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ORANGE" , COUNTY <br /> COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> To . Orange County Board of Commissioners �- <br /> From . Commission for the Environment <br /> Date : September 28 , 2005 <br /> Re : Piedmont Wildlife Center <br /> We understand that Dr . Bobby Schopler, Director of the Piedmont Wildlife Center, <br /> plans to present his ideas for relocating the Center in Orange County at one of your <br /> upcoming Board of Commissioners meetings . <br /> The Commission for the Environment ( CfE ) recently heard a presentation by Dr . <br /> Schopler . He provided a detailed overview of the Center, including its history, <br /> current facilities in Durham County, scope of services as a wildlife rehabilitation and <br /> educational facility ( for primarily Orange , Durham , Wake counties ) , staffing and <br /> funding sources . Dr . Schopler also discussed the Center 's vision for establishing a <br /> new and improved wildlife center in Orange County . He proposes to collaborate <br /> with the County on relocating the center to a large , undeveloped tract of land <br /> suitable for wildlife education and reintroduction of animals to their native habitat . <br /> On the basis of this presentation , the CfE recommends your consideration of Dr . <br /> Schopler 's proposal . The consensus of our group is that certain synergies could be <br /> achieved in co - location of the Center with a county nature preserve , park and /or an <br /> environmental center . Potential locations suggested include the County 's Seven Mile <br /> Creek Preserve , McGowan Creek Preserve , and the OWASA Mitigation Tract . <br /> The potential expansion of the Center 's services could provide benefits to our <br /> wildlife and opportunities for public education . If locating the Center on County <br /> property is infeasible , then perhaps an alternate site could be found that would be <br /> suitable for the release or pre - release of rehabilitated animals . <br /> Thank you for the opportunity to share our thoughts with you . A copy of the <br /> Piedmont Wildlife Center 's mission and vision statements is enclosed . If you have <br /> any questions , please contact Mark Smith , CfE Chair at 715 - 7639 or David Stancil , <br /> ERCD Director at 245 - 2590 . <br /> Attachment <br /> cc : David Stancil <br /> Bobby Schopler <br />