RESOLUTION NO. 260141
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Sponsor: Councilmember Eric Bunch
RESOLUTION - Declaring February 2, 2026, as Kansas City, Missouri, Wetlands Day.
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WHEREAS, wetlands are one of Kansas City's most valuable natural resources, a unique ecosystem, and an irreplaceable landscape function as water filters, absorbing various pollutants that originate from urban activities, industrial means, and agricultural practices and this cleansing function efficiently improves the quality of the water in our streams, rivers, and lakes; and
WHEREAS, wetlands absorb water during wet seasons and recharge groundwater during dry seasons, thus regulating stream flows, mitigating flooding, and alleviating erosion; and
WHEREAS, Kansas City's wetlands support diverse wetland-dependent plant species and provide crucial habitats for a range of wildlife during their different life stages. Kansas City’s wetlands also serve as popular stopover points for migratory birds. This biodiversity enriches and strengthens the ecosystem and contributes to the health of the adjacent land; and
WHEREAS, wetland vegetation and hydric soil sequester carbon and reduce the urban heat island effect, rendering the climate less susceptible to dramatic changes or extremes; and
WHEREAS, KC Water's initiative to inventory local wetlands as part of the Nation Wetlands Inventory takes advantage of advancements in mapping technologies, capturing an opportunity to improve mapping resolution from hundreds of feet to inch-level accuracy; and
WHEREAS, KC Water's wetland inventory will support the City's sound policymaking, holistic planning, responsible development, thoughtful management, and sensible operation; and
WHEREAS, the community is called to be aware of the ongoing degradation of wetlands due to rapid urban sprawl, to act to keep pollutants away from bodies of water and to do our part to conserve and restore wetlands, leaving a legacy for future generations; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council hereby declare February 2, 2026, as Kansas City, Missouri, Wetlands Day in conjunction with World Wetlands Day awareness observations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to KC Water with the recognition of the Mayor, Council and citizens of Kansas City for the dedication and service of KC Water’s efforts to inform and educate the public about safeguarding our critical ecosystems.
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