With a wingspan of almost 10 feet, the California condor is the biggest soaring land bird on the North American continent.  It is a scavenger, feeding on dead animals—nature's original recycler. Native people throughout their historical range revere them, and the Yurok people have incorporated fallen condor feathers into sacred ceremonial practices since time immemorial.

I support the recovery of the California condor as described in the Environmental Assessment proposed action Alternative 1. Please work with tribes, the National Park Service, and other agencies to ensure the recovery of this species. 

Despite the captive rearing of condors in California, Arizona, and Mexico, biologists report that there are not enough animals for a population large enough to ensure survival of the species. This is largely because of lead bullets still in use that poison the food for this majestic species. A statewide ban on lead ammunition goes into effect in California in 2019, but low compliance is expected. Oregon does not require non-lead ammunition for big game, but encourages voluntary use of non-lead ammunition. Please do more to ensure that measures are taken that will limit exposure of condors to lead poisoning.