Number: 1986-27
WHEREAS, four species of geese that nest in coastal habitats of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta of western Alaska, the cackling Canada goose, Pacific white-fronted goose, brant, and emperor goose, have experienced serious population declines; and
WHEREAS, further declines in population could threaten the survival of these four species of geese and thereby reduce the diversity of nature and eliminate the many human benefits derived from the birds; and
WHEREAS, a variety of mortality factors including excessive harvest are principle causes of the population declines; and
WHEREAS, a balanced comprehensive flyway-wide conservation plan involving research, education, habitat acquisition, management and law enforcement has yet to be developed to restore and maintain these geese at optimum sustainable populations levels;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1986, in Seattle, Washington, strongly supports cooperative efforts currently underway to restore the geese to optimum sustainable population levels; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation will work with all parties involved in this issue to develop a comprehensive flyway-wide conservation plan for these geese, to ensure that this waterfowl resource is conserved for all its human benefits consistent with scientific management principles.