Registration now is open for the 2009 International Conference on Ecology and Transportation (ICOET), which will be held September 13-17, 2009, in Duluth, Minn. The ICOET 2009 conference theme is "Adapting to Change," and it will focus on the challenges ahead in adapting for future global climate changes, shifts in transportation demand and patterns, and evolving environmental and transportation policy. A preliminary conference agenda has been posted online, with a complete conference program to be available later in April 2009. For more information, link to the Registration webpage on the ICOET 2009 website. (4-6-09)

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A new report released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cites widespread declines in U.S. bird populations, with nearly a third of the country’s 800 birds species either endangered, threatened, or in significant decline due to loss of habitat, invasive species, or other threats. The U.S. State of the Birds report, which was coordinated by FWS under the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, synthesizes data from several long-running bird surveys conducted by federal agencies and citizen science groups. In addition to evidence of declining populations, the report also finds that many species of wetland birds have responded quickly to habitat conservation and restoration, highlighting the effectiveness of conservation partnerships. For more information, link to The U.S. State of the Birds website. (3-19-09)

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The White House has issued a memorandum to federal agencies regarding interagency consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. On Dec. 16, 2008, the Bush Administration issued a final rule limiting the circumstances under which federal agencies were required to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service prior to taking actions that may affect endangered or threatened wildlife. The new memorandum directs federal agencies to follow the prior longstanding consultation practices under ESA, pending a review of the December 2008 rulemaking by the Obama administration. For more information, link to the Federal Register notice. (3-6-09)

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a report describing its vision for meeting climate change and other conservation challenges of the 21^st century. The report examines emerging trends affecting conservation practice, such as an increases emphasis on ecosystem-based approaches, inter-organizational collaboration, and public participation. The report also highlights six agency priorities for the new century, including landscape conservation and threatened and endangered species, and describes plans for building capacity in biological planning and conservation design, conservation delivery, and research and monitoring. For more information, link to Conservation in Transition: Leading Change in the 21^st Century. (1-9-09)

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