Rally in Henrico to Save Virginia's Largest Waterbird Colony, Jan. 23, 8:45 am

Media Contact: Jordan Rutter, Director of Public Relations, 202-888-7472 | jerutter@abcbirds.org | @JERutter

A tern colony similar to this one has thrived on South Island for at least 30 years. That colony's future is now in doubt. Photo by outdoorsman/Shutterstock

(Washington, D.C., January 22, 2020) American Bird Conservancy (ABC), other conservation groups, and concerned citizens will rally this week to demand action for the 20,000 or more migratory birds that will be homeless this spring due to the Commonwealth of Virginia's decision to pave Hampton Roads' South Island without creating alternative habitat for the birds.

What: Rally to save Virginia's largest waterbird colony | VA Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries Board Meeting

When: Thursday, Jan. 23, 8:45 AM (Meeting starts at 9 AM)

Where: VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Dr, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228. Look for the sign "HRBT Bird Group."

Why: ABC President Mike Parr and other experts will be available for on-camera interviews to discuss the destruction of habitat for thousands of terns and other birds, and solutions requested of the Commonwealth.

“To be clear, bird advocates are not arguing against the much-needed tunnel expansion,” said ABC President Mike Parr in a Washington Post Opinion piece. “All we want is for the state to build an alternate island with dredge spoil — material that is already widely available nearby."

LINKS: ABC Press Release | Action Alert | Support ABC's Efforts to Save the Terns

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American Bird Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. With an emphasis on achieving results and working in partnership, we take on the greatest problems facing birds today, innovating and building on rapid advancements in science to halt extinctions, protect habitats, eliminate threats, and build capacity for bird conservation. Find us on abcbirds.org, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@ABCbirds).