Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/12/2020

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett; Commissioners Barten, Barnes, Bayer, and Leistico. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Sis. 5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Presentation: Bluebird Recovery Program of Minnesota Carlyn Erion introduced the Bluebird Recovery Program seminar that she will be conducting in nd Ramsey on April 22 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Alexander Ramsey Room at City Hall. She stated that the Bluebird trails in Ramsey are in disrepair and explained that refurbishing the trails reinforces the value Ramsey places on its natural resources which includes habitat, provides lost habitat for bids, and presents an opportunity for the public to learn about this bird and critical habitat. She explained that refurbishing and expanding the Bluebird trails provides more opportunities for successful nesting and provides opportunities for people. She stated that volunteers are needed to help with refurbishing the trails and to monitor and report the results. She reviewed the topics that will be reviewed during the seminar. She explained that the Bluebird Recovery Program has been established for over 40 years but is now recognized as a nonprofit organization. Chair Bennett thanked Ms. Erion for the presentation and for sharing the information about the seminar. Commissioner Leistico asked what stops other birds from nesting in the boxes. Ms. Erion stated that any cavity nesting bird will compete for that space and described the strategy in the placement of the boxes. Commissioner Barten asked if the birds nest well in more heavily populated areas. Ms. Erion replied cautiously yes, noting that if the habitat is provided, the birds will come. Commissioner Barten asked if the information that will be provided in the seminar will also be available online. Ms. Erion noted that the Bluebird Rescue Program does have similar information on its website for those that are unable to attend. Chair Bennett asked what would be necessary to refurbish the trails and asked the ideal number of boxes for Ramsey. Ms. Erion replied that the existing post could remain but would need to have new boxes installed and should also have baffles installed to protect the birds from predators. She provided more specific details on the different locations and more ideal locations for some boxes. She stated that perhaps a workshop could be held that would focus on making the boxes. Park and Recreation Commission/ March 12, 2020 Page 2 of 7