Environment DEC
From the October 2006 issue
Montezuma Audubon Center Opens with Announcement of 16 New Bird Conservation Areas
Governor George E. Pataki recently marked the opening of the Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) in the northern Montezuma Wetlands Complex, Town of Savannah, Wayne County, by announcing the creation of 16 new Bird Conservation Areas (BCA) throughout the state.
Audubon New York will Operate the Center
The governor cited the new center, located in an area known as important habitat for hundreds of different species of resident and migratory birds, as an important component of ongoing, collaborative efforts to protect wildlife across the state. Audubon New York will operate the center, with assistance from DEC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the planning of educational and interpretative programs and exhibits.
Commissioner Sheehan (green suit) is joined by Congressman Jim Walsh; David Miller, Executive Director of Audubon New York and Donald G. Colvin, Savannah Town Supervisor in cutting the ribbon for the new Montezuma Audubon Center
Governor Pataki said, "The opening of the Montezuma Audubon Center and the designation of multiple Bird Conservation Areas will protect habitats for birds and other wildlife, raise awareness of these special sites, and enhance our work with public and private partners to protect our environment. I commend Audubon NY and all who have supported this new center for creating an exciting new venue to promote education and conservation."
Montezuma Wetlands Complex
Governor Pataki designated the Montezuma Wetlands Complex as a BCA in 2000, which provides for protection of birds and enhancement of bird habitat, as well as expanding opportunities for bird watching and outdoor enjoyment. The site is also named as an Important Bird Area by Audubon NY. The BCA is part of a larger complex of state, federal and private lands. Its habitat includes high quality wetlands bordered by deciduous forest, shrubs and open agricultural fields. The site hosts one of the largest migratory concentrations of waterfowl in the Northeast. In addition, the Montezuma area provides quality waterfowl hunting on designated public lands.
The 5,200-square-foot MAC will
host various educational programs
The Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) will complement the Montezuma BCA designation by providing public access, research, education, and wildlife-related recreation opportunities. The center is located approximately 1.5 miles north of the Hamlet of Savannah and is west of NYS Route 89 immediately north of the Crusoe Creek.
The 5,200-square-foot single-story building will offer year-round environmental education programs, exhibits and presentations. The MAC contains a large exhibit area, classroom, nature store, office area, auditorium, and meeting room. A wall of windows offers a panoramic view of restored grassland and marshes. On site, two freshwater marshes have been restored, 50 acres of native grasses have been planted, a one-mile hiking trail has been constructed, and an all-access observation platform has been built.
Continuing Preservation Commitment
DEC Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "The governor continues to demonstrate his commitment to protecting and enhancing important wildlife habitat, preserving valuable open space and increasing recreational opportunities throughout our great state. The center and the BCA designations build upon these efforts by providing New Yorkers and visitors a place to appreciate the beauty of nature while simultaneously having a rewarding environmental learning experience. DEC is pleased to be partnering with Audubon, USFWS and local officials on such a beneficial project."
Visitors to the MAC can enjoy
the view from the all-access
observation platform
The total cost of the center is $2.7 million, which came from state, federal and local sources. More than 50 percent of the MAC is constructed from recycled products, and it is designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. DEC will apply for certification as a green building upon final building commissioning and submission of associated LEED documentation. The LEED certification is based on: energy efficiency for heating, cooling and lighting; the use of recycled and other environmentally-friendly materials, and indoor environmental quality. The center will also have 100 percent of its electrical needs purchased through a green power energy provider.
16 New Bird Conservation Areas
Governor Pataki also announced 16 new BCAs across the state. New York State's Bird Conservation Area program, modeled after the National Audubon Society's Important Bird Areas program, was signed into law by Governor Pataki in 1997. The program is designed to safeguard and enhance bird populations and their habitats on selected state-owned lands and waters.
Twenty-eight BCAs have been designated from 1997 to 2005 on state lands managed by DEC and the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). In the governor's 2005 State of the State Address, he committed to adding 20 new BCAs across New York to mark the National Audubon Society's 100th anniversary, adding three of the 20 later in 2005. Locations and information about these and other BCAs can be found at the Bird Conservation Areas web page on DEC's website (see "Related Links" below). The 16 BCAs just announced bring the number added since 2005 to 19 and the total number to 47.
The focus of the BCA program is to provide a model stewardship program and to develop interpretive and educational programs for bird conservation. BCA proposals are reviewed by an advisory committee of state and private wildlife experts, and selected based upon the site's ability to support an exceptional abundance or diversity of birds. The proposals are then subject to a 30-day public comment period prior to final approvals of their designations.
