CHESAPEAKE BAY RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay is a unique national treasure which has been ranked one of the greatest wildlife refuges in the country; and

WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay is noted for its abundance of natural resources: migrant ducks, geese, other waterbirds and waders are attracted to the salt marshes and to the submerged aquatic vegetation of the Chesapeake Bay; and

WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay abounded with crabs, oysters, clams, and fish; and

WHEREAS, its extraordinary abundance has been used by generations until use has turned to over use, so that serious signs of deterioration are apparent; and

WHEREAS, New York State has shared in this deterioration through pollution, sediment flow, and excess nutrients flowing into the Chesapeake Bay via the Susquehanna River, the Chesapeake Bay’s major tributary; and

WHEREAS,New York State is participating with the organizations involved in correcting damage done to the Chesapeake Bay; and

WHEREAS, the preservation of such a natural resource can best be done by regional land use planning to protect an entire watershed; and

WHEREAS, there is in existence an enlightened partnership program, called the Chesapeake Bay Program, composed of governmental factors from all levels (federal, state, local) as well as ordinary citizens and interested scientists; and

WHEREAS, this group in a spirit of non-partisanship, has studied, researched, tested, created, and instigated programs designed to restore the Bay;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc. supports the Chesapeake Bay Program and urges New York State to join in this partnership while continuing to support its existing Susquehanna organizations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Federation urge its members to write their elected officials reminding them that the Susquehanna River, as it flows through our State, carries with it stewardship responsibilities for the Chesapeake Bay.

Proposed by: Naturalist’s Club of Broome County