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.