AgdaPkt 2012-02-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.5.A. - Page 2 nests). Property owners who wish to participate in such mitigation must register with the US Fish and Wildlife Service online to receive a "Depredation Permit" before taking any action. The online form specific to resident Canada geese, can be found at https:// epermits .fws.gov /eRCGR /geS1.aspx Though there are no specific training or knowledge requirements, the Depredation Permit provides a list of mandatory items that must be met in order to obtain a permit. These include: one must be 18 years and older; registration must be made between January 1 St and June 30 actions must be taken only between March 1 St and June 30 and that reporting of any or no actions must be made by October 31 of the year of registration. The Redwood Shores Community Association (RSCA) surveyed the Shores community and has determined that the nuisance of resident Canada geese is a significant community issue. To address this, the RSCA is developing a coordinated plan that calls on homeowners associations (HOAs), businesses, and residents to support RSCA's efforts to control resident geese populations within the guidelines established by the federal and state wildlife agencies. The RSCA would like to follow the federal and state regulations in order to address the overpopulation of this species. It's also important to note that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department has in the past hired a "goose hazing service" via the use of trained dogs to scare flocks of geese out of parks in Redwood Shores. Due to past budget reductions, the Department has eliminated this service. ANALYSIS The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department has experienced the effect of the rapid increase in resident Canada geese as they are a frequent user of City parks in Redwood Shores. The amount of excrement they leave is negatively affecting the community's ability to enjoy these parks and walkways. Redwood City Municipal Code Section 25.2.02.1, Prohibited Acts in Parks, makes it unlawful to: Feed, capture, remove, hunt, abuse, molest, injure, frighten, trap, kill, tease or hurt, throw or otherwise project objects at any wild or domestic fowl, animal, reptile, fish or bird or fowl, including the eggs or nest or young of any reptile, wild animal, or bird. In order to support the efforts of the RSCA's coordinated plan and to properly recognize the authority of the federal and state regulatory agencies to administer depredation permits, the Municipal Code should be revised to recognize the authority of federal and state regulatory agencies by adding, "except in conformance with federal or state regulations and /or permits." ALTERNATIVES 1. Do not adopt the proposed ordinance. FISCAL IMPACT None