This year marks the 40th anniversary of the North American Migratory Bird Joint Ventures. Since the North American Waterfowl Management Plan called for their creation in 1986, the Joint Ventures have become widely accepted as the model for cooperative conservation. 

On February 25, 2026, the Association of Joint Venture Management Boards (AJVMB), Ducks Unlimited, American Bird Conservancy, and National Audubon Society hosted a reception in Washington, D.C. to commemorate this milestone. More than 200 Joint Venture staff, board members, and partners gathered to celebrate 40 years of innovative conservation efforts and strong, effective partnerships. 

During the reception, the AJVMB recognized eleven organizations and individuals for their long-standing commitment to this work with the North American Migratory Bird Joint Venture Conservation Champion Awards. The honorees included:

  • Non-Governmental Organization: Audubon Southwest
  • Conservation Professionals: Kevin Gregory (Eagle Land Transformation, LLC) and Jim Leafloor (Canadian Wildlife Service)
  • Private Landowners: Kim Brackett (Brackett Ranches) and Ruperto Cazares
  • Legislator: The Office of Senator Mazie K. Hirono
  • Indigenous Partner: Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance
  • Regional Partnership: Klamath Siskiyou Oak Network
  • Agency Partner: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
  • Industry Partner: ConocoPhillips
  • Special Recognition: Bill Bartush

The event also featured the premiere of a new video highlighting the mission and vision of the Joint Ventures.

 

There are currently 22 Habitat Joint Ventures across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In addition, three Species Joint Ventures work to further the scientific understanding needed to manage populations of specific bird species. Over their forty-year history, Joint Ventures have partnered with more than 5,700 non-governmental organizations; public agencies; private landowners; Tribes; corporations; universities; and other partners. These collaborations have helped conserve more than 33 million acres of habitat across North America.

As the Joint Ventures look ahead to the next 40 years, their continued success will depend on the same spirit of collaboration that has defined them from the beginning. By building on this legacy of cooperation, innovation, and stewardship, the Joint Ventures and their partners are well positioned to ensure that North America’s birds and their habitats thrive for generations to come. 

The Migratory Bird Joint Ventures extend their thanks to all partners for their continued support and for joining in this important celebration.