LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Western
New York Land Conservancy, May 18, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body that the quali-
ty of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched
by its exceptional conservation and environmental organizations; these
organizations give positive definition to the profile and disposition of
the communities of the State of New York and profoundly strengthen our
society with their commitment; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 20th Anniversary of the Western New York Land Conservancy;
this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at the Conservancy's annual
meeting, to be held at the Burchfield Penney Art Center at Buffalo State
College in Buffalo, New York, on Wednesday, May 18, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The Western New York Land Conservancy is a private, non-pro-
fit land trust dedicated to preserving the region's irreplaceable
natural environments, farms, forestlands and open space in order to
maintain wildlife habitat, economic resources, public recreation areas
and the unique scenic character of Western New York; it protects over
4,500 acres of land in the Western New York region; and
WHEREAS, Formed in 1991 to work with families, communities and farmers
to safeguard Western New York's natural and cultural heritage, the
mission of the Western New York Land Conservancy is to permanently
protect land for future generations; it works in cooperation with public
and private landowners in eight Western New York counties: Allegany,
Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming;
and
WHEREAS, The Western New York Land Conservancy supports local farmers
to ensure that prime working farmland in Western New York is protected
for the continued production of locally grown food and provides leader-
ship and expertise to landowners seeking to preserve and protect their
natural spaces across an eight county region; and
WHEREAS, Currently, under the able and skilled leadership of its Exec-
utive Director, Patricia Szarpa, the Western New York Land Conservancy
is assisting with evaluating 52 active projects being considered for the
Clarence Greenprint program to ensure the permanent protection of
parcels along the Niagara Escarpment; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Western New York Land Conservancy is cele-
brating the creation of a nature sanctuary in the Village of East Auro-
ra, New York, and working to protect farmland in both Eden and Amherst,
New York, with federal land protection dollars; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an organ-
ization of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our atten-
tion, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Western New York Land Conservan-
cy; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Patricia Szarpa, Executive Director, the Western New York
Land Conservancy, P.O. Box 471, East Aurora, New York 14052.