#EM2019 – CC Question – Wildlife Habitat and Impacts

Being on the planning commission, I am aware of the great resources we have in the city staff. We are currently working on wildlife corridor planning for our city. We utilize the Division of wildlife resources to assist in this effort. I also know that as part of the application process we can request information on any environmental impacts of the project.

Ecology is just one of many examples on this subject. I am not an expert in every field, and I won’t always have the answers to everything, nor would I expect any fellow councilmembers to have answers to everything. We have some incredibly talented and knowledgeable residents in Eagle Mountain who know the area and who can help teach. Being a councilmember is not always about having all the answers. When this happens, it’s about doing the research, sifting through the information and learning from field-specific experts, then being able to review this all as part of the bigger picture. I am always willing to talk to residents and as a member of City Council, I will continue seeking to talk to our local experts about ecology and other important matters. I will always continue learning and will never make a vote on a topic I am not comfortable voting on.

I believe that having experience and knowledge is important to making decisions that may impact the local wildlife and habitats. I think that a combined mixture of my own independent research as well as information gathered by citizens in a public format as well as any research done by local groups should be considered.

More broadly, there will be many decisions that come up where I would not have expert knowledge. In the tech and cyber security world this happens a lot, so I have had to deal with it quite a bit. I am a big believer in “know what you know, and know what you don’t know.” I try to live by that continually. When I don’t have a good understanding of a subject, I seek out experts that do and I try to learn from them and I carefully consider their advice. I do try to watch out for the fallacy of “Appeal to Authority” as well however. Simply being an expert in a subject matter doesn’t automatically grant you correct opinions, but it certainly does mean you should be listened to. As a city council member I will not make decisions blindly or ideologically, including regarding decisions that can impact things as important as ecology. Specifically regarding habitat and wildlife impacts, there are many resources available from the federal and state governments. I would absolutely make use of these resources. As issues come up, I try to be proactive in seeking out expert opinions and recommendations.

Environmental assessments can be used to determine impact on habitat and wildlife when evaluating a project. Developers that are proposing a project can be required to pay for these studies. For a city proposed project, the city can decide to commission a study. I have been told that the city has worked with universities in the past which may reduce the costs. These studies are usually limited to only the direct and immediate on-site effects of a project. A study is not binding but provides useful knowledge of potential impacts before decisions are made.

This is a loaded question that I feel had a root, but is maybe not directed properly. To illustrate, the question focuses on what “resources” I’d use. To answer that I’ll say every single resource available to me at that time. Such things like the DNR(Division of Natural Resources) the DWR Division of Wildlife Resources) fish and game biologists, any individual or professor with expert knowledge or personal experience, etc. Bottom line, no matter the issue or decision that comes before us, whether in respect to ecology or matter of policy, I’d hope all members would research and use any form of information to complete their due diligence in order to make an informed decision.

One of best resources are the people of Eagle Mountain, we have some very knowledgeable residents that have dedicated their time both professionally and privately to protect our wildlife, our heritage, and our open spaces. One such example is the Eagle Mountain Kestrel Project. I have a relationship with multiple volunteers for the project and have even volunteered myself on occasion. Their knowledge of local wildlife and habitat is expansive. There have been multiple occasions I have met with this group to understand concerns and work wo mitigate issues while still doing everything I can to protect the rights of the landowners. Knowing who to speak with and building coalitions of people with varying knowledge is a helpful tool in achieving better outcomes on city council decisions. I do that regularly and will continue to do so going forward. In addition, for each item on the City Council agenda, our professional city staff of engineers, planners, arborists, and other specialists prepare a staff report with engineering, drainage, and other important information regarding impact development may have on the community. In those cases it is important to study and become well-versed in the information. I always read and study the council packet, generally twice, in order to be prepared for council meeting. Other times, not enough information is given and I will need to request additional information from staff and/or developers prior to the meeting. If I get that info, I need to study it as well, but if I don’t have the information, I need to be prepared to ask thorough questions of staff and developers during our Council Work Session, and table the item if that information is not readily available or if I haven’t been given adequate time to review it. I follow that process regularly and am certain it has helped in achieving better outcomes in the decisions that my fellow councilmembers and I have made.

I will seek out the local experts and environmental groups for information, and represent the concerns of those being directly affected.