EAGLES FOREVER! IT’S OUR DUTY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS STORY AND ART CONTEST LAUNCHES

OAKLAND, CALIF. – March 1, 2006 – Do you treasure America’s precious wildlife? Are you inspired by America’s symbol, the magnificent bald eagle? Through March 24, the “Eagles Forever! It’s Our Duty for Future Generations” contest is calling on Americans young and old to visit www.eaglesforever.org to submit their stories and artwork that answers the question, “The Bald Eagle is Back! Why is that Important to America?”

The Eagles Forever! contest will showcase why Americans believe that preserving the bald eagle, a time-honored American symbol, and other U.S. wildlife treasures is essential for future generations. Two winning contestants – one in the 500-word story category and one in the artwork category – will each receive a trip for themselves and three of their family members or friends to Washington D.C.

The contest will culminate with an Endangered Species event in Washington D.C. on Thursday, May 4, where the winners will join Eagles Forever! contest judges and other special guests.

“As a kid, I loved being surrounded by mountains, creeks and animals, and volunteering with my mom on initiatives to help protect the environment,” said actress Amy Smart, contest spokesperson and judge. “Being part of this contest is one important way I can help ensure we all get to experience the beauty and wonder of wildlife, such as the bald eagle, that enrich all our lives and make us proud to be Americans.”

Smart, along with three other judges – including Kerri Allred, 12, founder of All Green Kids; Sophie McKibben, 12, editor and publisher of Bookworm magazine; and Steve Winter, contributing photographer for National Geographic magazine – will select the two winners and four finalists. Finalists – two in the 500-word story category and two in the artwork category – each will receive $200 gift certificates to Amazon.com and a 12-month subscription to National Geographic or NG Kids Magazine.

The contest takes place as developers and other powerful special interests are urging Congress to drastically weaken the protections that have been provided to America's endangered wildlife, including the bald eagle, for the past 30 years. Contestants and all site visitors are encouraged to take a few small steps, such as telling friends about the Web site or contacting their senators, towards protecting the bald eagle and other wildlife for future generations of Americans.

The Eagles Forever! contest is open to people of all ages. Kids are invited to submit stories or artwork on their own, or with a parent, grandparent or other caregiver. Other joint entries are also welcome.
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For contest rules, entry details, prize information and to view sample essays and artwork visit www.eaglesforever.org. Contest entries will be accepted online and via U.S. mail through March 24. For more information, visit www.eaglesforever.org.

The contest is being sponsored by Earthjustice, a non-profit public interest law firm based in Oakland, Calif. that believes protecting the bald eagle is our responsibility as Americans, and that is committed to safeguarding America’s natural heritage for future generations.

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Media Contacts: Renee Kelly, Haberman & Associates, 612-338-3900, renee@habermaninc.com

Cat Lazaroff, Earthjustice, 202-667-4500, clazaroff@earthjustice.org