[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 25451]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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   SENATE RESOLUTION 301--COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
                        NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY

  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. Lieber-
man, 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:

                              S. Res. 301

       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
       Resolved, 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.

  Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I am pleased to submit a resolution with 
Senator Stabenow to commemorate the National Audubon Society's 
Centennial Anniversary. Senators Snowe, Boxer, Carper, Nelson (FL), 
Martinez, Jeffords, Kerry, Feingold, Durbin, Feinstein, Schumer, 
Clinton, Collins, Cantwell, Lieberman, DeWine, Crapo, Bond, Landrieu 
and Vitter have joined us as original cosponsors.
  The National Audubon Society was first incorporated in 1905 by a 
dedicated group of conservationists with the goal of protecting birds 
such as the Great Egret from the plumage trade. Feathered hats were at 
the height of fashion in those days, and plume-traders would hunt 
egrets and other birds as part of a highly profitable business. By 
raising the awareness of the problem, the men and women who founded the 
National Audubon Society saved egrets and many other bird species from 
extinction.
  Since that time, Audubon has worked to preserve and protect species 
and the habitat upon which they depend throughout the United States. 
The organization has been instrumental in setting aside natural areas 
as wildlife sanctuaries, and supporting major habitat restoration 
efforts including ongoing conservation work in the Florida Everglades, 
San Francisco Bay, and along the Mississippi River. As the U.S. partner 
in BirdLife International's Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program, Audubon 
has fostered the stewardship and protection of essential wildlife 
habitat from coast to coast. Through a science-based process of site 
identification, monitoring, education and outreach, Audubon's IBA 
program has laid the groundwork for community-based conservation with 
over 1,600 sites recognized as ecologically important for bird species. 
In recent months, Audubon has worked with partners to raise awareness 
of the plight of the Red Knot, a long-distance migratory bird species 
in steep decline as the result of the over-harvesting of its food 
source, habitat destruction and invasive species concerns.
  The Senate Resolution we are submitting today recognizes the National 
Audubon Society's dedication and commitment to protecting wildlife and 
the Nation's ecological heritage. We commemorate the National Audubon 
Society on it's 100th anniversary, and wish the organization many more 
years of success.

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