Parkersburg Considers Park Feeding Ban

Parkersburg considers Ban on Feeding Animals in Parks Amid Stray Cat Concerns

Parkersburg, WV – Parkersburg City Council is set to consider a new ordinance aimed at prohibiting the feeding, storing, or maintaining of food for stray animals within city parks. The proposed measure stems primarily from ongoing issues involving the feeding of stray cats in Southwood Park.

Mayor Tom Joyce stated that the impetus for the ordinance is the practice of feeding stray cats in Southwood Park. “We removed some makeshift ‘cat boxes,’ which were placed without authorization,” he explained. “We have asked a couple individuals to cease their regularly feeding and those requests have been ignored, so this is the next logical step.”

According to Mayor Joyce, the presence of stray animals in the park has led to problems such as cats getting into trash and defecating around the newly refurbished water slide.If approved on two readings, the ordinance would empower the police to issue citations to individuals engaging in these activities within park grounds.The specific fine amounts are not yet detailed.

Along with park regulations, the council’s agenda will also address the allocation of the city’s Community Progress Block Grant (CDBG) funds and Parkersburg-Wood County HOME Consortium funds. These funds, administered by the city and including contributions from Vienna, Williamstown, and Wood County, are designated for various community improvements and programs.

Proposed CDBG allocations include meaningful funding for employee salaries in the Development Department, loan repayment for point Park renovations, stormwater improvements, and playground upgrades. Funds are also earmarked for a Residential Assisted Demolition Program, code enforcement, housing counseling services, loan payments for Fire Station 2, museum memberships for low-to-moderate-income children, and scholarship funds for the YMCA Camp.

HOME funds are planned for the Down Payment Assistance Program,a low-income housing tax credit project,general governance,and support for Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley.Mayor Joyce is also expected to reappoint members to the Downtown Facade Committee and adjust the terms of existing members. As the Urban Renewal Authority, council will review an offer to purchase a lot on Andrew Street and an application to acquire a property with a dilapidated structure on 10th Street.

What specific parks are being considered for inclusion in the proposed feeding ban?

Parkersburg Considers Park Feeding Ban: What Residents Need to Know

The Proposed Ordinance & Its Scope

The Parkersburg City Council is currently debating a potential ordinance that would restrict the feeding of wildlife, specifically focusing on parks and public spaces. This proposed Parkersburg park feeding ban isn’t a complete prohibition, but rather a regulation aimed at mitigating issues arising from concentrated animal populations. The discussion centers around concerns regarding public health, park maintenance, and the overall ecosystem balance within city limits. Key areas under consideration for the ban include City Park, Veterans Memorial Park, and other frequently visited green spaces.

The ordinance, as currently drafted, targets both intentional and unintentional feeding. This means leaving out food scraps, birdseed, or any substance intended for animal consumption could be subject to a fine. The proposed penalties for violating the wildlife feeding ordinance are still being finalized, but initial discussions suggest a tiered system based on repeat offenses.

Why the Change? Addressing the Concerns

Several factors are driving the council’s consideration of this new regulation. Here’s a breakdown of the primary concerns:

Public Health Risks: Concentrated animal populations, especially pigeons and waterfowl, can contribute to the spread of diseases. Droppings can contaminate park surfaces and pose a health risk to visitors, especially children.

Park Maintenance costs: Increased animal activity leads to more waste, requiring more frequent and intensive cleaning. this substantially impacts the city’s Parkersburg park budget and resources.

Ecological Imbalance: Artificial feeding disrupts natural foraging behaviors and can lead to overpopulation of certain species, impacting the native ecosystem. This can negatively affect local plant life and other wildlife.

Aggressive Behavior: Animals accustomed to being fed by humans can become bolder and more aggressive in seeking food, potentially leading to conflicts with park visitors.

Attraction of Pests: Leftover food attracts unwanted pests like rodents,further exacerbating public health and sanitation concerns.

What Does the Science Say? The Impact of Feeding Wildlife

research consistently demonstrates the negative consequences of feeding wild animals. Studies by wildlife organizations like the National Wildlife federation highlight how artificial feeding:

Increases Disease transmission: Close proximity during feeding increases the risk of spreading diseases among animals and potentially to humans.

Causes Nutritional Deficiencies: Human food often lacks the essential nutrients wild animals need, leading to malnutrition and health problems.

Alters Natural Migration Patterns: Reliable food sources can discourage animals from migrating,leading to overcrowding and resource depletion.

Promotes Dependency: Animals become reliant on humans for food, losing their natural foraging skills and ability to survive independently.

Community response & Ongoing Debate

The proposed Parkersburg feeding ban has sparked considerable debate within the community. Supporters argue it’s a necessary step to protect public health and maintain the quality of our parks. Opponents, frequently enough those who regularly feed birds or other animals, express concerns about the impact on wildlife and the perceived cruelty of restricting their food source.

Public forums have been held, and the City Council is actively soliciting feedback from residents. A key point of contention is the definition of “feeding.” Some residents argue the ordinance should focus on intentional feeding of large quantities of food, rather than accidental crumbs or small amounts of birdseed.

Alternatives to feeding: Supporting Wildlife Responsibly

Rather of directly feeding wildlife, Parkersburg residents can support animal populations in several responsible ways:

Plant Native Vegetation: Native plants provide natural food sources and habitat for local wildlife.

Provide Clean Water Sources: Birdbaths and shallow water dishes offer essential hydration, especially during dry periods.

Create Wildlife-Amiable Habitats: Leave brush piles and fallen leaves to provide shelter for small animals.

Support Local Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers: Donate to or volunteer at organizations that care for injured and orphaned wildlife.

Secure Trash Cans: Prevent animals from accessing food waste by using secure trash containers.

Legal Precedents: Other Cities & Wildlife Feeding

Parkersburg isn’t alone in considering or implementing restrictions on wildlife feeding.Numerous cities across the country have enacted similar ordinances.

New York City: Has regulations prohibiting the feeding of pigeons and other wildlife in public spaces.

San Francisco: Imposes restrictions on feeding wildlife to address public health and sanitation concerns.

Boulder, Colorado: Has a comprehensive wildlife management plan that includes regulations on feeding.

These examples demonstrate a growing trend towards managing human-wildlife interactions to promote both public safety and ecological health. The success of these ordinances often hinges on effective enforcement and public education.

Staying Informed: Resources & Next Steps

Residents can stay informed about the proposed parkersburg park feeding ban through the following resources:

Parkersburg City Council Website: https://www.parkersburgwv.gov/ (Check for meeting agendas and minutes)

Local News Outlets: The Parkersburg News and Sentinel and other local media will provide updates on the ordinance’s progress.

City Hall: Contact the City Clerk’s office for details about public hearings and opportunities to provide feedback.

The City Council is expected to vote on the ordinance in the coming weeks. Residents are encouraged to participate in the process and voice their opinions. Understanding the rationale