Preserve vital Bird Banding Laboratory for avian conservation

The Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) at the U.S. Geological Survey plays a critical role in facilitating research and conservation efforts for migratory birds across North America. Its comprehensive database of banding records, spanning over a century, provides invaluable insights into migration patterns, population dynamics, and breeding behaviors of various bird species. The proposed elimination of the BBL under the Ecosystems Mission Area in the 2026 federal budget would severely undermine our ability to monitor and protect avian populations effectively. Bird banding data is fundamental to our understanding of avian ecology, informing management decisions such as hunting seasons and bag limits for waterfowl species. The BBL's cost-effective operations, heavily reliant on volunteer efforts, offer an exceptional return on investment for taxpayers. Terminating this program would not only erase decades of invaluable data but also hinder the development of innovative tracking technologies and the continuation of long-term research projects. I urge you to reconsider the proposed budget cuts and prioritize funding for the Bird Banding Laboratory. This program is essential for sustaining the scientific foundation upon which effective bird conservation strategies are built. Preserving the BBL is crucial for safeguarding our feathered friends and ensuring the continuation of vital ecological research that benefits both avian populations and human communities alike.