WHEREAS, The state of Washington is home to a diverse and unique array of waterfowl, fish, and wildlife species, from orca whales to spotted owls and leopard frogs to American Widgeons, which are deemed vulnerable natural treasures that must be preserved and protected for generations to come; and
     WHEREAS, It is one of the fundamental responsibilities of Washington's elected leaders, and all stakeholders, to provide sound stewardship for the preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of habitat that has been lost or degraded due to development, pollution, climate change, or invasive species; and
     WHEREAS, Ducks Unlimited has long been a welcome and substantial partner in protecting Washington's native flora and fauna by conserving, restoring, and rehabilitating their habitat and crafting sustainable hunting and fishing and wildlife-viewing opportunities; and
     WHEREAS, Ducks Unlimited, through science-based environmental planning, has initiated, developed, and delivered a wide range of projects that have helped retain and enhance the physical integrity of a considerable portion of the Pacific Northwest, thereby benefiting a wealth of waterfowl and wildlife; and
     WHEREAS, For 75 years Ducks Unlimited has approached the challenges, both natural and man-made, that impact our waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife resources, and their native habitats, with careful consideration to ensure the survival of all species; and
     WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the state of Washington to nurture this beneficial relationship with Ducks Unlimited so together we leave an enduring legacy of successful environmental management; and
     WHEREAS, Ducks Unlimited is celebrating 75 years of exemplary conservation work and the state of Washington, as a committed leader and diligent guardian of the environment, is pleased to commemorate this milestone anniversary so it will forever serve as a reminder that we must all be ever-vigilant in identifying opportunities to preserve our precious natural heritage;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington state Senate recognize and honor the 75th anniversary of Ducks Unlimited; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Washington state chapter of Ducks Unlimited.