Agenda - 10-28-2002 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Dr. Shopler's proposal includes an initial request for$100,000 from Orange County Commissioners for 2003 with increases proposed in 2004 and 2005. The Animal Protection Society of Orange County, Inc. has operated a Wildlife Sanctuary for about five years. That facility is temporarily closed for renovations. It is projected to re-open in February. While it is closed, wildlife is being transferred to licensed private rehabilitators in the area or sent to the NC Zoo in Asheboro. Wildlife that are badly injured are euthanized. In December the APS Board is planning on instituting a search for a Wildlife Manager for the re- opened Sanctuary. The intent is for the Manager to have the appropriate certifications and licenses to accept and rehabilitate wildlife. There is interest from several veterinarians for part- time contracts for medical care. The APS is beginning the contracting process for building a new "halfway home" facility on the Sanctuary property that will house all domestic animals undergoing spay/neuter surgery prior to going to their final home, enabling separation of wildlife and domestic animals. The APS anticipates that this new facility will be completed this spring and have secured funding for building the facility through private fundraising. The budget for the operations portion of the Sanctuary operations was approximately $142,900 on an annual basis. A new budget will be developed with the restructuring of the operation. No county funds were utilized for the operation of the Wildlife Sanctuary and there are none projected for request by APS. The APS Board continues to assert a strong commitment to all animals including wildlife. There is at least one other organized wildlife group in the Triangle area. The American Wildlife Refuge is located on a tract of land in Wake County and serves primarily as a raptor center. This refuge is operated by a non-profit agency that is privately funded. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Potential impact would include allocation of the requested $100,000 to help support operation of a new Piedmont Wildlife Center. There is no budgeted amount in this fiscal year for such a program and it would be a new direction for the county. Dr. Shopler in his proposal indicates talks are underway with four organizations that have expressed an interest in having a wildlife center, and that his group expects to raise funds through grants, membership, and private donations. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the staff report on the proposal as background, receive public comment on the proposal, and consider reviewing a funding request (like a challenge grant ) in the future once Dr. Shopler has secured funding commitments for the proposed Piedmont Wildlife Center from other entities.