The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife are eagerly awaiting the execution of a $900,000 grant dedicated to the protection and preservation of the city’s beloved burrowing owls. This long-anticipated grant aims to secure and maintain critical habitats for these unique birds, which are recognized as the official city bird of Cape Coral. However, the process of executing the grant has faced some delays, leaving conservation advocates anxious to see the project move forward.
Grant Funding for Burrowing Owl Habitat Preservation in Cape Coral
The city of Cape Coral is carefully navigating the steps needed to properly implement the $900,000 grant for burrowing owl habitat preservation. Initially set to be discussed at a recent City Council meeting, a memorandum of agreement regarding the grant was pulled from the agenda at the last moment. This delay was due to ongoing discussions about how best to utilize the grant funds and execute the preservation plan.
The grant, which was established by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at protecting the burrowing owl populations within city limits. According to city documents, the grant money will specifically cover property acquisition costs related to the creation and maintenance of owl habitats. These expenses may include appraisals, surveys, title costs, and initial maintenance efforts.
Coordination Between the City and Wildlife Organizations
The implementation of the burrowing owl habitat preservation grant in Cape Coral involves coordinated efforts between the City of Cape Coral, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission, and the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. Together, they will handle the maintenance, monitoring, and reporting of each site purchased with the grant funds.
Judy Mitchell, a representative of the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, expressed disappointment over the delay during the public comment portion of the meeting. "We have worked really hard for the last three years to finalize this agreement and to provide safe habitat for the city bird, the burrowing owl," she stated, emphasizing the group's commitment to the project.
Addressing the Delay in Grant Execution
City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn addressed the concerns surrounding the delay, clarifying that the item was pulled from the agenda because he received a critical phone call from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission just the day before the meeting. "We were trying to get this done beforehand. They literally called me yesterday," Ilczyszyn explained, assuring residents and wildlife advocates that there is no risk of losing the grant funds.
“The money is still in the foundation, and we will still be awarded,” he continued, indicating that the city simply needs to finalize the details of the grant’s execution. This includes identifying and securing an accredited land trust that will be involved in the project, which will require an amendment to the current agreement.
A First-of-Its-Kind Grant for Burrowing Owl Habitat Protection
The FWC Burrowing Owl Habitat Protection Grant is a pioneering initiative by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, brought about through the advocacy efforts of the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. This grant represents the first time local governments and accredited land conservation trusts have received state funding for the specific purpose of burrowing owl habitat preservation.
Moving Forward with the Burrowing Owl Habitat Grant
Despite the recent delay, the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and city officials remain optimistic about the future of this vital conservation effort. With continued collaboration between the city, state wildlife agencies, and local conservationists, the grant is expected to make a significant impact on protecting the burrowing owl population in Cape Coral. The successful execution of this grant will provide safe, sustainable habitats for these unique birds and further the city’s commitment to wildlife preservation.
For more information about the city’s conservation efforts, you can follow the City of Cape Coral on Instagram.
People also ask:
1. Where can you see burrowing owls in Cape Coral, Florida?
You can find burrowing owls in various open spaces around Cape Coral, including parks, vacant lots, and residential areas.
2. How much does it cost to relocate burrowing owls in Cape Coral?
The cost to relocate burrowing owls in Cape Coral can range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the relocation process.
3. Where are the four places where burrowing owls are found?
Burrowing owls are currently found in parks, open fields, residential properties, and protected wildlife areas.
4. What types of owls are in Cape Coral?
Cape Coral is home to burrowing owls, which are the most common type, and occasionally other species like barn owls and great horned owls.
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