MI SB1278

Designates Iosco County as the official "birding capital of the state" based on its significant bird populations and habitats.

Notes that the National Audubon Society has designated three important bird areas within Iosco County: the AuSable River scenic byway for wintering trumpeter swans, management areas for nesting Kirtland's warblers, and Tawas Point for spring migration habitat.

Identifies Iosco County as containing a large nesting population of endangered Kirtland's warblers, a large nesting population of bald eagles, and the only identified nesting populations of endangered piping plovers on the west side of Lake Huron.

Directs the Department of Natural Resources and Travel Michigan to promote Iosco County as the birding capital in their statewide natural resources and tourism marketing efforts.

Finds that designating areas with rare birds and critical bird habitat will promote tourism, economic development, and support bird population conservation in the state.