Declare Pollinator Week Statewide

Assembly Resolution No. 1420 BY: M. of A. Rules (Skoufis) MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 18-24, 2018, 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 memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 18-24, 2018, 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 celebration 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 18-24, 2018, as Pollinator Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.