Email by Bob Kibler 9/21Machelle Hill
From: Bill Parsons
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 3:58 PM
To: Machelle Hill
Cc: Bruce Chatterton; Bill Nary; Peter Friedman; Becky McKay
Subject: FW: Subject: Mulberry Subdivision at Settlers Park, Meridian, Idaho (PP 01120 8 CUP
01026); Technical Assistance COMM -241a
Machelle,
Please include the following comments in the Mulberry file.
Thanks,
Bill Parsons, AICP
Associate City Planner
Community Development Department
33 E. Broadway Avenue
Meridian, Idaho 83642
PHONE: (208) 884-5533
FAX: (208) 888-6854
bparsons@meridiancity.org
From: Bob_Kibler@fws.gov [mailto:Bob_Kibler@fws.gov]
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 3:42 PM
To: Bill Parsons
Subject: Subject: Mulberry Subdivision at Settlers Park, Meridian, Idaho (PP 01120 8 CUP 01026); Technical Assistance
COMM -241a
Greetings Mr. Parsons:
I have recently been contacted by members of the public who have expressed concerns that migratory birds and
their habitats may be affected by the proposed Mulberry Subdivision at Settlers Park. These local residents
have also expressed concerns that displacement or loss of the birds will reduce their quality of living. The
following comments are provided as technical assistance in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Site Location
A cursory assessment indicates that the proposed subdivision will involve the development of a 2.4 acre tract of
private property, located south and west of the intersection of North Meridian Road and West Ashby Drive.
The property is approximately 2.5 miles south of the Boise River and Eagle Island. The property appears to
currently be fallow, and is surrounded on the east and north sides by residential development, and by a field of
irrigated and mowed tame grass with associated baseball diamonds located to the west and south. A small
water impoundment is positioned adjacent to the southeast corner of the property. An aerial image of the
surrounding site is provided for reference (Figure 1). It is of my opinion that this land tract is likely very
attractive to a wide array of migratory birds. The fallow vegetation provides a ready source of food, nesting
habitat, and escape cover. The habitat value is enhanced due to the juxtaposition of the open water feature,
position near the Boise River, and availability of the large block of mowed tame grass. Migratory bird habitats
of the Boise River valley have been diminished due to past and ongoing development; therefore mitigation of
habitat losses should be given consideration.
Figure 1. Aerial overview of the project site and surrounding area
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Avoidance of Harm to Migratory Birds, Nests, and Fledglings
Adjacent landowners have reported that several species of migratory birds commonly nest in, or otherwise use
the habitat provided by the fallow property (Table 1). I would agree that it is likely that these species would use
the habitats provided on and adjacent to the 2.4 acre parcel. Please advise the proposed developer that
migratory birds are offered protection via the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This protection extends to active
nests, eggs, and fledglings. I would recommend timing ground disturbing activities as to avoid the spring
nesting and fledgling periods.
Table 1. Migratory Birds Identified by Adjacent Landowners
Common Name
Scientific Name
Killdeer
Charadrius vociferous
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Mallard Duck
Anas platyrhynchos
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Canada Goose
Branta Canadensis
Unspecified White Colored Wading Bird (Possibly Cattle Egret or Great Blue Heron) Bubulcus ibis or
Ardea Herodias
Mitigating Losses to Migratory Bird Habitat Functions
I would recommend that the City of Meridian continue to work cooperatively with their residents and
developers to plan future developments so as to provide reasonable mitigation for the anticipated loss of
migratory bird habitats. Land use plans, land trusts, and mitigation banks are all useful for ensuring the success
of a community planned mitigation effort. For optimal mitigation value for lost habitat functions, I would
recommend preservation and enhancement of large contiguous blocks of river valley habitats adjacent to rivers
and wetlands. I would suggest contacting the local Idaho Department of Fish and Game District biologists for
assistance in developing local urban wildlife mitigation plans.
Mitigating Losses to Ecosystem Services
The local citizens have indicated to me that ease of access to the open wild spaces and their associated wildlife
provides an enhancement to their quality of living. Though not easily quantified, such ecosystem services are
recognized as essential for maintaining the mental and physical health of people. The Fish and Wildlife
Service, in cooperation with many other partners, has recognized the importance of public access to wild
spaces, and has launched a targeted national effort to connect people with nature. Information about our
program may be of interest to you, and can be accessed via the internet site http://www.fws.2ov/letsaooutside
Though small, isolated tracts of habitat within urban areas may not provide the greatest habitat replacement
value to all guilds of wildlife; such sites provide invaluable "services" to the citizens of a community. I
recommend that the City of Meridian continue to work closely with your citizens and land developers, to plan
for the strategic placement of wild spaces throughout the community. Please note that preservation of pre-
existing habitats is typically more successful, and less costly than attempting to restore areas previously
developed.
Thank you for your interest in the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. Please contact me if you
have questions regarding my comments, or require additional assistance.
Bob Kibler - Fish and Wildlife Biologist
USFWS - IFWO
1387 South Vinnell Way, Room 368
Boise, Idaho 83709
Phone: (208) 378-5255
Fax: (208) 278-5262
Email: bob_kibler@fws.gov