Office of the Mayor

Proclamation

Lawrence, Kansas

WHEREAS:   More than six billion pounds of pesticides are spread on the earth annually, exposing both human and wildlife populations to chemicals, with potentially serious repercussions for life everywhere; and

WHEREAS:   Chemical pesticides applied outdoors are washed into our wetlands, our waterways, and our drinking water sources. Several types of cancer, neurological diseases, endocrine disorders and birth defects have all been associated with exposure to common pesticides; and

WHEREAS:   More than 40 years ago, the well-known writer, scientist, and ecologist Rachel Carson alerted America and the world to the hazards of pesticides in her landmark book, Silent Spring. Despite the warning, the quantity of pesticides used in our country has continued to grow over the years and poses a potential threat to all life forms;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dennis “Boog” Highberger, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 27 to be

“RACHEL CARSON DAY”

and urge citizens of Lawrence to cooperate in seeking alternative methods of pest management by refraining from using chemical pesticides on this day.

                                                              Dennis “Boog” Highberger

                                                              Mayor

May 17, 2005