Over the last couple of months I have referred to a burrowing owl project that I was developing, but for the most part I left the details rather vague.  I was a little leery about announcing a project before I even formally submitted it, let alone release details before it has even been approved.  But now that the first few steps have been completed, I just can’t help but throw out a few tidbits because I am just plain EXCITED.  Not that I am superstitious, but I am definitely keeping my fingers crossed as I still have to successfully navigate the review process and garner committee and board support for a few slots that many other environmental/conservation projects are vying for as well.

On April 30th I formally submitted a 24 page project application to Earth Island Institute for sponsorship, and had a morning meeting with project support staff at their headquarters today.   The meeting went well and I am looking forward to the next steps in a process that will extend through July.  And with a small drum roll I introduce the Burrowing Owl Conservation Network; leaving all jubilee of course to a time when or if it is actually accepted.

It is the mission of the Burrowing Owl Conservation Network to advocate for the protection and restoration of the Western Burrowing Owl and promote the preservation and careful management of habitat to prevent loss, foster healthy populations, and maintain intact natural communities for an ecologically sound future. 

By promoting, developing, performing and contributing to a variety of objectives that includes hands-on conservation efforts, advocacy, community and educational outreach, and much needed burrowing owl research, we aim to further conservation of the species.  Our work will encompass educating individuals, garnering land owner cooperation and support, installing artificial burrows, championing progressive burrowing owl and habitat management policies and laws, increasing scientific research, and fostering appreciation for the western burrowing owl. 

In addition to a growing volunteer staff, I have put an Advisory Board together comprised of individuals with a long history of hands-on burrowing owl research, rehabilitation, conservation, and the design of unique, innovative, and federally recognized award winning solutions to common issues afflicting burrowing owls.  Plus, I have a number of behind the scenes expert advisors including professors, environmental consultants, Department of Fish and Game scientists and biologists, and renowned nonprofit organizations.  I am still working to compile and update the official website, but information on a few of the staff and advisory members is available for your perusal…as is quite a bit of other information.

But there is still so much more to do!  Whether sponsorship from Earth Island Institute materializes or not, Burrowing Owl Conservation Network is here to stay and must move forward.  Along with the help of staff and advisors, we are working on educational materials, a newsletter, brochures, presentations, an exhibit booth, and everything else you can possibly imagine to accomplish our goals.  I even attended my first event (poster below) under the Burrowing Owl Conservation Network name through the gracious invitation of Worth A Dam President & Founder Heidi Perryman. 

Things are definitely headed in the right direction so pop on over to the new website and take a peek at things to come.   Don’t forget to hit the ‘play’ button on What’s On Owl TV? for my latest video. 

And by all means let me know if you have any questions and sign up for our future newsletter.

Tags: burrowing owl conservation, Burrowing Owl Conservation Network, burrowing owls

This entry was posted by Scott on Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 at 4:21 pm and is filed under Blogging, Commentary, conservation, Owls. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.