HomeMy Public PortalAboutResolution No. 573-23 05-08-2023 RESOLUTION NO. 573-23
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHLAND
HILLS, TEXAS, RECOGNIZING WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY AND
LOCAL EFFORTS TO PURSUE THE BIRD CITY TEXAS DESIGNATION
BY TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE.
WHEREAS, migratory birds are some of the most beautiful and easily observed
wildlife that share our communities; and
WHEREAS, most citizens recognize and welcome migratory songbirds as
symbolic harbingers of spring and fall; and
WHEREAS, bird migration is interconnected with delicate local ecosystems,
serving to control insect pest populations, support pollination, and foster seed dispersal;
and
WHEREAS, migratory birds face the challenges of diminishing migratory habitats
in the Americas and increased dangers on their migration routes; and
WHEREAS, protecting vulnerable species through active conservation efforts is a
fundamental strategy for urban resilience and natural resource regeneration; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richland Hills location at the confluence of the Post Oak
Savannah, South Texas Plains, Blackland Prairie, and Edwards Plateau ecoregions
enables important nesting habitat for migratory birds, including two highly endangered
species: the Black-capped Vireo and the Golden-cheeked Warbler; and
WHEREAS, one of the North American migratory flyways cuts through Richland
Hills, providing special opportunities for residents and tourists alike to witness and
appreciate bird migration, the varied bird species it brings through our community, and
the value of conservation efforts; and
WHEREAS, the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center created World Migratory Bird
Day (WMBD) in 1993 as an educational campaign to emphasize migratory bird
conservation and raise public awareness of the nearly 350 species that travel between
habitats throughout North America and their wintering grounds in South and Central
America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the southern U.S.; and
WHEREAS, educational campaigns and public awareness for migratory birds are
essential elements of migratory bird conservation, and it would be impactful for Richland
Hills to add its voice to the global conversation surrounding this celebration of and urgent
need for migratory bird conservation; and
WHEREAS, migratory bird conservation efforts help protect the birdwatching
industry in our community and across the U.S., which generates millions in recreational
dollars annually; and
WHEREAS, while WMBD officially is held each year on the second Saturday in
May, its observance is not limited to a single day, and community planners are
encouraged to schedule activities on the dates best suited to the presence of both
migrants and celebrants; and
WHEREAS, WMBD is not only a day to foster appreciation for wild birds and to
celebrate and support migratory bird conservation, but also it is a call to action for the
community to understand, recognize, and care for our migratory bird life.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1.
The City of Richland Hills recognizes World Migratory Bird Day annually beginning
on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
SECTION 2.
The City of Richland Hills supports local organizations in their efforts to leverage
this resolution recognizing World Migratory Bird Day toward acquiring a Bird City Texas
designation from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Richland Hills City
Council on May 8, 2023, by a vote of ayes, °A. nays, and 0 abstentions.
APPROVED:
THE ORABLE DWAR -1LOPSZ, MAYOR
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Resolution No. 573-23, Page 2 of 2