Title
Bird City Maryland Initiative - For the purpose of encouraging the City of Annapolis to implement sound bird-conservation practices and offering education to the public about the interactions between birds and people and about the contributions birds make to a healthy community.
Body
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
City of Annapolis
Resolution 41-24
Introduced by: Mayor Buckley
A RESOLUTION concerning
Bird City Maryland Initiative
FOR the purpose of encouraging the City of Annapolis to implement sound bird-conservation practices and offering education to the public about the interactions between birds and people and the contributions birds make to a healthy community.
WHEREAS, Birds play an important ecological role in our community, controlling insect pests, contributing to pollination, and seed dispersal; and
WHEREAS, Birds play an important economic role in our community, attracting tourists and generating millions in recreational dollars statewide; and
WHEREAS, Migratory birds and their habitats are declining throughout the Americas, facing a growing number of threats on their migration routes and in both their summer and winter homes; and
WHEREAS, Public awareness and concern are crucial components of migratory bird conservation; and
WHEREAS, Since 1993, World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) has become a primary vehicle for focusing public attention on the nearly 350 species that travel between nesting habitats in our communities and throughout North America and their wintering grounds in South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the southern U.S.; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the Bird City Network, hundreds of thousands of people will observe WMBD, gathering in town squares, community centers, schools, parks, nature centers, and wildlife refuges to learn about birds, take action to conserve them, and simply to have fun; and
WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis provides substantial waterfront viewing for enthusiasts and “birders;” and
WHEREAS, The state of Maryland has recognized the Baltimore Oriole as its State bird, and the City of Annapolis has recognized the Osprey as its City bird; and
WHEREAS, These birders may observe some of Maryland’s 400 native bird species and unusual seabirds such as Northern Gannets, Great Cormorants, or rare Gulls; and
WHEREAS, Sound policies and practices enhancing natural ecosystems and reducing threats to birds also make healthier communities for people; and
WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis finds that it is in the best interest of the community and its residents to show its support for the Bird City Maryland initiative; and
WHEREAS, The Bird City designation will help to make the City of Annapolis friendlier for birds and improve the health and beauty of the community, and this resolution establishes our continual commitment to the Bird City program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that by adoption of this Resolution, hereby shows its support of the Bird City Maryland Initiative.