Title
Proclaiming that September 30, 2017 be considered International Migratory Bird Day by the City of Saint Paul.
Body
WHEREAS, birds are some of the most beautiful and easily observed wildlife that share our communities; and
WHEREAS, many citizens recognize and welcome migratory birds as symbolic harbingers of spring; and
WHEREAS, birds are an essential part of a healthy ecosystem as pollinators, seed dispersers, insect and rodent predators; and
WHEREAS, these bird species play an important economic role in our community by generating millions in tourism and recreational dollars statewide; and
WHEREAS, enjoying birds connects people, gets them outdoors and involved in the community, promoting good health and social connection; and
WHEREAS, birds and their habitats are declining and birds are 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 bird conservation; and
WHEREAS, citizens enthusiastic about birds, informed about the threats they face, and empowered to help address those threats can directly contribute to maintaining healthy populations of both resident birds and migrants; and
WHEREAS, since 1993 International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) 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, hundreds of thousands of people will observe IMBD, gathering in town squares, community centers, schools, parks, nature centers, and wildlife refugees to learn about birds, take action to conserve them, and simply to have fun; and
WHEREAS, while IMBD officially is recognized each year on the second Saturday in May, its observance is not limited to a single day, and planners are encouraged to schedule activities on the dates best suited to the presence of both migrants and celebrants; and
WHEREAS, IMBD is not only a day to foster appreciation for wild birds and to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation, but also a call to action; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saint Paul proclaims that the 30th of September, 2017 be named International Migratory Bird Day, and urges all citizens to celebrate this observance and to support efforts to protect and conserve migratory birds and their habitats in our community and the world at large.