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Protection of
Wildlife on Town Lake |
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Protection of
Wildlife on Town Lake |
Unfortunately, we don't seem to have any monitoring system or formal protection of the natural wildlife of Town Lake. There are laws requiring that people fishing must have a valid fishing license and that no one is to remove an animal from its natural habitat. I'm still looking into this and will be adding information as I find it. If you know of any laws regarding wildlife in Austin Parks, please write me.
A letter to Jane Greig, published in the Austin American Statesman:
Dvori wrote:
> Does anyone monitor the waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans, coots, lesser
> scaups) on Town Lake? There are particular ducks and geese who are
> regulars, and I'm wondering if anyone watches them or cares for them.
>
[Jane Greig:]
The city does not have an official program to tend to the wild life on
Town Lake. Park users often feed them. Some of the creatures are
migratory and just stopping in for a taste of Austin; other wildlife
(herons, commerants etc) have taken up residence on the lake and have
found a reliable food supply. The domesticated water fowl have been
abandoned by owners and ,although find some food themselves, are truly
dependent on people feeding them By the way it is against the law to
abandon waterfowl on the lake - punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and a
year in prison says Jim Hallbrook, Parks a Rec. spokesman and wildlife
lover.
I plan to use this q in the paper - how should your name appear? Also
I need your address for my records. Thanks for asking! Jane
A reply from the Travis Audubon Society regarding harassment of Town
Lake ducks:
Devorah,
We (Travis Audubon Society) have no enforcement authority, and, as a result
cannot intervene without the possibility of several unpleasant consequences.
I believe that Austin Parks & Recreation has immediate authority, although
they probably rely on APD for "making it stick." Maybe they would make an
announcement at the start of the event if you brought the matter up with
them. Sorry we can't do more.
Regards,
Alan Jaeger
Travis Audubon Society
Austin, TX
audubon@onr.com
A few of the City of Austin Park Rules:
1.05 Disruptive Behavior
Patrons are expected to refrain from disruptive, destructive or hazardous behavior, and
may be ejected
from the park if such conduct is not stopped.
1.11 Wildlife
All wildlife is protected, and may not be harmed or harassed. Where fishing is permitted,
individuals
must possess a valid Texas fishing license, and comply with Texas fishing laws.
1.12. Plant Life
All plant life is protected and may not be harmed or removed. Only pecan nuts on the
ground may be
taken.
1.13 Natural Resource
Locations with items of historical, archaeological, geologic, scientific or educational
interests are
protected and may not be disturbed or removed without permission of Parks and Recreation.
These rules are extracted from the City of Austin Park Police homepage.
Please help: REPORT violations to 512-356-4249
Some links:
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
Return to Ducks (Main Page)
Go to Devorah's Pad