HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamation for City Bird - Urban Conservation Treaty •
For Counc: s an information item for
Feb. 13 meeting. Copies to CM, ACM's
�. 1 City Clerk.
Buford Crites
June 19, 2001
To: Palm Desert City Council
From: Kurt Leuschner, Assistant Professor of Natural Resources at College of the
Desert, Desert Cities Bird Club Representative, Palm Desert Resident and
General Plan Committee Member
Re: Proclamation for City Bird, Urban Conservation Treaty
Dear Council,
I would like you to consider the idea of proclaiming the Cactus Wren as the official city
bird of Palm Desert. By issuing such a proclamation, we can raise awareness of the
importance of all birds and other wildlife to the overall character of our city. This
charming bird and largest North American wren is a conspicuous and beautiful resident
of yards all over the city. Its association with cactus and other native, desert plant
species will enable homeowners to make the connection between desert landscapes and
wildlife, a theme that Palm Desert has already embraced.
1 would also like you to consider joining and supporting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service's"Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds"—this partnership
between the Service and pilot cities like Palm Desert helps to recognize birds as the
valuable resources that they are: contributing aesthetically, culturally, and scientifically
to American citizens. Since Palm Desert lies in the heart of the Pacific Flyway, we make
an ideal candidate for a pilot city in this relatively new and important project. The Fish
and Wildlife Service provides challenge funding of$10,000. The Treaty city develops
and implements bird conservation projects and programs, provides matching dollars and
in-kind support, and develops additional partnerships. Many of these programs already
exist and only need updating. With the help of the Desert Cities Bird Club, College of
the Desert, and the Living Desert (who already celebrates International Migratory Bird
Day), the city of Palm Desert has all of the necessary support it needs to make this
program a success (please see attached flyer for more details).
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, , _t
Kurt Leuschner CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
College of the Desert—Applied Sciences APPROVED DENIED
43500 Monterey Avenue RECEIVED, OTHERS J
Palm Desert, CA 92260 MEETING DATE a—/3 -otpQ 3
Tel: 760-776-7285 AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VERIFIED BY:
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*Letter
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Letter to City Manager or re reviewirut
recommendation by staff.