Sponsor: Parks & Recreation
Title
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Resolution to Support Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund Grant Application
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Recommendation
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Adopt a resolution to support Parks and Recreation’s application to the Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund Grant Program for $150,000 to redevelop Tamarack Nature Center Raptor Mew.
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Background and Rationale
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Tamarack Nature Center’s animal ambassadors provide profound and meaningful contact with live native wild animals for preschool and school-age students and the general public, as part of a robust nature education program. None of these encounters is more awe-inspiring than the two owls under Tamarack’s care, but the current raptor mew (the location where the owls are kept when not actively involved in programming) does not provide adequate space, is beginning to be in disrepair and is not visible to the public. Adding a raptor mew that meets the needs of the care and husbandry of the animals, as well as providing public viewing to give visitors an owl experience even when not actively involved in programming will be an exciting new added feature at the nature center, as identified in the approved long-range plan. This raptor mew has already been designed by Shelter Architects as a building addition and would be built onto the west end of the building, overlooking the prairie.
In order to apply for and accept the Environmental and Natural Resource Trust Fund monies if awarded, a resolution template and letter provided must be signed. This acknowledges that Parks & Recreation resources will be used in the project management, and ongoing maintenance of the facility. Both activities fit within current resources of the Planning Division, as well as Park Operations Division. Funding is needed to prepare construction drawings, and to provide construction resources.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Tamarack has made strides in diversifying its staff and usership. Examples are a partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools Early Childhood where nearly every preschool class visit Tamarack for a nature education experience once or twice a year. Raptors are integral to this and other public programming.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Community engagement was conducted as part of the Tamarack long-range plan.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
This grant would provide the capital needed to build the raptor mew. A 25% cost share is necessary for capital projects through Environmental and Natural Resource Trust Fund and $50,000 has been identified in Parks’ Operations & Maintenance funds and accounted for in the 2024-25 budget. The Parks and Recreation’s planning division’s current resources can be used for project management. The current raptor mew requires an increasing amount of maintenance costs, so a new raptor mew would likely cost the department less maintenance and operations funding.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Tamarack Nature Center Long Range Plan
2. Environmental and Natural Resource Trust Fund 2025 Request for Proposals
3. Resolution Authorizing Proposal Submission from Non-State Entities