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Avian Influenza Information

Featured Publications:

"Mercury Contamination in Waterbirds Breeding in San Francisco Bay" (pdf) from the summer issue of Tideline, a quarterly bulletin published by the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

"The Environmental Contaminants Program" (pdf) from the March 2007 issue of the Endangered Species Bulletin.

"Bridging the Gap" (640KB pdf) from the Winter 2007 issue of the Fish & Wildlife News.

"What's Happening to the Mysterious Mercury?" (pdf) from the July/August 2006 issue of the Refuge Update Bulletin.

"The Conservation of Pollinating Species" (pdf) from the July 2006 issue of the Endangered Species Bulletin.

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Archived Features

Deepwater Horizon-related archived features

Federal, State Natural Resource Agencies Receive $27.5 Million

Heavily-oiled Canada geese. USFWS photo

Federal and state agencies have received $27.5 million to restore conditions for fish, birds, sensitive habitats, wildlife and recreational use of the Delaware River areas impacted in 2004 by an oil spill from the vessel Athos I. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware collectively have received the funds from the U.S. Coast Guard Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for nine restoration projects.

Chesapeake Bay Field Office - On the Wild Side: Athos 1 Oil Spill

NOAA Northeast Region - Case Study: Athos Spill

First Restoration Project Completed at Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee

The Natural Resources Trustee Council for the Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge Reservation has completed their first restoration project.

The Oak Ridge Reservation, consisting of about 37,000 acres, is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on the Clinch River downstream of the Melton Hill Dam and near the confluence of the Clinch River and Poplar Creek. In the early 1940s, the DOE constructed three major facilities on the Oak Ridge Reservation in support of the Manhattan Project. Activities at these facilities resulted in the discharge of hazardous substances (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs] and mercury) and radioactive compounds, leading to the contamination of natural resources both on the Oak Ridge Reservation and in the surrounding environment.

As part of a natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) for the Site, the natural resource Trustees (State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and DOE) investigated the impacts of Site-related contamination on natural resources in Watts Bar Reservoir. Natural resource losses due to contamination include impacts to human uses (e.g., fishing) in addition to impact to wildlife and their habitat.

As compensation for these impacts, the Oak Ridge Reservation Trustee Council proposed establishment of a conservation easement on approximately 3,000 acres on the Oak Ridge Reservation. The conservation easement area, known as Black Oak Ridge, provides valuable nesting and foraging habitat for a variety of neo-tropical migratory birds, including the Cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea). A plan developed for the conservation area includes DOE funding for management, maintenance and operations. Additional recreational fishing restoration projects for Watts Bar Reservoir (Tennessee River, Clinch River, and Emory River) were also developed. The Trustees determined that the conservation easement, along with the proposed funding and additional restoration projects, provided sufficient compensation for natural resource damages in Watts Barr Reservoir and a settlement was signed on October 6, 2010. NRDA activities are continuing on the balance of the Oak Ridge Reservation.

DOE News Release - Department of Energy and State Sign Natural Resources Damages Settlement Agreement

The Experts Speak - Contaminants Branch Chief Interviewed about Disposing of Unused Medications

SMARXT DISPOSAL campaign educates consumers about how to dispose of medicines in a safe and environmentally protective manner.

Dr. Greg Masson, Chief, Branch of Environmental Contaminants, discusses the issues and techniques involved in the proper disposal of unused medications in an interview with "The Experts Speak" -- An Educational Service of the Florida Psychiatric Society, hosted by Abbey Strauss MD

SMAR_XT DISPOSAL is a joint project of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the American Pharmacists Association and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America to recommend safe ways to dispose unused medications.

Learn More about the campaign.

Listen to the interview. Note: It is an audio recording without images.

Environmental Contaminants Biologists from Iowa Contribute to the National Fish Habitat Initiative

Contaminants Biologist Aleshia Kenney measures trout from the Yellow River in Iowa as part of the pre-restoration monitoring program.   Credit: Mike Coffey/USFWS

Biologists from the Environmental Contaminants Program support the Allamakee County, Iowa Soil and Water Conservation District in the construction of stream restoration projects in the Yellow River.  The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program provided funds for the stream restoration projects.          

Settlement Brings Millions of Dollars for Coeur d’Alene Basin Clean-up and Restoration

Tundra swans, such as this sick bird on Idaho's Lake Coeur d'Alene, are among the fish and wildlife that will benefit from the ASARCO natural resources settlement. Credit: Brian Spears/USFWS

An environmental damage settlement with ASARCO LLC, a North American mining conglomerate, would provide about $194 million for the recovery of wildlife and other natural resources at more than a dozen sites managed by the Department of the Interior and state and tribal governments, including the Coeur d'Alene Basin in Idaho. The agreement is the largest bankruptcy settlement for natural resource restoration in U.S. history.

"Through this historic settlement, the American public is compensated for the damage and loss of natural resources resulting from ASARCO's past mining, smelting and refining operations," said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. "Were it not for this agreement, these injured resources would either remain impaired for future generations or require taxpayer expenditures to achieve environmental restoration."

The money from environmental settlements in the bankruptcy will be used to pay for costs incurred by federal and state agencies at the more than 80 sites contaminated by mining operations in 19 states, said federal officials.

The settlements for the six Department of the Interior sites primarily resulted from staff work accomplished by the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Environmental Contaminants (EC) Program. Scientists in the EC Program had the lead responsibility for acquiring funding and bring together key personnel from State, Tribal, and other Federal agencies to establish the degree of natural resource injury at each site and successfully pursue the various damage claims.

News Release

Contaminants Program - Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration: Current Assessment and Restoration Efforts - Coeur d'Alene Basin

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) Bankruptcy Settlement

Overflight view of Kingston spill. The fly ash slurry has covered approximately 300 hundred acres. Credit: EPA

Fish and Wildlife Service Environmental Contaminants and Law Enforcement personnel are responding to the release of approximately one billion gallons (5.4 million cubic yards) of fly ash slurry.

The spill occurred when an earthen dike broke at a retention pond at the Tennessee Valley Authority Kingston Fossil Plant in Kingston, Tennessee.

Learn More

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SMARXT DISPOSAL - Improper Disposal of Unused Medication Sparks Creation of New Awareness Program Medicine Disposal Partnership Encourages Public to Flush Less, Crush More March 19, 2008 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) have signed a formal agreement to help protect the nation's fish and aquatic resources from the improper disposal of medication. SMARXT DISPOSAL Pollinator Declines Butterfly and bee. Credit: J. and K. Hollingsworth Pollinator species—bees, birds, bats and insects—are estimated to pollinate 1/3 of human food crops and 75% of flowering plants. Many pollinator species are facing serious declines. Habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species and improper use of pesticides are just a few of the key issues facing pollinators. Learn More How You Can Help Ecological Restoration Site on the Mispillion River in Delaware Completed Pike Property Ecological Restoration Site After Phragmites Removal. Credit: DNREC September 25, 2008 Fifty-six acres of private land, known as the Pike Property, located along the Delaware Bay have been restored. This restoration has resulted in significant habitat improvements in the Mispillion River ecosystem—home to many valuable natural resources, such as blue crab, Atlantic herring, spot, and striped bass. This restoration was the result of a cooperative effort among the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Fish and Wildlife Service, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), and DuPont. To celebrate this accomplishment, there will be a tour of the property on October 2, 2008. Learn More   Service personnel respond to another large oil spill this time in the Midwest Region. Oil skimmer and vacuum truck operations to remove crude oil from wetland.  Photo credit: Mike Coffey/USFWS September 22, 2008 A pipeline rupture released over 5,000 barrels of crude oil into upland forest and bottomland wetland habitats near Albion, IL.  The wetlands included former river channels near the Little Wabash River.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Environmental Contaminants Program provided technical assistance to minimize the impacts on wetlands, migratory birds, and federally listed endangered species.    Learn More   Service Personnel Assist in the Largest Oil Spill Response Effort Ever Conducted in the Southeast Region. New Orleans, Louisiana Oil Spill Wildlife Rescue Video. Video Compilation Credit: Buddy Goatcher and Anthony Valesco/USFWS September 8, 2008 On July 23, 2008, a major release of #6 fuel oil occurred in the Mississippi River, in New Orleans, Louisiana.  More than 9,000 barrels of oil were released.  The release necessitated the closure of more than 80 miles of river to commercial shipping and recreational boating.  The river, shorelines, and adjacent wetlands were impacted in much of the area.  This incident represents a significant threat to fish, wildlife, and habitat quality.  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Environmental Contaminants Program and National Wildlife Refuge System personnel have responded to the incident. More Information (Update for August 17, 2008) New Orleans, Louisiana Oil Spill Wildlife Rescue Video. (USFWS Video. Added September 8, 2008) U S Fish and Wildlife Responds to Oil Spill (Video produced by Paradise Louisiana cable television show - July 31) Efforts to protect wildlife in high gear after oil spill. (Service staff were interviewed for this piece) WWLTV (Louisiana) Eyewitness News story - July 29. National Public Radio Interview of Steven Alexander, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service   Update on Bat Die-off Ailing bats in a New York cave have the condition dubbed white-nose syndrome for the white fungus on their muzzles. Credit: Al Hicks, New York Department of Environmental Conservation   March 19, 2008 Some 8,000 to 11,000 bats died in several Albany, New York-area caves and mines last winter, more than half the bat population in those hibernacula. Many of the dead bats had a white fungus on their muzzles, dubbed white-nose syndrome. This year, biologists are seeing hibernating bats die by the hundreds - probably thousands - in New York, southwest Vermont and western Massachusetts. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endangered species biologist Susi von Oettingen talks about white-nose syndrome in bats and investigates a hibernaculum in an abandoned mine. USFWS White Nose Syndrome website Videos related to white-nose sydrome How You Can Help New York Department of Conservation Cornell University YouTube Coverage   Study Nearing The Finish Line In this study, sparrows were captured to collect a blood sample to compare mercury exposure. Credit: BioDiversity Research Institute. A four-year study examining the effects of mercury on saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrows nesting on National Wildlife Refuges in New England is nearing completion. This study, partially funded by On-Refuge Contaminant Investigation funds, is a cooperative effort between Refuges, Ecological Services, BioDiversity Research Institute, and the University of New Hampshire. Data analysis from the 2007 field season is nearly complete and a final report will be available in May, 2008. Interim Report: Determining Mercury Risk to Saltmarsh Sparrows on Four National Wildlife Refuges Mercury Found in Songbirds in New England Salt Marshes (pdf) - Article from Refuge Update (January/February 2008 Vol 5, No 1)   Mysterious Bat Deaths Prompt Cave Advisory Ailing bats in a New York cave have the condition dubbed white-nose syndrome for the white fungus on their muzzles. Credit: Al Hicks, New York Department of Environmental Conservation. February 06, 2008 Hibernating bats in New York and Vermont, including endangered Indiana bats, are dying at an alarming rate, and we don't know why. While searching for the cause of the deaths, we have developed guidance for cavers to help reduce the risk of spreading contamination. The Northeast Region and the Midwest Region have additional information. Learn More More Information   Service Staff Respond to San Francisco Spill San Francisco - Oil booms line a San Francisco, California, beach. November 9, 2007. Credit: Desmond Thorsson/U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary. On November 7, 2007 the cargo vessel Cosco Busan hit the San Francisco Bay Bridge in heavy fog.  The impact ruptured the hull (~100 ft x 12 ft and 4 ft deep) and spilled approximately 58,000 gallons of medium grade fuel oil.  Most of the oil has spread to central San Francisco Bay and outer coast (North and South of the Golden Gate Bridge).  The spill is not anticipated to make contact with San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex (NWRC) lands in the South Bay or offshore at the Farallon Islands, although oiled birds have been found at all of the refuges. More Information   Restoration Monies From Settlement Will Benefit Multiple Species Clubshell (Pleurobema clava). Credit: USFWS A settlement has been reached for a 2002 fish kill along the Saline Branch and Salt Fork of the Vermilion River in Illinois. A total of $491,000 will be provided to the Fish and Wildlife Service and State of Illinois to restore fish and wildlife habitat. Species that will benefit from the restoration efforts include the endangered clubshell mussel, endangered bats, and a variety of migratory birds, fishes and other aquatic species. Learn More Midwest grassland restoration benefits ducks wintering in Maryland

Ruddy Duck. Credit: Glen Smart/USFWS An oil spill into a Maryland river and grass restoration on 1,850 acres of farmland in the upper Midwest seem as far apart as the 1,000 miles separating them. For ruddy ducks that nest in prairie potholes and winter on the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay, it makes perfect sense. Learn More

Bald Eagle Leaves Endangered Species List

Bald Eagle. Credit: Steve Hillebrand/USFWS The widespread use of the pesticide DDT after World War II caused eagle populations to plummet towards extinction. However, after nearly disappearing from most of the U.S., the bald eagle is now flourishing and no longer needs the protection of the Endangered Species Act. The nation’s symbol has recovered from an all-time low of 417 nesting pairs in 1963 to almost 10,000 breeding pairs today, and will be removed from the list of threatened and endangered species. Bald Eagle Web site DDT information and Archive of Fish and Wildlife Service News Releases related to DDT Environmental Contaminants Program - Migratory Birds

Pollinator Declines

Butterfly and bee. Credit: J. and K. Hollingsworth Pollinator species—bees, birds, bats and insects—are estimated to pollinate 1/3 of human food crops and 75% of flowering plants. Many pollinator species are facing serious declines. Habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species and improper use of pesticides are just a few of the key issues facing pollinators. Learn More How You Can Help Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder Congressional Testimony on Pollinators - Assistant Director, Dr. Mamie Parker

100th Anniversary of the Birthday of Rachel Carson

The centennial of the birth of Rachel Carson, a pivotal figure in wildlife conservation, was celebrated May 27, 2007. Carson worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service from 1936-1952. Her understanding of the dangers of pesticides began during those years and inspired her most important book, “Silent Spring.” This book led to closer scrutiny of pesticides policy and the eventual ban on use of the pesticide DDT. This ban helped revive bald eagles which may soon be removed from the Endangered Species list. For more information on Rachel Carson's accomplishments and our wildlife conservation heritage: Rachel Carson Web Site Rachel Carson Fact Sheet (pdf) DDT information and Archive of Fish and Wildlife Service News Releases related to DDT Taking a Stand in History: Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring - this documentary created by high school junior, tells the story of Carson’s pioneering role in creating the modern environmental movement.

Improper Disposal of Unused Medication Sparks Creation of New Awareness Program

Smart Disposal. A Prescription for a Healthy Planet. UFWS/APha partnership logo. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) have joined forces to help protect our nation's fish and aquatic resources from improper disposal of medication. As part of the effort - dubbed "SMARxT DISPOSAL" - the USFWS and the APhA will work to publicize the potential environmental and health impacts of unused medications when they are flushed into our nation's sewer systems. News Release

Restoration Program Makes Significant Contribution at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

A former sludge pit contaminated with heavy metals was converted to a lush vernal pool that now provides breeding habitat for New Jersey endangered blue-spotted salamanders. (photo credit: USFWS). Through a close collaboration between the Service's Environmental Contaminants Program and the National Wildlife Refuge System, $4.2 million in natural resource damage assessment restoration settlement funds have been used to add nearly 130 acres of forested wetland habitat to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (GSNWR), remove 17 acres of impervious cover and nearly 1,600 tons of demolition debris, of which more than 425 tons of concrete and 275 tons of asphalt were recycled. Additionally, more than a half-mile of new boardwalks, constructed with recycled materials, were added to the GSNWR's Wildlife Observation Center, located just 26 miles west of New York City. Over 100,000 people visit the Wildlife Observation Center boardwalk and trail system each year. Actions currently underway include invasive species control on over 110 acres and restoration of 25 vernal (seasonal) pools. In addition, funds are being provided to partners such as the: Ten Towns Great Swamp Watershed Management Committee and its members, Great Swamp Watershed Association, Somerset County Park Commission, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, and Harding Land Trust to help them complete 8 restoration projects throughout the watershed, that will ultimately benefit water quality on Great Swamp NWR. The total value of the acquisitions and restorations exceeds $9 M when matching funds and in-kind partner contributions are included. Restoration Program Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Land Acquired in Pollution Settlement Becomes Nature Preserve

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission voted on November 14, 2006, to dedicate Pine Station Nature Preserve, a 258-acre tract bordered by U.S Steel to the north and Gary/Chicago International Airport to the southwest.

The property, as well as $200,000 for its restoration, was acquired as part of the Midco I and II Superfund sites' damage settlement.  At the time, the property consisted of 47 acres of relatively intact dune and swale habitat and approximately 208 acres of degraded habitat in need of restoration and provided habitat for a host of rare species. 

Environmental Contaminants staff in the Service's Bloomington, Indiana, developed a plan to restore the degraded areas along with the Indiana's Departments of Environmental Management and Natural Resources. Construction debris and nonnative vegetation was removed, and 12 acres of wetlands were restored. There are also plans to install a hiking trail and visitor parking lot and may eventually link the hiking trail with other recreational trails in Northwest Indiana.  

Fact Sheet: Restoring our Resources - Midco I and II Superfund Sites, Northwestern Indiana (pdf)

The Service, NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program and other federal agencies aim to protect and rebuild populations of seabirds along the Central California coast, like these common murres, whose numbers dwindled dramatically in the 1980s. (photo credit: NOAA).

Seabird species, particularly those species that nest and roost on cliffs or offshore rocks, are highly susceptible to human disturbances. When disturbed, the birds vacate their nests, leaving their eggs and chicks unprotected from predators and harsh weather. Repeated disturbance may cause the birds to totally abandon a colony.

Disturbance of breeding seabirds can come from various activities including kayaking, boating, hiking, diving or surfing, flyovers of planes and helicopters, and fishing operations. To put seabird colonies on California’s central coast back on the road to health, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA, and several California state and non-governmental agencies have created the Seabird Colony Protection Program, an innovative outreach and monitoring effort that enlists the help of those who use and enjoy the sea, shore and sky to minimize their impact on seabird nesting and breeding grounds.

More Information

The historic Lonsdale Drive-in sign heralding restored habitat and bikeway . (photo credit: USFWS).

Coastal America presented a Partnership Award on September 11, 2006 to agencies and individuals in recognition of the collaborative success of the Lonsdale Drive-In restoration project in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

The Lonsdale Drive-In site was one of the most highly valued freshwater wetlands in Rhode Island. The land was used as a pasture for many years until the early 1950s, when 23 acres were paved to construct the drive-in. The theatre was closed in the early 1980s and the site sat neglected. But now, back by popular demand, it's wildlife habitat!

News Release

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Restoration In Action: North Cape, Rhode Island, Lobster Restoration Program Completed

An observer v-notches a female lobster. V-notched lobsters are protected from harvest, allowing them more opportunity to reproduce. (photo credit: NOAA).

Visit the North Cape Restoration home page