June 23, 2009

Dear Friends,

Tough economic times cause concern amongst the best of us. But a strong organization looks for the opportunities amidst the challenges.

We at HawkWatch International are doing exactly that. In tightening our belt to prepare for the current economic realities, we’re taking steps to ensure the sustainable health of the organization. But we’re not just cutting back, hoping for the good times to return; we’re exploring fresh approaches to fulfilling our mission--a process that allows us to enhance our current activities while building a more viable business model.

In order to tighten our belt, we will not operate some of our migration monitoring sites this fall, namely the Grand Canyon, Wellsville Mountains, and Bridger Mountain sites. Second, while we’ve decided to close our New Mexico office, Coordinator Bobbie Posey will continue work in that area from her home office.

Streamlining our approach will give staff more time to dedicate towards building partnerships and investigating new ways to disseminate our valuable scientific data. Getting our data in front of conservationists, land managers, and scientists who can actively use our findings to implement on-the-ground improvements is part of a long-term vision HWI has held since its founding. Building these collaborations will ensure that our work offers tangible value for conservation efforts and accomplishes the best and broadest possible results toward conserving our shared environment.

Thanks to all our members and supporters who have stuck with us through thick and thin over the past decades. Here’s to many more to come!

Yours in conservation,

Caroline Goldman

Executive Director

HawkWatch International