Ashland, OR Support of the Endangered Species Act
Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 8/2/05
Source File: http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=8735
Text:
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-34
A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE CITY OF ASHLAND'S SUPPORT FOR UPHOLDING THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SO IT MAY CONTINUE TO PROTECT OUR PLANTS AND ANIMALS AND THE SPECIAL PLACES THEY LIVE, FROM THE FINALITY OF EXTINCTION, AND URGING FEDERAL AND STATE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES TO DO THE SAME
RECITALS:
A. The people of Ashland, Oregon recognize that a healthy environment is an integral part of Ashland's economy, society and culture.
B. Ashland and the Klamath-Siskiyou region are home to several threatened and endangered species, including coho and chinook salmon, Northern spotted owl, Gentner's fritillary, and Siskiyou mariposa lily.
C. The United States has a long and proud tradition of respect for the Earth's wildlife and natural resources.
D. We have a responsibility to our children and future generations to be good stewards of our environment and to leave behind a legacy of protecting endangered species and the special places they call home.
E. The strength and vitality of the human environment is inextricably linked with the health of all species and the places they live.
F. Species extinction and habitat destruction are a serious threat to our own welfare, as nature is the source for most of our commonly-prescribed medicines and the loss of species could mean the loss of life-saving drugs.
G. Tourism, wildlife watching, bird watching, wildflower watching, hunting and fishing provide many economic benefits to Ashland and the surrounding area.
H. Recreational hiking, rafting and fishing provide economic benefits to many citizens of Ashland.
I. We have a responsibility to use the best available science to ensure we protect this legacy for future generations.
J. For over 30 years, the Endangered Species Act has served as the nation's safety net for wildlife, saving hundreds of plants and animals from extinction, putting hundreds more on the path to recovery, and safeguarding the habitats on which they all depend.
K. Several proposals to weaken protections for endangered species and natural habitats are currently pending before the United States Congress; now, therefore, be it,
THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That it shall be the policy of the City of Ashland to support upholding the Endangered Species Act so it may continue to protect our plants and animals and the special places they live, from the finality of extinction.
SECTION 2. That copies of this resolution be transmitted to President George W. Bush, the Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, Senator Gordon Smith, Senator Ron Wyden, Representative Greg Walden, Governor Ted Kulongoski, State Senator Alan Bates, and State Representative Peter Buckley, after it is adopted.
SECTION 3. This resolution takes effect upon signing by the Mayor.
