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5. Parks Division Owl Box and Raptor Perch Presentation Parks Division staff member Brian Fiorio reviewed with Commissioners a PowerPoint presentation detailing the incorporation of nature in the parks and trails systems. He advised that the objective of staff is to develop ways to bring more nature into parks and open spaces, help maintain the rodent population, and engage citizens. Information was provided about the approach of local Boy Scouts searching to complete a community service project and the development and construction of Owl Box Project #1. Details were given about the construction and installation of -the three owl boxes and the use by Barn Owls that led to the laying of eggs and hatching of -m'' owls. Owl Box Project #2, another Eagle Scout Project, including constructing ten Barn Owl boxes and delivering to the Parks Division. Staff installed`polbs and`secured the. boxes, six were installed in the Oak Woodland of Bernal Phase4l, and four were installed in the open space adjacent to the Marilyn Murphy Kane Trail" �r Eagle Scout Project #3 was the construction and Installation of two raptor.,,perches, one installed in the Oak Woodland at Bernal Community Park; and the other of"the Marilyn Murphy Kane Trails. Commissioners were informed that aspects of this program -include: • Building relationships with public"and scouting .organizations. • Utilizing beneficial predators with rodent control..` • Opportunities to use staff resources for-...othermaintenance activities. • Initial expenses'and,staff tiri for the direction of the""project, however, sustainable afterwards. • Continumgand expanding the program. • Developing new ideas and,e gaging,residents in parks and trails systems. ,r • Environment sustainability r.... • Overall benefits to the City's parks and trails. Vice Chairperson.beckert questioned whether there were any areas of prioritization should Eagle Scouts come forward looking for more opportunities. He was advised that the City would like to get more--.ovu1 boxes made and find new places to install them, at this time however, there is no budget.//; Commissioner Hekl felt this was a good program and questioned how such big owls were able to enter what appears to be small holes in the owl boxes. Commissioner Wahl suggested that Val Vista be considered as a suitable location for owl boxes. COMMISSION- REPORTS 6. Committee Meetings Parks and Recreation Commission June 13, 2019 Page 5