Press Releases

The Commission was established on February 18, 1929, by the passage of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act. It was created and authorized to consider and approve any areas of land and/or water recommended by the Secretary of the Interior for purchase or rental by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and to fix the price or prices at which such areas may be purchased or rented. In addition to approving purchase and rental prices, the Commission considers the establishment of new wildlife refuges.  "I am honored to have been chosen by the Speaker to serve as one of two House members on this commission which is so important to both waterfowl and outdoorsmen alike," said Wittman.

"The Chesapeake Bay Watershed provides vital habitat for waterfowl.  Preserving habitat for waterfowl not only benefits bird species but also contributes to improving water quality and restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay," said Wittman.  Wittman joins the Secretaries of the Interior Ken Salazar and Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Senators Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AK) and Congressman John Dingell (D-MI at three meetings per year during the months of March, June, and September, or as needed. Since the Commission's establishment, over 4 million acres have been acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by fee purchase, easement, or lease with monies from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. These funds are allocated at the Secretary's discretion and delegated to the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. The staff support for the Commission is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Realty.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He was elected to his first full term in November 2008 and serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.