[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 161 (Friday, September 28, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF THE BIRD

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                           HON. JOHN J. FASO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2018

  Mr. FASO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
Year of the Bird, recognizing the tremendous value of our country's 
migratory birds to my constituents and all Americans and our natural 
world, and one hundred years of migratory bird conservation.
  Within my own district in Upstate New York, birds contribute to the 
rich and beautiful scenery of the region, including globally recognized 
Important Bird Areas like the Catskills and the Upper Delaware River 
Basin, home to iconic species such as the Bald Eagle and Osprey. Areas 
like the Delaware River Basin not only provide a home for wildlife, 
they also serve as crucial economic drivers. The Basin contributes $21 
billion annually in ecosystems goods and services and provides water 
for millions of people in the region.
  Greater than one-third of North American bird species continue to be 
in need of conservation action. That means that our action is key to 
their survival, through supporting the Land and Water Conservation Fund 
and Delaware River Basin Restoration Program, programs that conserve 
public lands which are important to both birds and people.
  The best way we can honor the past century of successfully conserving 
our birds and their habitat is to continue to do so. We owe our 
children and grandchildren the joy of experiencing the rich bird life 
in this great country.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating 
this monumental year marking a century of protecting birds. My hope is 
that we continue to advance sound policies and proper funding on behalf 
of the nation's migratory birds and all Americans, so that our proud 
conservation legacy will live on.

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