HomeMy WebLinkAboutOlkoski - Item 4C - Approve & Mitigate Large Predator HazardFrom:Jill Olkoski
To:Planning
Subject:Approve & Mitigate Large Predator Hazard
Date:Wednesday, July 24, 2024 11:02:19 AM
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Regarding: Item 4 C on the Planning Commission Agenda for July 24, 2024
This is an extraordinarily unique project, and to my knowledge, establishing a wildlife corridor
within a well-established neighborhood has not been attempted before. It will present novel
challenges to surrounding residents, including but not limited to, large predator hazards, such as
coyotes and bobcats, intruding into neighboring property.
I have encountered both types of these large predators while walking my dog, well within the
property boundary of my condo complex, Mesquite Country Club, Phase 2. When I wrote to
OLT last summer with my concerns, my email was met with condescension, sarcasm, and
frankly I found OLT's reply insulting. I was subsequently banned from commenting on the
Prescott Preserve Facebook Page, and publicly called out by name for contacting the
Department of Fish and Wildlife for help. It seemed to me that OLT's only focus was on the
safety of the predators, not the safety of the people, and their companion animals who live
adjacent to the preserve.
I therefore request that the Planning Department add additional requirements related to large
predator hazard mitigation:
Require OLT to consult with independent wildlife experts who do not have any affiliation
or financial conflict of interest with OLT. For example, PSWA receives funding from
OLT, and PSWA's Founder was on OLT's board and is currently listed as Land
Acquisition Project Manager, therefore PSWA should not be the primary source of large
predator hazard mitigation consultation.
Fill in the dry pond next to the public sidewalk that is on APN 502570007 to prevent
coyotes from establishing a den in this area again.
Shut off the water supply to the above dry pond, that coyotes have been documented
drinking from, and where OLT has placed bowls. This location is close to the public
sidewalk and encourage coyotes to remain in this location, adding to the hazard.
Develop a method for notifying the future full time ranger of large predator encounters,
and tracking them, and immediately notifying residents via a text alert system.
I therefore join many of my neighbors in strongly encouraging the Planning Commission to
approve the proposed minor amendment to Planned Development District 153 (PD 153)
proposed by Oswit Land Trust, subject to ALL of the conditions recommended by the
Department of Planning Services in the Planning Commission Staff Report. I also request an
additional requirement(s) be added regarding the intrusion of large predators into neighborhoods
that border the preserve.
Regards,
Jill Olkoski
505 S Farrell Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264