Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/13/2003

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Wood Duck Nesting Box Haintenance Last winter, the Natural Resources Management Unit began a wood duck nest box program by strategically placing twenty (20) nest boxes in target habitat areas throughout Anoka County's Park System. The wooden-style nest boxes were constructed out of red cedar and were installed on predator-proof metal fence posts at Bunker Hills, Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, Rum River Central, Coon Rapids Dam, Lake George, and Kordiak County Park. The location of each nest box was digitally recorded using a Global Positioning System (GP$) and entered into the Geographic Information System (GIS) data base for mapping and monitoring purposes. In the more remote areas of the park system, the GPS unit is utilized to quickly and accurately navigate back to each nesting box location for annual maintenance and monitoring. Based on breeding season observations in 2002, the majority of the nest boxes were successfully utilized by nesting pairs of wood ducks. Some of the nest boxes were inspected during and shortly after the incubation period to collect and record nesting data. During the winter months, it is very important that the nesting boxes are inspected and properly maintained for the return of the wood ducks in March. Therefore, natural resources staff have begun inspecting the nest boxes for water damage, cracks, loose mounts, inside screen ladders, and "unwanted" winter guests that may deter the wood ducks from returning to the boxes in the early spring. Old egg shells, down feathers, and any other miscellaneous debris are cleaned out. In addition, a fresh 4-6 inch base of wood shavings (cedar or oak) is replenished for nesting materials. Natural resources staffhave begun inspecting the nest boxes for damage and unwanted guests that may deter the wood ducks from returning to the boxes in the early spring. New Boiler For Bunker Hills Activities Center The Bunker Hills Regional Park Activities Center was built in 1974. The building houses the Anoka County Park and Recreation office, as well as the University of Minnesota Extension office, and serves as a gathering place for many organizations and meetings, A major component of the Activities Center's I-IVAC system is the hot water boiler that is the main heating source in the building. Recently, this boiler malfunctioned causing irreparable damage to the unit. Fortunately there were no injuries, but it was determined that the boiler needed .to be replaced. About two years ago Anoka County hired "Energy Service Group" (ESG) to do a complete energy audit of all the Anoka County buildings. This audit included the Activities Center and revealed that rePlacing the boiler would be necessary. Upon completion of this audit the County put together a two-year Capital Improvement Plan to make any necessary upgrades or improvements identified in the ESG audit. This CIP was to begin in 2003 and the boiler replacement at the Activities Center was to be addressed in 2004. Cooperative efforts from the County Board, Finance Committee, and Finance Division allowed funds dedicated in 2004 CIP to be used immediately to replace the boiler. A big thanks to all who had a hand in ensuring this project went forward: The wood duck is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful waterfowl species in North America. The placement of many of Anoka County's wood duck nesting boxes are close to park benches and wildlife viewing platforms in an effort to give park visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty of watching a wood duckling take its first leap into iLs natural habitat. We now have a state-of-the-art boiler system that will service the activities center and the public for years to come. Page 2