A utilities expansion project that will deliver sewer and water services to thousands of Cape Coral residents could claim dozens or perhaps more of the city’s official bird: the burrowing owl. City officials obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to destroy, or take, dozens of nests on property owned by the city or within the negotiated right-of-way for the utilities expansion in an area south of Pine Island Road and east of Santa Barbara Boulevard. “Obviously, our intent would be to minimize the impact to burrowing owls, but unfortunately we know some nests will be impacted,” said city spokesperson Connie Barron. Cape Coral is home to an estimated 2,500 burrowing owls and has become a haven for the tiny birds since much of their historic prairies lands in central Florida were converted to farm fields, roads and developments. Homeowners are expecting to pay nearly $20,000 for the connection and impact fees. Listed as a species of special concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, burrowing owls do not nest in trees or buildings,digging burrows that can stretch 4 to 8 feet. The birds like open spaces with fence posts, mailboxes or other perches on which they can rest while watching over their brood. Burrowing owl habitat here takes the form of vacant lots, properties near urban areas where stray dogs, feral cats and even exotic Nile monitors can easily target nests. Pascha Donaldson, with Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, said she’d like to see the birds moved to a preserve-like area, which is how gopher tortoises are managed when new development destroys their habitat. Instead of relying on FWC offices to patrol the neighborhood and respond to reports for the public, she said, she’s petitioning the city to adopt an ordinance to protect Cape Coral’s official mascot. “Hopefully (the city) is coming up with a management plan now,” Donaldson said. “We have to protect our little birds.” Barron said any type of burrowing owl ordinance would have to be initiated by a council member. Connect with ChadGillisNP on twitter news-press/article/20130709/NEWS0101/307090022/Owls-may-pay-project
Posted on: Tue, 09 Jul 2013 10:26:46 +0000
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