Bird Conservancy Loses $1.37 Million in Federal Grants Over DEI Issues
URGENT UPDATE: The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, a prominent wildlife conservation group based in Brighton, Colorado, has lost $1.37 million in federal grants due to controversial accusations surrounding its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This abrupt cancellation has left the organization scrambling for support from its donors, marking a significant blow to its ongoing conservation efforts.
Just hours ago, the conservancy expressed its shock and dismay, stating they were “blindsided” by the news, which they first learned about through an article in the conservative media outlet Daily Caller. The article reported that the U.S. Department of the Interior had terminated the funding based on language in the conservancy’s strategic plan focused on “recruiting, hiring, training, and investing in staff to increase engagement, diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity.”
This funding cancellation represents approximately 10% of the Bird Conservancy’s annual budget, which is critical for cooperative research with agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management. The organization emphasizes that none of the federal funds were allocated to promote DEI programs that have been targeted by the previous administration.
“This looks like the logical result when they blindly cancel vital and worthwhile scientific work without warning or explanation,” a volunteer from the Bird Conservancy commented. The organization is particularly known for its bird-banding station at Barr Lake State Park, a well-frequented sanctuary for birders and outdoor enthusiasts. Bird banding is essential for advancing knowledge on migration patterns and avian behavior.
The Bird Conservancy is now urgently appealing to donors to help bridge the financial gap caused by this sudden funding loss. They are leveraging their remaining resources to maintain their critical programs, but the long-term implications of this funding cut could severely hinder their operations.
“Unfortunately, we are not in a position to discuss the changes to our federal funding at this time. We are working to position our organization in the best possible way moving forward. We hope you’ll understand,” stated a spokesperson for the Bird Conservancy. The organization is committed to challenging this decision and restoring its funding.
As of now, the federal agencies involved have not responded to inquiries about the reasoning behind the cancellation or the future of the grants. The situation continues to develop, and officials from the Bird Conservancy are hopeful that support will be rallied from the community and stakeholders.
Observers are urged to stay tuned for updates on this critical issue that could impact wildlife conservation efforts in Colorado and beyond. The Bird Conservancy has vowed to push back against this decision, signaling a growing tension between conservation efforts and federal policy.
