LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 20-26, 2016, as Pollinator Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues which
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 20-26, 2016, as Pollinator
Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Pollinator Week; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, the United States Senate unanimously approved and
designated the final week in June as National Pollinator Week, to mark
the necessary step toward addressing the urgent issue of declining
pollinator populations; since that time, tremendous success has been
made regarding this vital concern; and
WHEREAS, Pollinator species such as birds and insects are essential
partners of farmers and ranchers in producing much of our food supply;
and
WHEREAS, Pollination plays a vital role in the health of our national
forests and grasslands, which provide forage for fish and wildlife,
timber, water, mineral resources, and recreational opportunities as well
as enhanced economic development opportunities for communities; and
WHEREAS, Pollinator species provide significant environmental benefits
that are necessary for maintaining healthy, biodiverse ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York has managed wildlife habitats and
public lands such as Allegheny State Park forests, Niagara Falls
National Heritage Area, and grasslands for decades; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York provides producers with conservation
assistance to promote wise conservation stewardship, including the
protection and maintenance of pollinators and their habitats on working
lands and wildlands; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, 36 States declared their own Pollinator Week and in
only six years, Pollinator Week has grown to be an international cele-
bration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds,
butterflies, bats, and beetles; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 20-26, 2016, as
Pollinator Week in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.