Local activists are asking the City of Cape Coral for help managing the imperiled burrowing owl. The owls make nests in the ground, and local advocates routinely clear vegetation so the owls can spot predators. Now, the city is considering taking over the task.
The state lists the burrowing owl as a “Species of Special Concern.” And it’s the mission of Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife to protect the birds. Pascha Donaldson is with the activist group. She said they volunteer about 10,000 hours a year, weed whacking every lot where they find owl burrows.
"We've asked the city to help us out," said Donaldson. "We do over 3000 burrows as a volunteer group."
Cape Coral’s director of development Vince Cautero said he will present a plan to the city council at its Dec. 14 meeting.
"We're trying to put together a program so that we can preserve nests and also have lots mowed to the best of our ability," he said.
Cautero said it’s premature to talk about the logistics of the program.
