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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, For more than four decades, Bat Conservation |
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International has played a critical role in protecting bat species |
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in Texas and across the globe; and |
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WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1982, Bat Conservation |
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International has been at the forefront of research and habitat |
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restoration initiatives that are crucial to the survivability of |
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bat populations; the organization is headquartered in Austin, the |
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home of the largest urban bat colony in the world; every year, with |
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optimal viewing occurring in the summer, over 140,000 people visit |
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the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge to witness the |
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breathtaking scene of adult Mexican free-tailed bats and their pups |
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leaving their roosts at dusk to hunt for insects; and |
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WHEREAS, Of the more than 1,400 species of bats found |
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worldwide, it is estimated that 47 live in the U.S. and 33 exist in |
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the Lone Star State; central to BCI's mission are campaigns that |
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educate the public about the importance of bats, which help |
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maintain healthy ecosystems through pollination, seed dispersal, |
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and the consumption of bugs; bat conservation is essential for |
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sustainable ecological balance in Texas, where it is estimated that |
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the animals' pest control services save agriculture producers |
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hundreds of millions of dollars annually; and |
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WHEREAS, Of special note, BCI is dedicated to protecting bat |
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habitats in Texas; in partnering with the Nature Conservancy and |
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other stakeholders, it has helped secure over 1,400 acres for |
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Bracken Cave Preserve, the home of the world's largest bat colony, |
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which encompasses some 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats near San |
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Antonio; moreover, BCI has worked with Texas private landowners and |
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with state and federal agencies to implement such practices as |
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artificial roost design and the protection of maternity roosts and |
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hibernation sites; further, BCI has teamed with the Texas Parks and |
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Wildlife Department to combat white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease |
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threatening bat populations; and |
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WHEREAS, The continuing well-being of the Lone Star State |
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depends greatly on the care demonstrated by those who oversee its |
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natural resources, and through its exemplary efforts, BCI is |
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inspiring Texans of all ages to appreciate and support the |
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stewardship of bat populations; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commend Bat Conservation International for its |
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vital contributions and extend to all those associated with the |
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organization sincere best wishes for continued success with their |
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important work; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for BCI as an expression of high regard by the Texas House |
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of Representatives. |