HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8640 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8640
November 16, 2004
1 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 1 of 2
fats SLIBJECT: Bird Relocation Program
The purpose of this report is to update the City Council on the ongoing bird relocation program. The
program occurs each fall.
The Parks and Community Services Department (PACS) has conducted a bird relocation program in the
downtown area since 1995. This year the program began Monday, November 1, 2004. There is a need for
this program because thousands of birds return to downtown each fall to roost through the winter. In the
process, they create a major downtown maintenance problem, with droppings and dead birds littering
sidewalks and streets.
The PACS program in parks and on City property utilizes sound machines, high intensity light, bird
distress sounds, laser guns and blasts from shotguns using cracker shells: Currently we are using this
relocation method in the downtown area (at General Worth Square, the Convention Center, Burnett Park,
Federal Plaza, the Water Garden and City Hall) and in the Stockyards at Rodeo Plaza. To avoid
I �`�innecessary concerns, PACS officials have coordinated the start of the program with law enforcement
agencies and building, hotel and meeting facilities managers. A fact sheet describing the program is also
given to businesses in the surrounding area, citizens and the media. The bird scare tactics take place about
30 minutes before dusk.
During the past nine months staff has thoroughly investigated options regarding managing the bird
population. Based on our experience and research, sound machines and blasts from shotguns using the
cracker shells are the most feasible and effective methods for moving birds out from parks and city
properties. Staff continues to research and test other methods.
In addition, we are working to develop and implement a permitting process that would allow organizations
and businesses to conduct similar bird relocation programs at areas throughout the city. PACS and the
Fort Worth Police Department will provide the training and certification for the permit. To date we have
worked with staff from Downtown Fort Worth Inc. and Radio Shack/Tandy Corporation. PACS staff has
met at their sites several times. Downtown Fort Worth Inc. is using a laser gun and high intensity light
system around Sundance Square and Burnett Park. Radio Shack /Tandy Corporation is using an alternate
noise device at their current headquarters just south of the County Court House.
PACS staff has also met with or discussed bird relocation with: North Fort Worth Stockyards Business
Association, Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, Camp Bowie PID, US Bureau of Federal
Prisons in south Fort Worth, Spinks and Meacham Airports, Texas Motor Speedway, Texas Parks and
Wildlife, USDA Animal Damage Control Division, and numerous other businesses and organizations. We
expect this list to grow. .
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. $64o
NST'w November 16, 2004
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: Bird Relocation Program
The goal is to establish a coordinated, City-wide bird relocation program which will result in moving birds
from the urban and suburban areas of our City into the surrounding rural areas rather than from one block
to another.
If further information is needed, please contact Libby Watson, Assistant City Manager at 392-6183 or
Randle Harwood, Acting Director, Parks and Community Services Department at 871-5704.
a kQ—-
Charles R. Boswell
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS