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 Reedsburg adopted a comprehensive plan in 2003 and an update in 2012 that is in compliance with Wisconsin’s “Smart Growth” law regarding land use planning and natural resource management. A new 20-year Comprehensive Plan was started in July 2021 and will be complete by summer 2022. Zoning Ordinance Section 690 Schedule 4 outlines zoning controls for agriculture and conservancy lands. Reedsburg’s belief in protecting its natural resources is further demonstrated by its status as a sustainable eco-municipality as part of the Natural Step program.
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)
Chapter 210, Article III of the Reedsburg municipal code provides bird sanctuary throughout the city limits. In addition, areas located near and along the Baraboo River are protected from development. The city contains 19 parks and has several bird-friendly areas such as Plenke's Pond, Webb Park/Popple Nature Area and Smith Conservancy, all of which attract numerous migrating birds and include some duck nesting structures.
F. Show that your community offers the public information on how they can control and remove invasive species in order to improve or maintain bird habitat.
The City has created a page on its website devoted to Bird City Wisconsin containing background on the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative and providing the public with links to habitat and conservation issues. The website includes a link on controlling invasive species that takes visitors to the WDNR site that provides information on identifying and removing invasive species.
Community Forest Management
A. Demonstrate that your community has been awarded Tree City USA status by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Reedsburg continues recognition with Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation following its initial award in 2011.
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.
The City’s website devotes a page to Bird City Wisconsin with background on the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative and links to habitat and conservation issues. The website includes a links on keeping cats indoors and preventing bird window strikes. The website endorses the American Bird Conservancy’s “Cats Indoors!” program and also includes two links to prevent window strikes.
B. Demonstrate that your community provides property owners with information on how to protect birds from window strikes (e.g., online links, brochures).
The City’s website devotes a page to Bird City Wisconsin with background on the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative and links to habitat and conservation issues. The website includes a links on keeping cats indoors and preventing bird window strikes. The website endorses the American Bird Conservancy’s “Cats Indoors!” program and also includes two links to prevent window strikes.
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’s website includes two links to creating and enhancing backyard bird habitat with native plants. It also contains links to the National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, which all provide much information on birds and conservation.
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.
On April 25, 2022, Reedsburg adopted a resolution retroactively proclaiming May 14, 2022, to be International Migratory Bird Day. Citizens were urged to observe the day in support of the efforts to protect and conserve migratory birds and their habitats in the community. The City, through the Reedsburg Public Library, held an official IMBD event on June 7, 2022, where staff from the Internatioanl Crane Foundation gave a presentation titled "Cranes Over Wisconsin".
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