Senators Stamas, Marleau, Booher, Emmons and Brandenburg offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 51.

            A resolution to recognize Iosco County as a premier birding destination in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Iosco County has three areas designated by the National Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area (IBA). An IBA is defined as providing essential habitat for one or more species of breeding, wintering, and/or migrating birds; and

            Whereas, The scenic byway along the Au Sable River provides habitat for wintering trumpeter swans; and

            Whereas, Management areas within the county are designated as nesting areas for the endangered Kirtland’s warbler, one of the most rare members of the wood warbler family. Iosco County has the largest concentration of the Kirtland’s warbler in Michigan; and

            Whereas, Tawas Point provides critical habitat for the spring migration of a variety of bird species; and

            Whereas, Iosco County contains a large nesting population of bald eagles. It also provides a nesting habitat for osprey, important raptors for the region; and

            Whereas, Iosco County has the only identified nesting populations of the endangered piping plover on the U.S. side of Lake Huron; and

            Whereas, The annual Tawas Birding Festival held in May attracts bird watchers from around the world; and

            Whereas, The new Sunrise Coast Birding Trail also originates at Oscoda and incorporates 150 miles north along the Lake Huron coast to Mackinaw City; and

            Whereas, Recognition of Iosco County as a premier birding destination in the state of Michigan has a great impact on the area. Birding enthusiasts promote the natural resources of the area and economic growth through tourism; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we encourage and express support for the recognition of Iosco County as a premier birding destination in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Iosco County Board of Commissioners, the AuSable Valley Audubon, the Michigan Audubon Society, and the National Audubon Society.