Blog

South Carolina in the Spotlight at Audubon's National Board Meeting

Efforts to reauthorize the South Carolina Conservation Bank and Representative Mark Sanford's commitment to conservation were front and center at the June 2018 Board Meeting.

Last week, National Audubon Society leadership and board members convened in Washington for the annual 2018 Board Meeting.

Front and center at the meeting was Audubon South Carolina's successful campaign to reauthrorize the state's Conservation Bank--a vital tool for conserving critical habitat for birds and other wildlife. Thanks to the efforts of Audubon South Carolina, our countless passionate advocates, and the broader conservation community, the Bank has been reauthorized in perpetuity. The National Audubon Society hopes to replicate South Carolina's success to encourage and protect funding for conservation in additional states around the country. 

In addition, South Carolina's own Representative Mark Sanford was one of a select group of public officials to receive Audubon's Conservation Hero Award. The Conservation Hero Award recognizes members of Congress and other political leaders who demonstrate a commitment to conserving the natural spaces that birds depend on. The awards were given out at a U.S. Botanic Garden event as part of Audubon’s national board meeting.

Rep. Sanford has been a leader on conservation issues throughout his public service career, from preventing offshore drilling to protecting critical programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund to his long-time focus on mitigating climate change.

“I’m honored to receive this award from the National Audubon Society,” said Representative Sanford. “I think it’s important that we recognize how important our environment is for all creatures great and small and to treat it like it’s an investment in our future - because that’s how I see it. Accordingly, I look forward to working to continue efforts to conserve our natural as well as our financial resources.”

2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), a federal law that prevents the accidental killing of birds, and Audubon’s founding policy victory in 1918. Over the years, MBTA has been extremely successful at protecting bird life, causing oil drillers and power line companies to take common sense precautions to help prevent bird deaths. The Conservation Hero Awards are one part of the National Audubon Society’s efforts to mark this centennial “Year of the Bird” and defend the MBTA.

How you can help, right now