IV 

109TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 489 

Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the National Audubon Society. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

OCTOBER 7, 2005 

Mr. LEACH (for himself and Mr. BECERRA) submitted the following resolution; 

which was referred to the Committee on Resources 

RESOLUTION 

Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the National 

Audubon Society. 

Whereas the welfare of the citizens of the United States is 

greatly enriched by the purposeful endeavors of individuals and organizations committed to the preservation and 

protection of our environment, as well as the enhancement of, and appreciation for, our natural surroundings; 

Whereas the National Audubon Society, the Nation’s largest 

bird conservation organization, is celebrating its centennial year in 2005, having been incorporated on January 

5, 1905, by dedicated women and men eager to save the 

Great Egret, as well as other birds killed for their feathers to support the fashion industry, from extinction; 

Whereas the founders of the National Audubon Society withstood violence and opposition to organize one of Amer-
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•HRES 489 IH 

ica’s longest-lived and most successful conservation 

groups dedicated to the protection of birds, other wildlife, 

and their habitats through advocacy of environmental 

policy and education based on sound science; 

Whereas the dedicated efforts of National Audubon Society 

volunteers, members, and staff in support of landmark 

bird protection legislation have aided in the effort to rescue the following species from the threat of extinction: 

Bald Eagles; Egrets; Ibis; Herons; Flamingos; Whooping 

Cranes; Peregrine Falcons; Brown Pelicans; Roseate 

Spoonbills; Atlantic Puffins; and Condors; 

Whereas the National Audubon Society lent critical support 

to the protection of wildlife habitats through the passage 

of legislation, such as the Alaska National Interest Lands 

Conservation Act of 1980 and the Act popularly known 

as the Everglades Restoration Act, the identification of 

1,800 habitats critical to birds’ survival through the National Audubon Society’s Important Bird Areas program, 

and the establishment of private sanctuaries; 

Whereas the National Audubon Society played a critical role 

in the establishment of the Nation’s first wildlife refuge, 

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, in 

1903, and the subsequent protection of Pelican Island 

National Wildlife Refuge and other refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System; 

Whereas birds are excellent indicators of environmental 

health, as impacted by such factors as pollution, climate 

change, toxins, and habitat loss, as well as our own longterm well being, and it is in our best interest to heed 

such signs of processes that may ultimately affect human 

populations; and 
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•HRES 489 IH 

Whereas recognizing that the National Audubon Society’s national network of community-based nature centers and 

chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences, and are integral to maintaining the health and beauty of the United 

States: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Na3 tional Audubon Society; 

4 (2) congratulates the National Audubon Society 

5 on achievement of this milestone; and 

6 (3) encourages the National Audubon Society to 

7 continue its important work to ensure that the next 

8 100 years of conservation are a success. 

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