Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

2 Natural Resources Drive

Little Rock, AR 72205

May 2, 2005

Proclamation will help protect ivory-billed woodpeckers

LITTLE ROCK - Following the announcement that at least one ivory-billed woodpecker has been verified along the Cache River, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission last week issued an emergency proclamation to help protect the rare species.

The proclamation prohibits “harassing, disturbing, collecting, injuring or attempting to harass, disturb, collect or injure any ivory-billed woodpecker.”

Luring the bird is prohibited until further notice: “The use of audio devices, including mechanical or electronic callers, musical instruments, recording or similar artificial devices for simulating the call of the ivory-billed woodpecker or any other birds, is prohibited on the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, White River National Wildlife Refuge and Dagmar Wildlife Management Area.” Employees of the AGFC, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and members of the Corridor of Hope Cooperative Conservation Team will be allowed to carry out their official duties.

The proclamation, signed by AGFC Deputy Director David Goad for AGFC Director Scott Henderson, points out that the emergency action is needed to minimize the potential for disturbance from people who hope to see one of the birds.

Department of the Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced the rediscovery of the ivory-billed woodpecker at a press conference in Washington, D.C., on April 28.

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