SUBJECT:
Title
Request Approval of Letter to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to Award Grant Funding for the Bear-Resistant Container Program (Budget Impact - None)
Body
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Mark Johnson, Director |
Solid Waste |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
In 2015, Marion County partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to provide bear-resistant waste containers at a subsidized price. Providing discounted containers increased resident participation and reduced bear-related complaints. FWC has again reached out to partner with Marion County, offering a $25,000 grant for a program to enhance Bear Wise and reduce litter impacts caused by wildlife.
The Marion County Bear Wise & Litter Reduction Program is a wildlife conflict prevention and litter reduction initiative designed to reduce human-bear interactions associated with unsecured residential garbage. The program is a joint effort between the Marion County Solid Waste Department and the FWC to provide subsidized bear-resistant waste containers to residents located in areas experiencing elevated wildlife activity and litter concerns. This initiative supports county goals related to public safety, environmental stewardship, litter reduction, and responsible solid waste management practices.
The purpose of this program is to:
- Reduce human-bear interactions related to residential garbage
- Improve residential waste containment practices
- Reduce wildlife attractants associated with unsecured waste
- Increase public participation in responsible waste management
- Expand access to affordable bear-resistant containers
- Support countywide litter reduction efforts
The goals of this program are to:
- Reduce bear-related incidents associated with residential garbage
- Decrease wildlife-related complaints and service calls
- Improve secure waste storage practices
- Increase community participation in wildlife conflict prevention
- Improve access to durable bear-resistant containers
- Promote long-term environmental stewardship
BUDGET/IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve and authorize the chairman to execute the letter to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the Bear-Resistant Container Program.
end