[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 81 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATING CITY OF COCONUT CREEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 17, 2005

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the City of 
Coconut Creek for its designation as a ``community wildlife habitat'' 
by the National Wildlife Federation. Coconut Creek becomes the first 
city in Florida and the eleventh city in the Nation to receive this 
environmental recognition.
  In order to receive such a designation, criteria set by the National 
Wildlife Federation mandates that applicants must have a number of 
homes declared as back yard wildlife habitats while establishing 
habitats at schools and residential complexes. In addition, applicants 
must also create educational programs about various wildlife within the 
city.
  Facing these various guidelines, residents of Coconut Creek met the 
challenge by planting trees and various gardens around the city. City 
Manager John Kelly stated, ``They tackled the project and took it as 
their own. And it's been a wonderful instrument for getting the word 
out about the environment in our schools.''
  Mr. Speaker, Coconut Creek, located in Broward County, was 
incorporated in 1967. Today, with a population of 48,000, the city 
takes great pride in promoting itself as an environmentally friendly 
community. In fact, Coconut Creek is considered the Butterfly Capital 
of the World.
  Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to represent the city of Coconut Creek 
and its residents in the House of Representatives. I congratulate Mayor 
Gerber, the City Commission and the residents of Coconut Creek on being 
designated a ``community wildlife habitat.''

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