Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, held a briefing on Apr. 16 focused on preserving birds of prey worldwide. The event included a demonstration with live birds such as a Silvery Cheeked Hornbill, Eurasian Eagle Owl, White-naped Raven, King Vulture, and African Fish Eagle.
The roundtable aimed to highlight ongoing conservation efforts and featured Chris Parish, President and CEO of The Peregrine Fund based in Boise. The discussion centered on species recovery and effective endangered species management.
“Idaho has taken the lead in species recovery, particularly in preserving birds of prey, with many thanks to The Peregrine Fund. It has changed the paradigm of endangered species recovery and has continuously built on its successful track record of effective endangered species management. As a longtime advocate for preserving these beautiful birds, I was thrilled a fellow Idahoan, Chris Parish, could join for this informative and exciting briefing, and for numerous of my colleagues to see the beauty of exotic birds,” said Rep. Simpson.
Simpson’s prepared remarks emphasized that “The Peregrine Fund is a leader in birds of prey conservation and serves as a global expert on birds and their conservation.” He also noted that federal investments through appropriations support community-driven conservation programs like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants.
Parish said that “The Peregrine Fund is dedicated to the often unseen, hard work of bringing listed species back from the brink of extinction,” adding that reforms should recognize contributions by states and organizations when delisting species under federal law becomes possible.
Mike Simpson is currently serving in Congress representing Idaho’s 2nd district after replacing Mike Crapo in 1999 according to this biographical source. He previously served in the Idaho House from 1984 to 1998 as reported by his official website. Born in Burley in 1950, Simpson now lives in Idaho Falls; he graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor’s degree according to available records.
