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 Shawano adopted its Comprehensive Plan on January 22, 2009 and amended it on May 11, 2016.
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 of Shawano has over 300 acres of parkland, a good deal of which can be considered natural areas. This includes Murray Creek Nature Conservancy, several areas of Sturgeon Park, and the habitat at the industrial park.
The City also adopted Ordinance number 14.09 which makes it a violation to damage trees, shrubs, flowers or other plantings within parks and public lands. This ordinance ensures that birds and other animals have thriving places to live in our City.
D. Document that current municipal planning seeks to provide additional bird habitat.
The City of Shawano has expanded landscaping practices that improve the quality and quantity of bird habitat in our city. The City Council has approved an additional $5,000 in spending to complete landscaping projects in our public lands. This resource allows for the native plantings at Kuckuk Park, Huckleberry Harbor and the Recreation Center to continue. It also supports the addition of shrubs at Trees to Franklin and Smalley Parks. The Director of Parks and Recreation and the City Forester work very closely with the Master Gardeners and Wild Ones to ensure that plantings are native to our area making them conducive for birds, bees and other wild creatures native to the area.
H. Show that the local Chamber of Commerce or a similar group (e.g., an Audubon chapter, Wild Ones, etc.) takes an active role in the planning process for protecting and enlarging favorable bird habitat.
Wild Ones represented largely by Bob Dumke, are working on several planting projects in a variety of parks. All of them include native plants, shrubs and trees to increase habitat for native birds. The projects include:
The City of Shawano’s Tree Advisory Committee also took formal action to demonstrate their support for becoming a Bird City. Being the committee that oversees the City Forester and his subsequent plantings, this group will be able to best support the process needed to continue expanding bird habitat plantings.
A. Demonstrate that your community has been awarded Tree City USA status by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Shawano continues to be recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation following its initial award in 1994.
B. Demonstrate that your community provides property owners with information on how to protect birds from window strikes (e.g., online links, brochures).
Residents can find a copy of the American Bird Conservancy’s document “You Can Save Birds from Flying into Windows” at the City of Shawano owned buildings such as City Hall, the Recreation Center, Civic Center and Library. In addition a link to this document can also be found on Shawano’s Bird City page.
C. Demonstrate that your community is represented in at least one citizen science bird monitoring program (e.g., the Christmas Bird Count, Great Backyard Bird Count, Swift Night Out).
Residents from the City of Shawano annually participate in the Christmas Bird Count. This is conducted by the Director of the Navarino Nature Center, and includes a geographic area from the City of Shawano up to 30 miles in radius.
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 of Shawano is planning to hold is first such event early summer of 2017. Local retired ornithologist Bill Koonz will lead participants on a Bird Awareness walk through one or several of our local parks. Bill will be able to share educational lessons on the importance of migratory birds, local species that one may find in our park system. And also the importance of creating suitable habitat for native birds.