virginia Study.
Virginia researchers compared free-roaming domestic pet cats in a rural setting and a more urban one. A total of 27 native species (eight bird, two amphibian, nine reptile, and eight mammal, including the star-nosed mole, a species of special state concern) were captured by a single rural cat. Four urban cats captured 21 native species (six bird, seven reptile, eight mammal). Between January and November 1990 each cat caught, on average, 26 native individuals in the urban area, and 83 in the rural area. The study did not count prey killed and completely consumed, prey killed and left elsewhere, or nonnative prey, (Mitchell, J. and R.A. Beck. 1992. Free-ranging domestic cat predation on native vertebrates in rural and urban Virginia. Virginia Journal of Science 43:197-206.)

Cats at Bird Feeders Study.
A continent-wide survey of 5,500 homes with bird feeders during the winter of 1989-1990 showed that the domestic cat was a significant predator of birds at feeders. Species killed by cats at bird feeders included Dark-eyed Junco, Pine Siskin, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, and American Goldfinch. (Dunn, E.H. and D.L. Tessaglia. 1994. Predation of birds at feeders in winter. Journal of Field Ornithology 65(1):8-16.)

Cats on Islands.
Because some island bird populations evolved in the absence of mammalian predators, they have no defense mechanisms against them. When an efficient predator, such as the domestic cat, is introduced or abandoned on an island, elimination of entire bird populations can result. Domestic cats are considered primarily responsible for the extinction of eight island bird species and the eradication of over 40 bird species from New Zealand islands alone.

Island bird species that are now extinct primarily due to cat predation include the following: Stephen's Island Wren, South Island Thrush, Chatham Island Rail, Stewart Island Snipe, and the Auckland Island Merganser. On Marion Island in the Sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean, cats were estimated to kill about 450,000 seabirds annually prior to cat eradication efforts.

Cat Predation of Wildlife in Habitat Reduced to Islands.
Cats can have highly significant impacts on local wildlife populations especially in habitat "islands" such as suburban and urban parks, wildlife refuges, and other habitats, which are surrounded by human development. For birds, the loss of species from habitat islands is well documented, and nest predation is an important cause of the decline of neotropical migrants. The Point Arena mountain beaver, Stephen's kangaroo rat, and Pacific pocket mouse, protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act, now live on habitat islands created by destruction and fragmentation of their habitat in California. Domestic cat predation by pet and feral cats on these species is a serious threat to their future existence on the habitat that is left.

Impacts of Stray Cat Colonies on Wildlife.
No one knows precisely how many homeless cats there are in the United States. Estimates range from 40 to 60 million. These creatures often lead short, miserable lives. Domestic cats are solitary animals, but aggregations of cats often form around an artificial feeding source, such as garbage dumps or food left out for them by well-intentioned people. These populations can grow out of control quickly and cause significant health risks to other cats, wildlife, and humans. In addition, these cats can have a significant impact on local wildlife populations. Feeding these cats does not discourage the predation of birds and other wildlife.

For example, a famous heron and egret rookery of several thousand birds in Greynolds Park in Dade County, Florida, has been decimated by exploding populations of cats and raccoons fed by humans. Songbird populations have also plummeted, and people can no longer enjoy this park because of defecation and spraying by cats. (Zaneski, C. 1997. Raccoons, cats overrunning local natural areas. The Miami Herald: 6SW.)

Cat Predation of Federally-Protected Wildlife

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) prohibits human hunting, taking, capturing, or killing any migratory bird, however owners of free-roaming domestic cats permit their pets to kill birds protected by the MBTA. Domestic cats are also killing birds and other wildlife protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Through the Endangered Species Act, the Federal government protects and restores wildlife at risk of extinction. Habitat loss is the most significant cause of species declines, and predation, including killing by cats, ranks second. Although cats may not be responsible for the perilous status of endangered wildlife, the loss of even a single animal can be a setback to the long-term future of the species. It [is] not possible to document fully the predation of protected species by cats. Many scarce wild creatures are elusive, and recovery of prey or remnants of prey is understandably nearly impossible. Following is a list of the protected species for which there is at least one documented case of cat predation.

Documented Cat Predation of Birds Protected by the Endangered Species Act

• Light-footed Clapper Rail, Rallus longirostris levipes
• California Clapper Rail, Rallus longirostris obsoletus
• California Least Tern, Sterna antillarum browni
• Western Snowy Plover, Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus
• California Brown Pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus
• California Gnatcatcher, Polioptila californica
• Piping Plover, Charadrius melodus
• San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike, Lanius ludovicianus mearnsi

Documented Cat Predation of Mammals Protected by the Endangered Species Act

• Pacific Pocket Mouse, Perognathus longimembris pacificus
• Stephens' Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys stephensi
• Morro Bay Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys heermanni morroensis
• Point Arena Mountain Beaver, Aplodontia rufa nigra
• Florida Beach Mouse, Peromyscus polionotus
• Santa Rosa Beach Mouse, Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus
• Key Largo Woodrat, Neotoma floridana smalli
• Key Largo Cotton Mouse, Peromyscus gossypinus allopaticola

Documented Cat Predation of Reptiles Protected by the Endangered Species Act

• Island Night Lizard, Xantusia riversiana
• Alameda Whipsnake, Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus

Three Myths about Cat Predation of Birds and Other Wildlife

Some people believe: (1) Well-fed cats are not a danger to wildlife; (2) Putting a bell on a cat is an effective way to deter predation; (3) Interrupting an attack by a cat allows the prey to escape. These beliefs are erroneous, as studies show.

Well-fed Cats Do Kill Birds:
Well-fed cats kill birds and other wildlife because the hunting instinct is independent of the urge to eat. In one study, researchers presented six cats with a live small rat while eating their preferred food. All six cats stopped eating the food, killed the rat, and then resumed eating the food.

Cats with Bells on their Collars Do Kill Birds:
Studies have also shown that bells on collars are not effective in preventing cats from killing birds or other wildlife. Birds do not necessarily associate the sound of a bell with danger, and cats with bells can learn to silently stalk their prey. Even if the bell on the collar rings, it may be the last sound the bird hears, and bells offer no protection for helpless nestlings and fledglings.

Birds that Seem to Escape Don't Get Away Unscathed:
Contrary to popular belief that birds and another small animals can be rescued from a cat attack and get away unharmed, wildlife rehabilitation centers report that a large percentage of their patients are cat attack victims and animals orphaned by cats. Victims of cat attacks may be more likely to be brought to a wildlife rehabilitation center than victims of attacks by other wildlife or other mishaps.

At Wildlife Rescue, Inc. in Palo Alto, California, approximately 25 percent of their patients during May and June 1994 were native cat-caught birds and almost half were fledglings. A wildlife rehabilitator at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in California recently testified that 30 percent of birds and 20 percent of mammals in their care were caught by cats.

Most small animals injured by cats die. Cats carry more than 60 types of bacteria and viruses in their mouths, some of which can overwhelm a small animal quickly unless medication is administered immediately. A victim that looks perfectly healthy may die from internal hemorrhaging or injury to vital organs. Cat predation of birds and other wildlife is especially frustrating to wildlife rehabilitators. These losses are totally unnecessary because unlike other predators, pet cats don't need these animals for their nutrition.

For more information, contact the American Bird Conservancy at abc@abcbirds.org

Commonly Asked Questions about Indoor Cats

Q. My cat has enjoyed being outside for many years. How can I bring him in now?

A. You can help your cat make the adjustment gradually by keeping him inside for longer and longer periods of time, or you can bring him in and not let him outside again. Either way, the trick is to give your cat lots of attention and play time, and the ability to look out of windows without knocking over plants or breakables. Provide your cat with cat condos or other appropriate places to lounge, play and scratch. You may want to consult your veterinarian or local animal shelter for tips, or see the fact sheet, "How to Make Your Outdoor Cat a Happy Indoor Cat."

Q. It's not natural for cats to be inside all of the time. How can I deny my cat the pleasure and stimulation of being outdoors?

A. Cats are domestic animals who do not need to be outside to be contented pets. In addition, there are many hazards to being outdoors that may shorten your cat's life or cause your cat to become seriously injured or ill. Indoor cats can get plenty of pleasure and stimulation if they are regularly played with and receive lots of affection. If you still want your cat to experience the outdoors, but without the risks, you can train your cat to walk on a leash, build a cat run, or install cat-proof fencing.

Q. I put a bell on my cat so she doesn't kill birds or wildlife. Why should I keep her inside?

A. Scientific studies have shown that cats with bells on their collars do kill wildlife because they can learn to silently stalk their prey. In addition, bells do not necessarily warn birds or small mammals of danger, and bells on collars offer no protection to helpless young birds. See "Cat Predation on Birds and Other Wildlife."

Q. My cat is well-fed so he doesn't hunt when he goes out. Why should I keep him inside?

A. Scientific studies have shown that well-fed cats do kill wildlife because the hunting instinct is independent of the urge to eat. In one study, researchers presented six cats with a live small rat while eating their preferred food. All six cats stopped eating the food, killed the rat, and then resumed eating the food.

Q. I have a "working" cat. He kills rats and mice in my barn and on my rural property. Why should I keep him inside when his job is outside?

A. One study has shown that cats do not prey on rats over 7 ounces, and there is other documentation that cats are not very successful in controlling rat populations. Mice can live in small places where cats cannot follow, so cats do not eliminate mice in outbuildings either. Taking steps to reduce grain spillage and close holes in outbuildings may be more efficient ways to rid your farm buildings of rats and mice.

Q. My cat is so old, I know she doesn't hunt. Why should I sacrifice her freedom?

A. She may die sooner if you don't move her indoors. Elderly cats who live outdoors are even more susceptible to feline diseases and to injuries from other cats, wildlife, or dogs. Even if she doesn't hunt, move her in for her own safety. She'll live longer.

Q. My vet told me that it's O.K. to let my cat out for long periods of time. Surely my vet isn't wrong!

A. Many veterinarians as well as animal welfare organizations advocate keeping cats indoors for their own safety as well as to prevent them from killing wildlife. If your cat is gone for long periods of time, you may not find our if he's lost, stolen, or injured until it's too late. Many veterinarians encourage owners to take their cat outdoors only under close supervision.

Q. What if my outdoor car sprays inside?

A. A small percentage of cats will continue to spray when moved inside. Consult your veterinarian or animal behaviorist for advice on how to diminish this behavior. A long-range water pistol or shake can are harmless ways to curb a cat from undesirable behaviors.

Q. Don't cats kill just diseased or old birds?

A. No! Cats kill the young of many species of birds, and kill birds who nest or feed on or near the ground. Cars even climb trees and prey on helpless young birds in their nest.

Q. I'm afraid my outdoor car would cause damage to my furniture, carpets and drapes if I kept her inside. Should I have her declawed?

A. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) opposes declawing as a painful and unnecessary operation that removes the last digit of a car's toes. Instead, The HSUS recommends trimming a cat's claws every one to two weeks and training cats to scratch in designated places.

Q. What should I do about the stray cat who shows up on my doorstep?

A. Do not feed stray cats without an intent to adopt and keep them inside. Feeding a free-roaming cat without making a commitment to giving or finding a permanent home is not fair to the cat, local wildlife, or your neighbors.

For more information, contact the American Bird Conservancy at abc@abcbirds.org

How to make your Outdoor Cat a Happy Indoor Cat

Although it takes patience, an outdoor cat can he turned into a perfectly content indoor per. The key is to make the conversion gradually and provide lots of attention and stimulation while the cat is indoors.

Cats are creatures of habit, so you must be careful to slowly replace your cat's old routine of going outside with the new exciting routine of staying in. If your cat is outdoors most of the time, bring your cat inside for increasingly longer stays. Gradually shorten the length of time the cat is outside until you no longer let him or her out at all.

Substitute outside excursions with periods of special play time. Supervised trips out on the patio can also make the transition from outside to inside a little easier. Cats need human companionship to be happy, and when they spend all their time out of doors, they get very little attention. An outdoor cat may welcome the indoors if he or she gets more love, attention, and play.

Provide plenty to keep your cat occupied indoors. Provide your cat with secure cat condos which offer acceptable and interesting places for your cat to lounge, play and scratch. You should also provide scratching posts, corrugated cardboard or sisal rope for your cat to scratch and praise your cat for using them.

To encourage your ex-outdoor cat to exercise, offer interesting toys, especially those that are interactive. These usually consist of a long pole and attached line with fabric or feathers at the end of the line. Some cats enjoy searching for toys. If your cat likes to explore the house looking for "prey," hide his toys at various places so he can find them throughout the day. Be sure that the toys are nor so small that they can be swallowed or get stuck in your cat's throat. Cats also enjoy ping pong balls, paper bags and cardboard boxes.

Provide your indoor cat with fresh greens. You can buy kits that include containers and seeds to grow, or plant pesticide-free alfalfa, grass, bird seed, or catnip in your own container. This way, your cat can graze safely and not destroy your house plants.

Your geographic location may affect your schedule of change; choose a good time of year to bring the cat indoors. In many parts of the country, the easiest time of year to make this conversion is prior to the cold winter months when your cat is more likely to want to be inside anyway. By the end of winter, your cat may be completely content to remain inside.

If your cat remains stubbornly committed to life outdoors, help her adjust by providing an outdoor covered enclosure or run that the cat can access through a window or pet door. Such a facility gives the cat some of the advantages of being outside while minimizing the dangers. You can make the outdoor enclosure interesting and appealing by adding objects for the cat to explore, such as tree limbs, multilevel I cat condos, tires, toys hanging from branches, and boxes in which the cat can curl up or hide.

If you cannot or prefer not to offer your cat a run or enclosure, consider leash-training the cat so you can supervise her time outside. Attach the leash to a harness. Your cat may resist leash-training at first, but she will eventually accept the leash. Never leave your cat outside unsupervised while on a leash or lead.

Some cats may develop behavioral problems when they are no longer allowed outside. Most of these problems can be attributed to a change in routine that is too abrupt or lack of attention and stimulation inside. Review your steps and keep working with the cat. Be patient and continue to praise your cat when she plays with her toys, uses her scratching post, and does what she's supposed to do. If your cat becomes destructive or unhousetrained, consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to find ways to solve the problem. Remember that these symptoms can also be attributed to boredom and loneliness.

If you have just adopted a cat that stayed outdoors all the time, you should keep the cat inside from the beginning; otherwise, you run the risk of losing your cat. Using a long-range water pistol or a shake can when the cat asks to be let out is a very successful and harmless way to curb a cat from wanting to go outside. And don't forget to give your cat extra attention during the transition!

Additional tips for a happy indoor cat:

• Trim your cat's claws every one to two week, to keep him from damaging furniture, rugs and drapes, or glue on artificial nail caps called "Soft Paws" every six to eight weeks.
• Provide one litter pan per cat and scoop the litter pan at least once daily. With unclumping litter, change once or twice weekly; with clumping litter, change every two to four weeks.
• Many cats enjoy the companionship of another cat or compatible dog of the opposite sex. If you can make the financial and emotional commitment, consider adopting another companion animal for yourself and for your cat.

Adapted from, "All Cats Should Be Indoor Cats" by Rhonda Lucas Donald, Shelter Sense. August 1990, and "From Outdoors to Indoors" by Karen Commings, Cat Fancy, September 1993.

For more information, contact the American Bird Conservancy at abc@abcbirds.org

Free-Roaming/Unowned/Feral Cats

Position Statement

The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians

September, 1996

Issue: By definition, "feral" cats are introduced, established, non-native species. The impact of these animals on human public health is defined by zoonotic diseases including rabies and other bite infections, bartonellosis, plague, larval migrans, and toxoplasmosis. Additionally, free-roaming cats may be responsible for the decline in native species of birds, reptiles and small mammals, and may be associated with increased risk of disease for pets (e.g., transmission of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus). In attempts to avoid depopulation to control these risks, colonies of feral cats are sometimes maintained with neutering and vaccination. However, no evidence exists that maintained cat colonies adequately reduce human public health risks or appropriately address their impact on pets or native wildlife. Several reports suggest that support of "managed cat colonies" may increase the public's likelihood of abandoning unwanted pets in lieu of more responsible options.

Whereas the benefits of the human/animal bond are recognized, and whereas the maintenance of free-roaming/unowned/feral cats can be detrimental to public and environmental health, the NASPHV:

1. Acknowledges there are potential human public health risks associated with free-roaming/unowned/feral cats. There is no evidence that colony management programs will reduce diseases such as bartonellosis, larval migrans, toxoplasmosis, and vector-borne zoonotic diseases. Rabies will also continue to be a risk, as such colonies are not closed.
2. Supports actions by local health departments, humane societies, and animal control groups in reducing the numbers of stray animals to minimize the impact of abandoned and/or feral cats.
3. Is concerned that managed cat colonies may foster irresponsible cat ownership and will promote the free-roaming of owned cats.
4. Encourages the timely neutering, regular veterinary care and maintenance of owned cats inside owners' homes.

CHAPTER NEEDS DISCUSSION (BACKGROUND)
FIELD OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
December 1997

There has been discussion on establishing better means of measurement for Chapter success and providing for a more comprehensive definition of a National Audubon Society Chapter. Before embarking on this task, several principles have been suggested to help guide the discussion. They include:

• Audubon should focus more on how to help Chapters be successful rather than how to define a standard definition of what a chapter is
• Audubon should celebrate the diversity within the chapter network, not create a uniform chapter mold.
• Chapters should be measured based on objectives rather than any specific actions a Chapter might take to achieve a certain objective as currently outlined in the Chapter Certification process
• Chapters should be encouraged to develop a mission for themselves and explore all possible mechanisms to achieve it.
• Chapters need to measure how they are viewed in their own community and whether they are meeting the goal of creating a culture of conservation.
• The National Audubon Society needs to begin a process to step outside the traditional boxes of Chapter organization and explore ways to achieve common objectives through a diversity of approaches.
• State Field Offices in partnership with State Audubon Councils need to focus on Chapter nurturing and growth by using the Chapter Leaders Guide and building upon it.

These principles and ideas need discussion and thought. Once some common themes can be established, a possible next step could be to put together a team of Board members, staff and chapter leaders to provide some guidance on approaches the National Audubon Society and its Chapter network could embark on. This does not have to involve a rehashing of National /Chapter policy, but rather could be structured through mechanisms to achieve goals already articulated in the organization's Strategic Plan.

We welcome your thoughts and commentary.

Discussion Item: Essential Components of State Programs

1. Goal: To develop an outline of essential functions, programs, and capacities common to all Audubon state offices.

2. Background: The NAS Strategic Plan and Implementation Plan (March 1996) described the role and essential functions of the field office as follows:

"While field offices will be tailored to meet local needs, the fundamental aim of each office will be to strengthen our grassroots network of chapters and members to achieve our conservation and education goals at all levels."

Field Offices will support chapter development and leadership training. They will help design and implement state and national campaigns and support chapter-led local campaign efforts. They will develop and coordinate education and communication activities within a state. They will advance membership promotion and retention activities in cooperation with chapters. Field offices will develop the financial support necessary to sustain and grow these activities.

The Plan's primary strategy to invest in the grassroots, strengthen the network and enhance the partnership is "by expanding the system of field offices." (Recommendation 3.2)

Field Office Role:

• Become the Audubon state franchise.
• Be the focal point for all Audubon activities in the state.
• Provide services to all chapters, councils, and members.
• Integrate and coordinate all NAS activities within a state: fundraising; education and communications; sanctuary and other lands protection (public and private), restoration and management; advocacy.

Essential Ingredients in all field offices:

• Develop and maintain strong, vibrant chapter and grassroots network by providing services they feel are most important.
• Develop and sustain effective conservation programs consistent with Strategic Plan that contribute to a culture of conservation.
• Raise funds to become self-supporting and assist chapters in fund-raising/membership growth.
• Maintain a cohesive, integrated, high morale, team approach with staff committed to the larger Audubon Mission in addition to achieving their state and local program goals.
• Have a plan for a balanced program that includes education, advocacy and one or more centers where possible and appropriate.

Field offices can serve as the focal point or connecting link between chapters and grassroots and the national organization:

• helping build state and national campaigns
• assisting with developing Audubon Centers and education programs
• building communication and cross-networking strategies
• disseminating Audubon news and providing newsworthy information
• assisting in identifying and raising support for regional, national, and hemispheric initiatives

State Directors' Comments

Clay Henderson - Glenn, I found this extremely helpful and hope that when this is finished it can be put into some appropriate form for a wider distribution. Once we have agreed on what a field office is, then it will be easier to explain it to others.

After muddling through this for over two years, it seems to me that the essential task is to develop a self supporting program providing appropriate levels of support for chapters with a balance of conservation advocacy, environmental education, and science.

What is missing from your list is the last item. We are putting a much greater investment now into citizen science....Audubon Refuge Keepers, FeederWatch, WatchList, CBC, Important Bird Areas. The state office must either develop or provide the scientific support for these programs. Good Work.

John Schoen - Glenn, your memo on state offices looks good. I concur with Clay that we need to make sure science is part of the mix for state offices. This will be a major part of our tool box in AK.

Dave Miller - Glenn, I too found this outline extremely useful. Together we can build the strongest conservation voice around the country. It can provide the framework for cooperative efforts and opportunities to learn from each other.

My comments on the draft material you provided is to expand the description of state conservation activities. I would separate out state campaigns as a stand-alone bullet and emphasize that the state field office is the leader in pulling together

Audubon resources in the state for the design and implementation of state campaigns. I would also highlight our focus - Birds, wildlife and habitat. Having these words repeated throughout the outline would reinforce our mission and help state offices measure their conservation efforts. We should ask the question "Are state campaigns organized around bird conservation, wildlife and habitat issues? " This level of definition could be extremely important and help provide our niche and common bond. I also agree with Clay on the science component. It has been invaluable to our efforts in NYS. I support IBAs being created in every state- it is a great opportunity and Audubon is the natural leader on this effort.

For national campaigns and national programs like education, the state field office should be viewed as both the delivery mechanism and the customer. We need to design these centralized programs so they are not competing with state efforts but rather complementing them and helping build capacity. The success of state field offices also relies on the supplier of national products to take the franchise model a step further and maybe this theme could be somehow integrated in this document. Hope this helps.

Don Arnosti - Glenn, I think it is an excellent idea to have such a written "vision" for a state office. I think the below outline is very good, covering the essential components. Obviously, flexibility in terms of how such a vision and at what pace such a vision is implemented is the essence of state-level Audubon power. A few comments:

Membership: I have always believed that the state office role and the chapter's role in membership recruitment and retention should focus on Quality not Quantity. i.e. ten active members can do more for the Audubon mission than 100 "passive" members. Focus on developing members committed to our mission and actively supporting it through chapter involvement, contributions, advocacy support, education leadership, etc.

Education: I believe that education is essentially a "local" function. "Mass learning" (or statewide learning) is an oxymoron. While our television and other centralized education programs such as Audubon Adventures or Wild Wings provide an excellent common starting point, the actual learning actually occurs when small groups of people get together at a local level.

I believe the role of the state office in education should be essentially to work with chapters and members to catalyze local learning opportunities. In some instances, such as what Dave has built in New Mexico, the state office is a primary provider of environmental education, but from what I understand, they provide a "local" learning opportunity with their facility, and in going out into classrooms with their teachers and information. An opportunity to directly develop this model may not be present in all states.

Cindy Dunn - Glenn, better late than never! Looks great. I can't add much. A few comments are: I suggest under the heading "Field Office Role" we omit the McDonald's type connotation of state franchise. I also would like to include under the same heading "Be a credible, science-based voice for conservation within the state."

1. Summary of the Situation:

There is an increasing level of financial uncertainty as we launch new state offices. Last year a couple of offices did not make their revenue goals, and couple of offices exceeded their goals. It has taken longer than anticipated in some states to hire development directors. And there are or have been institutional impediments to decentralizing Audubon's fundraising capacity. The $1 million contingency in the NAS budget has remained the same while the budget has grown from approximately $40 million to the low $50 million range.

2. Lessons Learned:

(a) What have we learned from state directors in the process of financial planning?

(b) The Tucson Accord - a development problem-solving task force comprised of field and headquarters staff (in progress).

(c) Director of Field Support

3. Topics to be Addressed:

(a) How do we ensure ownership and commitment of the various Audubon entities to the state office to give the program the best chance of succeeding?

(b) Should each state office budget have a contingency built in?

NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS (IBA) PROGRAM

SCIENCE COMMITTEE MEETING
12/7/97

Because the National Audubon Society's mission is the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, the Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program is essential to achieving that mission.

The IBA Program:

• Promotes the conservation of birds and their habitats by identifying and preserving a nationwide network of sites critical to birds
• Motivates Audubon members, birders, and other volunteers through a citizen-science, conservation-driven activity
• Is part of a cooperative, worldwide initiative to protect vital bird habitats
• Provides Audubon state offices with an essential Audubon presence and program
• Has demonstrated conservation successes in Pennsylvania, New York, and elsewhere
• Fosters collaboration with agencies and conservation groups at the state level, and through the nationwide Partners in Flight strategy

The Science Committee therefore recommends to the full Board of Directors that the completion of a nationwide network of Important Bird Areas, the establishment of IBA Programs in every state office - and support for those efforts - be designated a high priority of the Society.

(Ed. note: this recommendation is informal. Hardy suggested that we discuss it further at the next Board meeting.)

RESOLUTIONS TO CHANGE
NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY'S
PENSION AND 403(B) PLANS

WHEREAS, National Audubon Society (hereinafter referred to as the "Employer") adopted and maintains the Employees' Retirement Plan of National Audubon Society (hereinafter referred to as the "Retirement Plan") and the National Audubon Society Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (hereinafter referred to as the "403(b) Plan"); and

WHEREAS the Employer desires to amend the Retirement Plan, effective as of January 1, 1998 to convert the benefits of participants who have not attained age 45 with 10 years of service or age 55 with 5 years of service as of such date to a cash balance account, in which benefit accruals will be based on an allocation of 3% of compensation earned; and

WHEREAS, the Employer desires to amend the Retirement Plan, effective as of January 1, 1998, to provide that all participants may receive an immediate lump sum or an immediate annuity upon termination of employment; and

WHEREAS, the Employer desires to amend the 403(b) Plan to provide for matching contributions on salary deferrals made pursuant to such plan; and

WHEREAS, the Employer has reserved the right to amend the Retirement Plan and the 403(b) Plan;

NOW THEREFORE IT IS

RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Employer does hereby recommend, adopt and approve the amendment and restatement of the Retirement Plan, which document shall be attached hereto; and it was further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Employer does hereby recommend, adopt and approve the amendment and restatement of the 403(b) Plan, which document shall be attached hereto; and it was further

RESOLVED, that all actions taken by the officers of the Employer in implementing the foregoing Resolutions to date are hereby ratified, confirmed and approved; and it was further

RESOLVED, that the officers of the Employer be and they hereby are authorized and directed to execute and deliver all such documents and other instructions, and to do such other acts or things, as may be necessary or advisable, to give effect to the foregoing Resolutions and the matters provided for therein.

Next week-end, Dave, Bernie, Ruth, Art and T will be attending the National Audubon board meeting, so I thought I would review with you what I anticipate saying at that meeting. I would very much appreciate your comments and suggestions before I leave early on Wednesday.

Research Phase:

After a rapid start, discussions among the members of the Task Force have slowed while we are individually researching various issues and ideas among friends, colleagues and local chapter leaders. We have heard from a few board members and are hoping for more input from them. While in California last month I had a chance to meet with Art Feinstein, and later with former Regional Board Member George Ellman, who also sent his comments to us via e-mail.

We hope to get a good response from chapter and council leaders replying to an article which will appear in the Chapter Networker. However, its publication will not be until the middle of December so they will now have until January 15 to tell us their ideas and opinions. If we don't get a good response we will need to send a questionnaire or try other means.

I obtained from the former regional office the chapter voting records for the most recent election in the Northeast Region with the idea of calling some chapters that did not vote to try to find out why. With three candidates running, this region had 81% if its chapters voting. However, it was pointed out to me that, with rapid turnover of chapter officers, it may be difficult to find the people who can tell me why the others did not. Nevertheless, I hope you will try to do this also in your regions to get some clues as to where the system isn't working.

Some Very Preliminary Observations:

1. I have heard almost no criticism of the nomination and election procedures for selecting regional board members. While a few people to whom I have talked expressed concern about the long timetable (over a year from notifying chapters of a pending election until the actual election to the board at an Annual Meeting), each step along the way has a rational timetable and there doesn't seem to be a lot to be gained by cutting a month or two from the whole process.
2. No one has indicated to me an objection to the awarding of one to five ballots to chapters depending on their number of members or suggested some other formula.
3. The requirement that chapters publicize the election in their newsletters or by other means is, I suspect, not being followed in many (or most) cases, and may not be really useful anyway since in almost all cases the voting is done by chapter board members - who are most likely to know the candidates and their qualifications. If we were to eliminate this requirement we could probably cut a couple of months out of the timetable.
4. We need to recommend methods of campaigning that will give all candidates equal and better access to all chapters in their regions. The videotaping of candidates and distribution of the tapes to all chapters, as was done in the Mid-Atlantic Region, appears to be one technique and should be paid for by NAS. Time should also be provided at regional and national conventions for meetings of potential candidates with chapter leaders. (I need more ideas).
5. The commitment of time required to serve as a regional board member appears to be discouraging to some good candidates. In addition to the NAS board meetings, most RBMs want to attend some state council meetings, and are also often asked to meet with individual chapters. Some fine tuning of regional boundaries can help to equalize regional geographical the numbers of chapters, states and councils. Increasing the number of RBMs would reduce their average number of councils, but the rest of the NAS board would have to be convinced that this was really needed. I am wondering if rapid improvements in technology may be part of the answer: greater use of regional computer networks, for example, so that RBMs may more easily communicate with their constituents. Time should be provided at regional and national conventions for RBMs to report to, and get feedback from, their chapter leaders.
6. The real or perceived expense of being a regional board member is also a concern, and one that can be resolved. A fund already exists to provide for the expenses of attending board meetings by any board member who needs it, and this should be given more publicity. In addition, the NAS budget should contain a fund for RBMs to encourage them to attend each state's council meeting and/or a national or regional convention each year. Something along the line of $200 $300 per council would total no more than $10,000 to $15,000, and would at least cover the transportation costs. Councils could be encouraged to provide meals and accommodations for visiting RBM's.
7. Everyone from John Flicker to Field Office Management to RBMs should be actively encouraging the best chapter and council leaders to be candidates for the board. In one region where this was done there were four candidates and in another three. Chapter leaders should be reminded also that RBMs have in recent years earned and been given major board roles. (Ruth is vice-chairman of NAS, Cindy Dunn was co-chair of the strategic planning task force and three out of four major committees are currently headed by RBMs).

Looking Ahead

1. Early in 1998, after the chapters have had a chance to respond, I will begin drafting a working paper based on continuing input from all of you plus further discussions with board and staff members. By the March NAS board meeting T hope to have ready at least a draft report representing our collective ideas. A final report will be needed by the board's June meeting so that we can get its approval and report to the membership at the July convention in Colorado.
2. If chapter responses to the forthcoming Networker article are inadequate we will need to get a questionnaire out quickly and hope that it will be more effective.
3. Please keep talking to your leaders and tell us what you and they think needs to be changed. We want to come up with recommendations that will be well accepted and good for at least the next few years.

Thanks, again for your help - Bill

AUDUBON PRODUCTIONS REFINANCING DISCUSSION FOR THE FILM AND TELEVISION DIVISION

PROGRESS REPORT

• Team has been assembled, including a financial analyst, archivist and industry researcher
• New Series opportunities have been developed and pitched to potential distributors and co-producers
• Initial Steps undertaken to value Audubon brand and Audubon Productions archive/library
• Business Plan has been developed which includes guidelines for development and production of new series
• New series have received strong favorable response and preliminary deal terms have been struck
• Financial model has been created based on Business Plan and preliminary deal terms
• Third party/industry experts have reviewed deal terms and underlying assumptions for Financial Model
• Business and legal counsel have reviewed current financial model
• Screening of MOJAVE ADVENTURE in New York, Florida and Los Angeles
• Progress Review on November 13 to gain feedback and prepare for a full presentation in December
• Revision of Business Plan and Documents for Board discussions at Board Meeting
• Recommendation for action prepared by Team for discussion at Board Meeting

EFFECTIVENESS OF TELEVISION AS A TOOL IN AUDUBON's MEDIA PORTFOLIO

COMPARISON OF EFFECTIVENESS OF MEDIA TOOLS AVAILABLE TO AUDUBON FOR REACHING MASS-MEDIA AUDIENCE

Two charts were presented which, translated into text, show that there is a very large demand for children's, family and wildlife programming, with seven cable channels averaging about 160 hours (approximately 1020 total programming hours) per week. The rank of Audubon Productions in the ability to meet this demand currently falls way behind National Wildlife and National Geographic.

Programming Goals over Next Few Years
(All Tentative and Subject to Change)

WHAT WILL IT TAKE?
ACTION STEPS

1. Secure enough capital from qualified investors to operate efficiently in the marketplace.
2. Establish a free-standing, for-profit entity with an appropriate reporting relationship between the management of the unit and National Audubon Society.
3. Hire staff for the expanded operation based on the level of anticipated development and production activity.
4. Reduce risk by forming strategic alliances wherever possible to secure sufficient distribution outlets and co-production arrangements.
5. Develop a consistent image and an identifiable logo to capitalize on the increasing presence of Audubon in the media.

GOALS FOR AN EXPANDED AUDUBON PRODUCTIONS UNIT

1. To advance the educational mission by creating an awareness and appreciation of birds, other wildlife and their habitats. To the extent possible, subject matter will emphasize Audubon priorities.
2. To promote the Audubon brand through increased exposure and to indirectly enhance Audubon's potential for success in fund-raising, advocacy education, chapter development, licensing, communications and programs.
3. To generate sufficient revenue to sustain itself profitably while funding its own increased program development and production over time, and to generate a reasonable return for its investors.

WHY TELEVISION? AND WHY EXPAND OUR CURRENT OPERATIONS?

• The fit is right: Audubon's product is visual. Television is a visual medium.
• Television is the most effective medium to reach broad and diverse audiences.
• A greater presence will enhance the Audubon brand value.
• We will be building on an existing strength.

WHY ACT NOW? WHY EXPAND NOW?
AUDUBON PRODUCTIONS IS AT A CROSSROADS

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the National Audubon Society (NAS) is dedicated to promoting conservation through education and advocacy and recognizes television as a powerful tool for communicating and educating a broad and diverse audience; and

WHEREAS, there has been a significant recent increase in both the number of new domestic television channels dedicated entirely to non-fiction nature-oriented programming and demand for such programming from new syndication and network blocks and overseas markets; and

WHEREAS, the television division of NAS (Audubon Productions) aspires to reinforce the aforementioned mission of NAS by capitalizing on the expansion of the non-fiction television market and producing high-quality nature and wildlife programming while generating sufficient revenue to sustain itself as profitable and render a reasonable return to investors; and

WHEREAS, the continued success of Audubon Productions in this expanding marketplace is contingent upon its reorganization and recapitalization.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of NAS hereby authorizes :

1. an informal exploration (not comprising a formal offer or solicitation plan) with appropriate friends and business contacts of NAS of interest in and perspectives on the Business Plan of Audubon Production; and

2. subsequent thereto, if sufficient market interest is identified,

(a) the creation of a suitable subsidiary entity or entities to carry out the Business Plan and the establishment for such entity appropriate guidelines for financial management and program development and production in support of the mission of NAS and ongoing review thereof;

(b) the preparation of the appropriate offering memorandum and the subsequent solicitation of equity investments; and

(c) the expenditure of up to $270,000 to carry out (a) and (b).

3. The investment by NAS of up to 10% (subject to a cap of $1 Million dollars) of the amount invested by third party investors.

4. The Finance Committee to act on behalf of the Board of Directors in order to take all actions necessary to proceed with the actions authorized herein above, including approval of proposed financial and legal arrangements.