K 442: Recognizing May 4-10, 2025, as Loon Appreciation Week in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 442 BY: M. of A. Jones RECOGNIZING May 4-10, 2025, as Loon Appreciation Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, Wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting the health of our planet; it is imperative that we prioritize and strengthen efforts toward wildlife preservation and conservation; and WHEREAS, Loons are a species of fish-eating waterbird that can live up to 40 years; and WHEREAS, The Common Loon is the only loon species to breed in the northern United States and has become an iconic species of the Adirondacks; and WHEREAS, Loons have one of the oldest lineages of all bird species, with fossils from around 35 million years ago being found in California, Florida, and Italy; and WHEREAS, Common Loons are considered a Species of Special Concern in New York State and are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Act; and WHEREAS, Common Loon populations are threatened by multiple factors, including their low successful birth rates, shoreline development, climate change, fishing gear entanglement and injury, lead poisoning from ingesting lead-based fishing tackle and more; and WHEREAS, Common Loons are an indicator species that scientists can use to better understand the health of an ecosystem; and WHEREAS, The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC), located in Saranac Lake, provides educational programs and conducts conservation efforts to support loon conservation through research, environmental management, public education, and more; and WHEREAS, The ACLC collaborates with other loon conservation organizations and scientists nationwide to advance conservation and protection efforts for loons; and WHEREAS, The ACLC hosts community events to clean up loon habitats and increase loon health, including hosting a lead tackle buy-back program in which residents can trade in toxic lead fishing gear in exchange for a ticket to purchase non-lead gear at participating shops; and WHEREAS, Citizen action plays a crucial role in protecting vital bird species by supporting habitat preservation, participating in community projects, and advocating for policies that safeguard avian populations and their ecosystems; and WHEREAS, The preservation of bird species is essential to ecological wellness, as birds contribute to vital ecosystem functions such as pollination, seed dispersal, pest control, and environmental monitoring, making them key indicators of overall planetary health; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize May 4-10, 2025, as Loon Appreciation Week in the State of New York.