[fws-news] Initial Assessments of Waterfowl Breeding Habitat Conditions Available at www.Flyways.us

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS)
are making available the initial assessments of waterfowl breeding habitat
conditions in new video segments posted on the agencies’ joint website
www.Flyways.us. These assessments offer a first glimpse of habitat
conditions and the status of waterfowl populations entering the breeding
period starting in May, 2008.

The short videos contain reports from FWS and CWS biologists who conduct
the annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, the primary
tool used to track the status of waterfowl populations and their habitats
in North America.

The Flyways.us Web site was developed by the FWS through a collaborative
effort of biologists and waterfowl managers across North America’s four
waterfowl flyways — the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific Flyways.

Flyways.us is designed to provide waterfowl hunting enthusiasts, biologists
and agency administrators with the most current waterfowl population
information as it becomes available. It also provides extensive information
on the rigorous, science-based process by which waterfowl hunting is
managed and waterfowl populations are monitored. In addition to the video
segments, users can view aerial photos chronicling the survey as
experienced by the field crews in May and June; query an interactive map to
find out where birds were banded and recovered; and submit questions about
duck, goose and swan hunting management in the United States that will be
answered by experts.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to
conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for
the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and
trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific
excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated
professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our
work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov