The New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) has undertaken the task of identifying areas that are important for birds, and the people who watch birds.The Important Bird Area (IBA) program is an international initiative for saving habitat for birds and other wildlife, and is part of a global initiative begun by BirdLife International (www.birdlife.net). Here in North America, the IBA program has become pivotal to a continent-wide bird conservation strategy. Working in partnership with the American Bird Conservancy (www.abcbirds.org), the National Audubon Society launched its IBA initiative in 1995, establishing programs state by state.

IBA isn’t "Just for the Birds." Birds have been shown to be effective indicators of biodiversity in other animal groups and plants, especially when used to define a set of sites for conservation. As the emphasis moves from site identification to site monitoring and protection, the IBA program contributes to global biodiversity conservation.

New Jersey’s participation is just beginning, and volunteers are needed. N.J. Audubon Society, working closely with the N.J. Endangered and Non-game Species Program (ENSP) and the National Audubon Society, is in the process of launching an expanded initiative, the Important Bird and Birding Area (IBBA) program. Whereas other states’ efforts identified Important Bird Areas (IBAs), New Jersey’s IBBA program will be more inclusive and identify both areas that are essential habitats for sustaining bird populations (Important Bird Areas), and areas that are exceptional for bird watching (Important Birding Areas). This approach is unique to New Jersey.

The public nomination period will open in late April/early May with an online nomination form and instructions. Nominators are encouraged to begin organizing supporting data for their sites.

Jennifer Mattice, IBBA coordinator, will give free public presentations throughout the state for conservation groups, birding organizations, and at all NJAS centers.

Further information can be obtained by calling the Audubon Society at (732) USA-BIRD, or by visiting their Web site at www.monmouthaudubon.org.