At the April 4, 2009 NYSOA Board of Directors meeting, a policy governing the organization’s involvement with conservation issues was adopted.

The policy establishes a bi-level approach for considering issues: those matters brought to NYSOA by members, the board, or the conservation committee should have “...regional, statewide or national relevance to birds.” Issues brought by NYSOA member organizations should “...have potential for local, regional, statewide or national relevance to birds.”

This distinction was made to ensure that NYSOA would be able to assist member organizations with their local issues, even if they did not meet the threshold of broader relevance. The board considers this support and service to member organizations as one of NYSOA’s most valuable and important roles.

In addition, the policy asks those bringing conservation issues to NYSOA to allow sufficient time for consideration by the Conservation Committee and the full board, and to provide supporting information to the committee.

The conservation policy is shown below. Please contact Andy Mason AndyMason@earthling.net with any questions. The Conservation Committee encourages members and member organizations to communicate conservation issues or concerns to them.

NYSOA bylaws, Section 3.6. Conservation Committee:

“The Conservation Committee shall keep the Board informed on matters relating to the conservation of wildlife, particularly birds, in New York State and in the nation. In matters of considerable controversy, it shall secure the advice of the Board on the question at issue before taking action.”

In order to properly address conservation issues brought to NYSOA for the organization’s support or assistance, the following procedures shall apply:

• Conservation issues brought to NYSOA shall be related to the conservation of wildlife, particularly birds, in New York State and in the nation, as per the NYSOA bylaws.
• Conservation issues shall be directed to the Conservation Committee.
• Conservation issues brought to the Conservation Committee by individual NYSOA members, board members, or committee members shall have regional (i.e., Long Island, Adirondacks, Hudson Valley, etc.), statewide or national relevance to birds. Issues affecting Important Bird Areas designated by the National Audubon Soc., or affecting Bird Conservation Areas designated by the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, shall be considered to have such relevance.
• Conservation issues brought to the Conservation Committee by NYSOA member organizations shall have potential for local, regional, statewide or national relevance to birds.
• Conservation issues falling within resolutions passed by the Council of Delegates or by the NYSOA Board of Directors shall be treated in accordance with those resolutions.
• In all cases, those bringing conservation issues to NYSOA should allow sufficient time for consideration by the Conservation Committee and the full board. In addition, supporting information should be supplied to the Conservation Committee.

Nothing in this policy shall preclude any delegate from bringing forth resolutions or other matters to the NYSOA Council of Delegates under the procedures of that body.