HR1422 - Commending Bat Conservation International for its contributions.

      H.R. No. 1422       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, For more than four decades, Bat Conservation   International has played a critical role in protecting bat species   in Texas and across the globe; and          WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1982, Bat Conservation   International has been at the forefront of research and habitat   restoration initiatives that are crucial to the survivability of   bat populations; the organization is headquartered in Austin, the   home of the largest urban bat colony in the world; every year, with   optimal viewing occurring in the summer, over 140,000 people visit   the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge to witness the   breathtaking scene of adult Mexican free-tailed bats and their pups   leaving their roosts at dusk to hunt for insects; and          WHEREAS, Of the more than 1,400 species of bats found   worldwide, it is estimated that 47 live in the U.S. and 33 exist in   the Lone Star State; central to BCI's mission are campaigns that   educate the public about the importance of bats, which help   maintain healthy ecosystems through pollination, seed dispersal,   and the consumption of bugs; bat conservation is essential for   sustainable ecological balance in Texas, where it is estimated that   the animals' pest control services save agriculture producers   hundreds of millions of dollars annually; and          WHEREAS, Of special note, BCI is dedicated to protecting bat   habitats in Texas; in partnering with the Nature Conservancy and   other stakeholders, it has helped secure over 1,400 acres for   Bracken Cave Preserve, the home of the world's largest bat colony,   which encompasses some 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats near San   Antonio; moreover, BCI has worked with Texas private landowners and   with state and federal agencies to implement such practices as   artificial roost design and the protection of maternity roosts and   hibernation sites; further, BCI has teamed with the Texas Parks and   Wildlife Department to combat white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease   threatening bat populations; and          WHEREAS, The continuing well-being of the Lone Star State   depends greatly on the care demonstrated by those who oversee its   natural resources, and through its exemplary efforts, BCI is   inspiring Texans of all ages to appreciate and support the   stewardship of bat populations; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby commend Bat Conservation International for its   vital contributions and extend to all those associated with the   organization sincere best wishes for continued success with their   important work; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be   prepared for BCI as an expression of high regard by the Texas House   of Representatives.     Bucy     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 1422 was adopted by the House on June   1, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House