HR1261: HR1261 2026 as the Year of the Georgia Birding Trail; commend

26 LC 129 0783 House Resolution 1261 By: Representatives Buckner of the 137th, Oliver of the 84th, and Williams of the 37th A RESOLUTION Recognizing 2026 as the Year of the Georgia Birding Trail; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Birds Georgia is celebrating its hundredth anniversary as a conservation2 organization celebrating and protecting birds that fly through Georgia and those which call3 Georgia their year-round home; and 4 WHEREAS, bird watching brings over ten billion tourist dollars into Georgia each year; and5 WHEREAS, bird enthusiasts want to find and enjoy prime birding locations across all of6 Georgia; and7 WHEREAS, the new Georgia Birding Trail is a centennial birthday gift to the state,8 providing real-time data on bird sightings for guiding birders; and9 WHEREAS, birds are essential indicators of environmental health , providing invaluable10 services, including pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control; and 11 WHEREAS, bird populations face significant threats requiring urgent conservation action;12 and 13 H. R. 1261 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0783 WHEREAS, the recognition of this, the Year of the Georgia Birdi ng Trail, encourages14 individuals to engage in bird-friendly practices, such as planting native plants that provide15 necessary food and shelter; and 16 WHEREAS, public engagement through birding, citizen science, and the use of technology17 like the Merlin Bird ID app can foster a deeper connection to n ature and a commitment to18 conservation.19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that20 the members of this body recognize 2026 as the Year of the Georgia Birding Trail and urge21 all citizens to protect bird habitats in their local communities, learn about local bird species22 and their ecological roles, and support conservation initiatives that ensure a sustainable future23 for all feathered species.24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized25 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Birds26 Georgia, the public, and the press.27 H. R. 1261 - 2 -