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with learning institutions and the community. They want this new center to focus on excellence in rehabilitation, excellence in education, and excellence in scientific study. He wants to build a nature trail for non-releasable animals where people can come and see the wildlife in their natural habitat. They would also like to have an outreach to schools and civic groups in the area. He feels strongly that rehabilitation is important and education is also important to teach people haw to live with wildlife and reduce the negative impact we have on wildlife. He would like to teach veterinarians and veterinary students about wildlife medicine. Regarding what they have going for them so far, they have leadership and collaborating experts on board. They also have land possibilities, both public and private. The Triangle Land Conservancy has some land coming in their future that they would like to possibly share with the wildlife center. He would like the Board of County Commissioners to consider County lands that are available such as the Seven Mile Creek land. Also, a private landowner with 500 acres has a couple of buildings on site that may be used for a wildlife center. Other builders have offered to assist with building and helping them at reduced costs. They have a $10,000 pledge, a $50,000 pledge for matching funds, and $1,000 in memberships. There is commitment and dedication to this project and there are about 40 people who are meeting regularly about the new wildlife center. Regarding the Seven Mile Creek land, they would propose setting aside 20 acres for buildings. They would also like the County to consider providing $100,000 of matching funds. He added that the vet school supports their idea and there is a professor at the vet school who is very involved. The vet school would offer clinical services for the wildlife center. They would like to locate the Piedmont Wildlife Center in Orange County. Health Director Rosemary Summers said that she reviewed the proposal and that it is expected to care for about 2,000 plus wild animals in the first year. It includes outreach and educational programs, internships, and research. The total budget for the first year of operation is $275,000. They are still looking for a location and they would be servicing amulti-county area, primarily the Triangle region. She said that the Health Department could always use extra help with animal disease surveillance -such as the West Nile Virus. They do have an effective system set up where they communicate with vets and they would be interested in adding more vets to this surveillance system. They would be interested in an entire County approach and looking at the kinds of diseases in wildlife and their relationship with humans. The APS has operated the wildlife sanctuary for about five years, and this facility is temporarily closed for renovations. They are expected to reopen in February. While it is closed, the wildlife is being transferred to licensed private rehabilitators in the area or to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. Wildlife that is badly injured is being euthanized now. The APS is looking to hire a wildlife manager in December and is looking to build a halfway home at the sanctuary property for domestic animals in between spaying or neutering and getting adopted. There is one other organized wildlife group in Wake County -American Wildlife Refuge. This is privately funded. Currently, na County funds are being dedicated to wildlife. There is no legal mandate for the Caunty to operate any wildlife services. Commissioner Carey asked if the new wildlife center is opened would there then be two wildlife centers and Rosemary Summers said yes.