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[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 489 Introduced in House (IH)]

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 America'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 long-term well being, and it is in our best interest to 
        heed such signs of processes that may ultimately affect human 
        populations; and
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
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the 100th anniversary of the National 
        Audubon Society;
            (2) congratulates the National Audubon Society on 
        achievement of this milestone; and
            (3) encourages the National Audubon Society to continue its 
        important work to ensure that the next 100 years of 
        conservation are a success.
                                 <all>
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