Home sweet burrow: Cape Coral secures protected land for burrowing owls
Cape Coral's most adorable homeowners just got a real estate boost.
The Cape Coral City Council approved the purchase of the first five lots under the Burrowing Owl Habitat Protection Grant Project at its meeting Feb. 19. The council's decision marks a major stride in local conservation efforts for the city's official bird, the burrowing owl.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida established the Burrowing Owl Habitat Protection Grant. Cape Coral was awarded the grant in July 2023, which provides up to $900,000 to purchase properties for burrowing owl preservation. The funds come from mitigation fees paid for incidental burrowing owl take permits.
Locally, the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) is leading efforts to protect the burrowing owls. The group's work includes recruiting residents to volunteer to mark and monitor owl burrows and even help dig starter burrows in residents' yards.
The city approved the purchase of the first five lots under the Burrowing Owl Habitat Protection Grant Project at its meeting Feb. 19.
Judy Mitchell, president of CCFW, thanked the council for its support. "The burrowing owls benefit from this grant. This little owl has become a notable tourist attraction,' Mitchell said.
City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn also recognized Carl Veaux for his efforts in advocating for the $900,000 grant with FWC, which will fund the purchase of these properties.
The first five properties purchased under the grant are located at:
503 NE 1st Ave.
613 NW 3rd Place
601 NW 4th Ave.
606 NW 3rd Place
605 NW 4th Ave.
These properties, along with others that can be purchased using the remaining grant funds, will be owned by the city and come with a permanent conservation easement. CCFW will handle the monitoring and maintenance of these properties.
In total, the Cape Coral Wildlife Trust currently owns 81 lots spanning nearly 10 acres dedicated to burrowing owls and other wildlife species. The city is home to the largest population of burrowing owls in the state, with more than 5,000 of these charismatic birds calling Cape Coral home.
Just days after the grant land approval, Cape Coral residents had another reason to celebrate: the 23rd annual Burrowing Owl Festival. Hosted by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife in partnership with the Cape Coral Parks Department, the event took place at Rotary Park Saturday, Feb. 22 and featured wildlife arts and crafts, a silent auction and information from other conservation groups.
Festival-goers were treated to Florida Nature Conservancy's mobile conservation lab that offered hands-on activities for kids, the Cape Coral Library's mobile library and a local honey company showcasing a live beehive.
More: Cape Coral's burrowing owls: All about the bird and Saturday's festival
As Cape Coral continues to grow, construction increasingly threatens owl habitats. When burrows are destroyed by development, the owls are left homeless.
To mitigate this, the city requires species surveys before issuing permits or approving new developments. After nesting season ends, contractors can apply for state permits from FWC to remove owl burrows, provided they adhere to regulations in place to protect the species.
Despite the challenges, the community remains vigilant, with residents and volunteers watching out for the feathered locals.
More: Southwest Florida's burrowing owls: Our underground neighbors facing growing threats
Cape Coral residents are encouraged to get involved in local conservation efforts. If you notice owl activity or suspect a burrow, you can report it via a hotline or contact CCFW through Facebook.
CCFW volunteers mark nests on vacant lots with PVC poles to create protected zones.
Residents can also help by building starter burrows in their yards, creating more safe spaces for these tiny neighbors.
The city's approval of land purchases, along with the active engagement of residents and local organizations, marks a step forward in preserving Cape Coral's unique wildlife amid ongoing development.
Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 or mhannon@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral approves land purchase for burrowing owl preservation
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