HomeMy WebLinkAbout842 - CONCERNING the City of Boulder's Intent to manage, protect and accommodate Prairie Dogs on citRESOLUTION NO. 8q2
A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE PROTECTION AND
MANAGEMENT OF BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOGS.
WHEREAS, the City oF Boulder, Colorado, recognizes that the black-tailed prairie dog
(Cynomys ludovicianus) is a vitai and important species to the grasslands of the Boulder Valley;
and
WHEREAS, the City of Boulder values prairie dogs as a vital element in grassland
ecosystems; and
WHBREAS, black-tailed prairie dog populations are declining throughout their range due
to the rapid loss oFgrassland habitat and are, therefore, a species of local concern; and
WHEREAS, the City of Boulder is committed to the protection of prairie dogs and their
habitat within the Boulder Valley; and
WHEREAS, the City's goai is to effectively eliminate any need for poisoning or
extermination of prairie dogs on private and public lands in Boulder and on City-owned lands in
the Boulder Valley; and
WHEREAS, the City of Boulder, through its Open Space and Mountain Parks programs
has set aside over 5000 acres ofpublic land as Prairie Dog Habitat Conservation Areas and is
committed to the long-term management of these areas as functioning grassland ecosystems.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF BOULDER, COLORADO, THAT:
1. The City Council directs the City Manager to establish policies that will
emphasize prairie dog habitat protection as a priority on all public and private lands, unless the
presence of prairie dogs is in conflict with the existing or planned use of the site; or the pubiic
health and safety on or near the site is in jeopardy due to the presence of prairie dogs.
2. The City Council directs the City Manager that when the protection of prairie dog
habitat is in conflict with the intended use of the site, relocation wiil be Yhe method for removing
the prairie dogs from the site.
3. The City Council directs the City Manager to establish policies such that the City
of Boulder will accommodate ali prairie dog relocation needs of private and public landowners in
the city. Further, that City acceptance of relocated prairie dogs is based upon the condition that
the landowner of the property where prairie dogs are to be removed will take the responsibility
for all costs of relocation and receiving site preparation. Open Space properties will be the
primary source of receiving sites for relocated prairie dogs, although other City-owned lands may
receive prairie dogs if appropriate sites are available,
4. The City Council directs the City Manager and the Open Space Department to
take the lead in finding and preparing receiving sites on Open Space properties. The City
Manager and the Open Space Department are further directed to work to insure that appropriate
ecological conditions are present for successful relocation. When, however, events occur where
relocation is required and appropriate ecological conditions are not present on Open Space
property, the Department will take reasonable extra measures to accommodate relocation needs,
recognizing the relocation effort maybe less successful than under more optimal conditions.
INTRODUCED, READ, PASSED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of January, 2000.
illiam R. Toor, Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk on behalf of the
Director of Finance and Records