Received the following alert from Jim Bull of the Michigan Audubon Society about a bill (SB 740) that would designate the Kirtland's Warbler as Michigan's official state bird, replacing the robin. The bill is expected to come up in State Senate committee on 11/4.
Now, some people smile or scoff at the whole idea of state symbols. But in this case there is clear justification -- on environmental education grounds -- for the warbler. Support the bill! Here are Jim's valid reasons why:
1. The Kirtland's Warbler is unique to Michigan--no other state can claim it.
It nest only in the northern Lower and in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan.
2. People come from all over the world to see the Kirtland's Warbler, which
can't be said for the American Robin which is ubiquitous in the all the 48
continental United States. It brings in tourist dollars and the ripple effect
they have on the economy.
3. Management for the Kirtland's also adds significantly to the economy by
providing wood for forest products materials.
4. It is a survivor--coming back from the brink of extinction at only 167
pairs in 1974 and 1987, to an all-time high of over 1300 pairs in 2004. It is a
tribute to the federal-state-military-corporate-non-profit partnerships, that
folks who care about this bird were able to successfully increase its numbers
so dramatically. The guidance of the Recovery Team and the Recovery Plan made it possible. When it comes off the endangered species list, making it our
state bird will help ensure that citizens of the state know about this unique
part of our avifauna and will likely result in more backing for the continued
managment that will be needed in perpetuity to keep it from plummeting back to the very precarious low numbers it once had.
5. It is a strikingly beautiful bird with a loud, melodic song. It would be
a beautiful symbol for Michigan.
WRITE AND OR CALL STATE SENATORS ON THE STATE, LOCAL AND URBAN AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE NEXT WEEK AND ON NOV. 3RD. OTHER STATE SENATORS AND REPS SHOULD BE
CONTACTED PROBABLY THE THURSDAY OR FRIDAY AFTER THE ELECTION (NOV. 4 AND 5TH).
(The House version is HB5124)
Posted by Dave at October 23, 2004 03:01 PM