SCR30 - Designating Matagorda County as the official Birding Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

      S.C.R. No. 30         SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION   WHEREAS, Situated on the Texas coast, Matagorda County   provides a diverse set of habitats that welcome hundreds of bird   species each year; and          WHEREAS, The county's shoreline and marshes attract birds   such as ospreys, pelicans, and egrets, while inland terrains are   home to hawks, hummingbirds, blackbirds, and more; along the area's   bays and rivers, loons, cormorants, and mergansers can be found,   and the county is also on the pathway for numerous migratory   species, including flycatchers, vireos, and orioles; and          WHEREAS, Since 1993, the county has participated in the   Audubon Christmas Bird Count, and it has consistently earned a top   ranking for its rich diversity of species; during the 2023-2024   count, the county had 225 types of birds in its tally, taking first   place for locations north of the U.S.-Mexico border; in addition,   it had the only examples of such rare birds as the surf scoter and   the blue grosbeak; and          WHEREAS, Matagorda County features many conservation areas   that help protect bird habitats; these include the Big Boggy   National Wildlife Refuge, the Mad Island Wildlife Management Area,   The Nature Conservancy's Clive Runnells Family Mad Island Marsh   Preserve, the Matagorda Peninsula Coastal Management Area, and the   Dog Island Preserve, which together encompass more than 26,000   acres; in addition, residents and visitors can enjoy the region's   biodiversity at the Matagorda County Birding Nature Center and the   Matagorda Bay Nature Park, and Palacios is the site of the annual   Matagorda Bay Birdfest, where attendees can enjoy bird tours, a   parade, a youth art contest, and other activities; and          WHEREAS, Matagorda County has demonstrated a notable   commitment to preserving its abundant natural resources, ensuring   that it will continue to host myriad bird species, and the county's   status as a premier location to appreciate avian wildlife is indeed   deserving of recognition; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby designate Matagorda County as the official Birding Capital   of Texas; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section   391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect   until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally   passed by the legislature.         ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House              ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                 I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 30 was adopted by the Senate   on May 1, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.   ______________________________                                               Secretary of the Senate          I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 30 was adopted by the House   on May 28, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 111, Nays 15,   four present not voting.   ______________________________                                               Chief Clerk of the House       Approved:     ______________________________                Date       ______________________________              Governor