Habitat Creation, Protection, and Monitoring

A. Comply with Wisconsin's "Smart Growth" law for land use planning and resource management. This criterion is an option only for applications submitted before July 1, 2017.

The City of Amery adopted and approved a Comprehensive Plan in June of 2009 that is in effect until 2030. The Comprehensive Plan is in compliance with the Wisconsin’s “Smart Growth” law for land use planning and resource management. A central focus of the plan is the special consideration for surface waters, wetlands, floodplains, woodlands, steep slopes, and parks in future development. Taken together, protection of environmentally sensitive areas and wildlife habitats promote the quality of the natural ecosystem as well as livability and place making, environmental health, and economic development. The City of Amery Comprehensive Plan can be found at the following link.

C. Provide evidence (e.g., official designation of natural areas, easements, etc.) that existing bird habitat within community limits has legal protection. (Exclusions: Leash laws; prohibitions against disturbing nests and wildlife; areas consisting primarily of mowed grass)

The City maintains York Park which was donated to the City with the full understanding that it was to remain a forested area for hiking and bird watching.

E. Describe your community’s ordinance demonstrating that your community does not restrict natural/native landscaping that emphasizes native plants and non-turf lawns.

The City of Amery Ordinance Sec. 8-15, Regulation of Natural Landscapes, states that residents who wish to cultivate “wild” or natural lawns and landscaping must submit a Natural Landscape Management Plan to be approved by the city. The ordinance is attached as Appendix B. Furthermore, the community provides information to residents on how to identify and remove common terrestrial invasive plants.

G. Document that there is a segment of the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail or a designated Important Bird Area within or adjacent to your community.

York Park, located within the City of Amery, is a part of the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail. The park offers 40 acres of urban, mixed hardwood forest on a hilly site, boggy wetland, and one-quarter mile of undeveloped lakeshore. Visitors can enjoy three miles of graveled trails and a scenic viewing site. Birds at this site include the Golden-winged, Northern Parula, Magnolia, Blackburnian and Mourning Warblers, Evening Grosbeaks, Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos, and Brown Creepers. On the lake, one can find Common Loons, Bald Eagles, Osprey and a variety of ducks and herons. The park is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM and is best viewed in the spring, summer, and fall. More information can be found here.

Community Forest Management

A. Demonstrate that your community has been awarded Tree City USA status by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

The City of Amery has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation following its initial award in 2016.

Limiting or Removing Threats to Birds

A. Describe your community’s educational program to control free-roaming cats and/or the manner in which you actively publicize the Cats Indoors! initiative.

Outdoor cats are internationally recognized as a threat to global biodiversity. The American Bird Conservancy estimated that outdoor cats have contributed to the extinction of 33 species of birds. The City of Amery provides the community with information to help them make informed decisions to keep their cats indoors at the following link.

B. Demonstrate that your community provides property owners with information on how to protect birds from window strikes (e.g., online links, brochures).

Up to one billion birds are killed each year from window collisions. The City of Amery provides residents with tips from the American Bird Conservancy and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on how to prevent window-strikes under its sustainability initiatives on its website at the following link.

Public Education

B. Provide web links or a community newsletter demonstrating that your community educates property owners on methods to create and enhance backyard habitat for birds.

The City of Amery believes in protecting and creating habitat corridors for wildlife, such as butterflies, bees, and birds, throughout the community. Creating even small habitats can make a great difference to sustainability. The City provides residents with information about creating backyard habitats at the following link.

G. Provide a link to your community’s Bird City Wisconsin webpage, which must be visible from the main page of your municipal website (it may be located at the first level of a drop down menu on the main page but cannot be any less visible) OR demonstrate that your Bird City effort has a significant social media presence.

On the main page underneath the government tab the City of Amery has listed Bird City Wisconsin as one of its main sustainability initiatives.

Energy & Sustainability

B. Show that your community goes above and beyond in its support for, and implementation of, green transportation (e.g., bike trails, rideshare programs, bike trails/lanes, etc.). Be sure to utilize the narrative to illustrate why your community is exceptional because standard practice will not receive credit.

The City of Amery secured a grant from the Amery Area Hospital for the installation of both a 5k and 2 mile Bicycle and Pedestrian trail through the City.  This trail runs along the waterfront and highlights many bird habitats wihin the City.

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)

A. This community's municipal body passed the required World Migratory Bird Day resolution.

B. Document and describe your event that incorporates the annual IMBD theme in some fashion. If the event has not yet occurred, please share your detailed plans. For information on the current year’s theme and event materials, please visit the World Migratory Bird Day website. To see what other Bird City communities have done in the past, please view some other profiles on our website.

The City Council officially recognize via resolution and plans to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on the second Saturday of May in 2017. In 2016, the City recognized and celebrated International Migratory Bird Day on May 14. The day was marked by a “bird walk” through York Park. Councilman Dave Meyers was particularly involved in supporting and participating in Bird Day. In 2018, the mayor's proclamation declared May 12, 2018 as International Migratory Bird Day in Amery.