CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
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A RESOLUTION to enter a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to participate in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds Program encouraging the exploration and incorporation of bird-friendly policies, design, and best practices for creating, enhancing, and maintaining safe habitats for migratory birds and other urban wildlife.
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WHEREAS, in 2015, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service invited The City of Seattle to participate in the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds Program; and
WHEREAS, the City of Seattle has already established itself as a bird friendly city and meets all of the necessary qualifications put forth by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife for entering the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds Program.
WHEREAS, Seattle sits along the Pacific Flyway, a major north-south bird migration route; and
WHEREAS, the cities of Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco, California, have become Urban Bird Treaty Cities in the Pacific Flyway; and
WHEREAS, Seattle is home to at least 109 bird species that are either known to breed or likely to breed within City limits; 18 of which are identified as threatened, sensitive, or species of concern by various agencies; and
WHEREAS, the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds Program maintains a grant-making role, providing financial support for the work of cities in the Program; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle supports protection, restoration, and enhancement of urban/suburban habitats for birds through its Land Use Code and ordinances; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle is exploring ways of incorporating environmental education about migratory birds in the design of park structures such as play areas; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle is incorporating bird-friendly practices and nesting structures such as osprey platforms in developed landscapes, natural areas, Urban Forest Restoration operations, and maintenance programs; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle and its partners in the Urban Forest Restoration Program manage invasive species to protect and benefit birds, while restoring bird habitat in the urban forest and other natural areas; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle monitors and reduces potential hazards to migratory birds across the Cascade Mountains where hydroelectric dams, watersheds, and transmission lines are present; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle and its environmental education partners provide educational programming to increase awareness of migratory birds and engage community in monitoring and advocating for birds and their habitats; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle delivers and fosters community and youth environmental education programs and environmental learning centers in the Cedar River Watershed and Seattle Parks, and through program partnerships with Seattle Audubon Society, Audubon Washington at Seward Park, and Magnuson Nature Programs; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:
Section 1. The City of Seattle will seek opportunities to advance bird-friendly design and operational management practices through future planning efforts as applicable.
Section 2. The future City plans and programs will increase awareness of the value of migratory birds, promote habitat enhancement, provide safe viewing opportunities for birds, improve bird safety, and recognize the benefits of urban birds in the landscape.
Section 3. The City of Seattle and its partners will work with the community to promote awareness of bird-friendly design and management practices across the City in residential and commercial properties.
Section 4. The City of Seattle and its partners will develop a City Bird Agenda with community support to promote, identify, and guide future plans, programs, and policies for the benefit of birds and other urban wildlife.
Section 5. The Mayor is requested to execute a partnership agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, substantially in the form attached as Attachment A to this Resolution.
Adopted by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2016, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this ________ day of _________________________, 2016.
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President ____________ of the City Council
The Mayor concurred the ________ day of _________________________, 2016.
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Edward B. Murray, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2016.
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Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk
(Seal)
Attachments:
Attachment A - Urban Migratory Bird Treaty