Here’s the policy to be discussed today at 4:30. I have to say is shockingly short and lacking details. This will likely be decided by this committee and the Parks Commission and not to go to the full council.
The Habitat Stewardship Subcommittee meets today at 4:30 at the Goodman Maintenance Facility (1402 Wingra Creek Parkway). Warning, its a bit difficult to get to, you can see it, but its a tad unclear where to turn off Olin – take a look at a map before you go.
Here’s the policy to be discussed:
Wildlife Management
City of Madison ParksAll of our Conservation Parks and many of our General Park lands, including adjacent bodies of water, provide ideal habitat for wildlife amidst heavily populated urban areas. We welcome the biodiversity that this fosters and the educational encounters that this provides to our park visitors. However, when wildlife species become too densely populated within a specific area there can be serious consequences (ie. destruction of habitat and neighboring properties, public health and safety concerns and interference with recreational services). The Parks Division applies the principles of Integrated Pest Management to wildlife management as well. Populations are monitored through staff field observations and pubic feedback. Habitat modifications (ie. adjustment of mowing patterns, fencing and barrier installation) are taken into consideration to limit wildlife damage to Park lands. In addition, wildlife may be hazed or harassed to keep them from getting too comfortable in specific areas. Where wildlife species are difficult to control by any other methods and the impacts of their overpopulation on the habitat, neighboring properties, public health and/or recreational services are too great, the Parks Division may, as a last resort lethally remove such wildlife under permit requirements or otherwise applicable regulations. Parks and any contractor employed through Parks will strictly follow the requirements of existing regulations and/or the permits that have been obtained.
I posted it on facebook yesterday and at least one of my friends emailed them the following:
Dear Habitat Stewardship Subcommittee (Parks) members,
I’m writing regarding item 8 on the agenda of your upcoming meeting (“Wildlife Management – discussion and possible recommendation for approval to the Board of Park Commissioners”).
When the Warner Park beaver controversy came up, I was silent. I just watched from a distance – did not speak to anyone about it, e-mail, etc.
But seeing this proposal, I have to say – one thing that really, REALLY bothers me, is when the community speaks up (loud and clear), and then city staff and officials ignore what the community is saying, and plow ahead as though the community had not spoken.
I’m a scientist (in evolution and ecology). I’m not an ideologue. So please take that into account in what I’m about to say.
There are nonlethal means of dealing with wildlife issues (beyond habitat modification and hazing) – live capture and relocation, controlling reproductive output (depending on the species, immunocontraceptives and contragestation agents), etc. In the case of beavers, there are live traps, baffles for culverts, water flow control pipes, tree trunk guards, and other creative solutions.
I know these can be more difficult to implement (posing various logistical problems, etc.). But that’s what people in the community are saying they want, whenever possible. In Madison, the community is clearly not OK with lethal removal of beavers and other wildlife.
Thank you,
Gregory Gelembiuk
CONTACT INFO, ACT NOW WHILE THERE IS TIME!
Here’s the emails to the Habitat Stewardship subcommittee:
brock.woods@wisconsin.gov
nanragland@att.net
sean@geretreacare.com
emails are missing for committee members Stephen Glass and Steven Bassett.
Legistar lists the primary contact as Charlie Romines so you many want to include him as well cromines@cityofmadison.com
And here’s the emails to the full Parks Commission where it will go next.
annedave@chorus.net
emily.gnam@cunamutual.com
madelyn.leopold@gmail.com
district10@cityofmadison.com
nanragland@att.net
district17@cityofmadison.com
and no email for Venus Washington
It lists Eric Knepp (Parks Superintendent) as the contact, his email is eknepp@cityofmadison.com.
It likely won’t get to the full council as the Parks has the ability to make many of these decisions on their own.
