|
|
| To designate the second Saturday of May 2014 as Bird Ohio Day in order to recognize the importance of bird and bird habitat stewardship and conservation. |
| WHEREAS, Ohio has played a major role in the development of bird studies and research since the 1890s. It provides stopover habitat for millions of birds as they pass through the state during their migration northward each spring and also is home to numerous species that reside in the state year-round. For example, the bald eagle, a recognized symbol of our nation, has a significant population in Ohio with a major percentage located in Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Erie Counties, comprising the most concentrated breeding population in the continental United States. Ottawa County and the Oak Harbor area have adopted the name "Warbler Capital of the World" to recognize the importance of the spring migration and to attract visitors to the area; and |
| WHEREAS, Numerous agencies and organizations that recognize the importance of bird and bird habitat education, research, and conservation are located in Ohio, including, but not limited to, Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Destination Toledo, Lake Erie Shores and Islands, Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, Metroparks of the Toledo Area, Erie Metroparks, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Columbus Audubon Society, Ohio Ornithological Society, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio zoos, and Ohio park districts. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio park districts, and other public agencies and private organizations have protected thousands of acres of high-quality bird habitat across the state; and |
| WHEREAS, Bird watching has become one of the most popular and economically significant forms of outdoor recreation in Ohio and throughout the United States. Birding tourism contributes significantly to economic development in northwest Ohio. Thousands of birdwatchers from across the country and around the world visit northwest Ohio and the southwest shore of Lake Erie each spring to witness the spectacle of bird migration and to participate in the Biggest Week in American Birding Festival organized by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory of Oak Harbor, Ohio. Studies conducted by the Observatory and Bowling Green State University show that visiting birdwatchers spend more than $30 million in northern Ohio each spring; and |
| WHEREAS, Nature conservation, including protection of bird habitats, has many aesthetic and economic values, including increasing the value of real estate located near conserved lands such as nature preserves and properties protected by conservation easements; and |
| WHEREAS, Public awareness and concern are crucial components of conserving natural areas as well as the birds and other wildlife that live in those areas. Citizens who are enthusiastic about birds and nature, informed about threats to the natural world, and empowered to become involved in addressing those threats can make a tremendous contribution to maintaining healthy bird populations and protecting bird habitats; and |
| WHEREAS, Interest in bird and bird habitat stewardship and conservation can grow by providing more bird watching and nature education activities involving people of all ages. Many educational materials are available to schools, educational organizations, parents, and other citizens to foster public awareness about the importance of bird and bird habitat conservation; now therefore be it |
| RESOLVED, That we, the members of the Senate of the 130th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, in adopting this resolution, designate the second Saturday of May 2014 as Bird Ohio Day in order to recognize the importance of bird and bird habitat stewardship and conservation; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That we, the members of the Senate of the 130th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, encourage school districts, schools, teachers, and nature educators in Ohio to offer lessons and activities to teach students and other citizens about birds, bird habitat, and bird conservation and also encourage citizens of and visitors to Ohio to spend time outdoors enjoying the sights and sounds of birds and engage in stewardship of the wildlife habitat on which migratory and resident birds depend for their survival; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the news media of Ohio. |