III 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 301 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES November 8, 2005 Mr. Chafee (for himself, Ms. Stabenow, Ms. Snowe, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Carper, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Durbin, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Schumer, Mrs. Clinton, Ms. Collins, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. DeWine, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Bond, Ms. Landrieu, and Mr. Vitter) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works 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, and 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 from extinction the Great Egret and other bird species killed for their feathers to support the fashion industry; Whereas it is the intent of the Senate to recognize and pay tribute to the National Audubon Society upon the occasion of its 100th anniversary; Whereas the founders of the National Audubon Society withstood violence and opposition to organize one of the longest-lived and most successful conservation groups in the United States, 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 Audubon volunteers, members, and staff in support of landmark bird protection legislation have aided in the rescue efforts of 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 and the Act popularly known as the Everglades Restoration Act, the identification of 1,800 habitats critical to the survival of bird species through Audubon’s Important Bird Areas Program, and the establishment of private bird sanctuaries; Whereas the National Audubon Society played a critical role in the establishment of the Nation’s first wildlife refuge, Florida’s Pelican Island, in 1903, and the subsequent protection of Pelican Island and other refuge areas 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 indicators, which may ultimately affect human populations; and Whereas recognizing that the national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy of the National Audubon Society, engages 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

That the Senate— (1)commemorates the 100th anniversary of the National Audubon Society; (2)congratulates the National Audubon Society on 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.