U.S. Department of the InteriorDOI News Header
Office of the Secretary

October 18, 2006

Contact:
Shane Wolfe
202-208-6416

Statement by Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne on the Passing of Bill Burnham

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today issued the following statement:

“I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Burnham. As President and CEO of The Peregrine Fund from 1986 to 2006, Bill was a passionate advocate for conservation who was devoted to his wife Patricia and son Kurt.

“At the Peregrine Fund, he expanded the reach of the organization around the world and oversaw construction of the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho. Under Bill’s leadership, The Peregrine Fund was instrumental in the recovery of the magnificent Peregrine Falcon, resulting in its removal from the endangered species list.

“I have great admiration for the positive impact Bill had on wildlife and for all that he inspired in others.”

 
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