Klobuchar to assess impact of BP disaster on Minnesota’s birds

Sen. Amy Klobuchar will meet with Minnesota wildlife officials on Friday to look at what impact the BP oil spill will have on Minnesota’s migratory bird populations. Many of the state’s birds, including ducks,  geese and Minnesota’s iconic loons, migrate to the Gulf Coast to overwinter. Environmental groups are concerned about the impact the oil slick may have on the birds.

“What I’ve taken from discussions I’ve had recently in Washington is that there has not been enough focus on the potential effects of the oil spill on migratory birds,” Klobuchar told the Star Tribune. “The focus so far has been on fishing in the Gulf and the economics of the way of life along the Gulf.”

Klobuchar will be meeting with:

Phil Jenni, Executive Director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – Ryan Heiniger, Director of Conservation Programs in Minnesota and Iowa, Ducks Unlimited – Carrol Henderson, Supervisor of the Nongame Wildlife Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – Mark Martell, Director of Bird Conservation, Minnesota Audubon – Juli Ponder, Executive Director of The Raptor Center