Bureau of Land Management Will Host Migratory Bird Day

Contact: Rachel Tueller, 435-865-3032

Cedar City, Utah—May 6, 2009—On May 9, in celebration of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), the Cedar City Field Office will be hosting a free public event at the East Canyon Park in Cedar City, Utah. International Migratory Bird Day is an annual event designed to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation.  The 2009 IMBD theme, “Celebrating Birds in Culture”, explores the importance of birds to native people through storytelling, art, music, dance, spirituality, food, and conservation.

The event, will feature family oriented activities such as, guided, interpretive “bird walks,” a variety of games centered on bird watching and identification, and educational displays. Approximately 30 different species of migratory birds are observed each year during the IMBD bird walks. 

As many as 340 bird species travel from Central America, South America, and the Caribbean to breeding areas in North America. This event will help promote awareness of birds and their conservation needs.  Free information on, Utah birds, bird-watching opportunities and educational materials on the proper care of birds will be available to the public. All activity participants will receive a certificate of participation and small prizes will be awarded.   

This year’s event is being sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, U.S. Forest Service, and individual members of the community. Migratory Bird Day will be held at East Canyon Park, 500 East Center Street, Cedar City, Utah on May 9, from 8am to 12:00 p.m.

The BLM manages more land – 256 million acres – than any other Federal agency.  This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska.  The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation.  The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.  The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.