I am writing this letter in response to Moab City’s plan for Old City Park. Specifically, I have issues with the chain link fence surrounding the Old City Park pond being replaced with a split rail fence, as well as the removal of vegetation from within the presently fenced area.
As some background, this pond provides habitat for both residents and migrant duck populations, including domestic ducks and geese. The geese have been there for over 20 years, and I believe they should have precedence.
I have been involved with the Old City Park wood ducks for the last ten years. I worked with city park managers and the Utah Division of Wildlife to install the wood duck nesting boxes. Nesting boxes have been successful in promoting wood ducks across the country and I believe that UDWR considers them as uncommon because of limited woodland habitat near wetland areas.
Following the installation of the nesting boxes, the wood duck population increased for the first five years but then the duckling survival rate took a downward turn. At the same time, the carp that lived in the pond were growing in size and numbers. I began to wonder if the invasive carp were eating the ducklings. To test my theory, I collected a few songbirds that had succumbed to collisions with my picture windows. When tossed into the water they were eaten within seconds. A swarm of carp appeared every time a bird hit the water. I mentioned the above to point out that while one problem has been solved another crested by the loss of solitude and the spatial component of habitat.
I was supportive of the roundtail chub introduction following the carp removal. I was also under the assumption that UDWR would be supportive in keeping a viable wood duck population following the carp removal. However, this could only be possible by fencing the pond with fencing materials that will adequately protect the wood duck and other waterfowl from predators and human disturbance. The proposed split rail fence as well as the other mitigation measures mentioned in the plan will not adequately protect the wood ducks or other waterfowl from coyotes, raccoons, skunks, dogs and humans.
Wood ducks rely heavily on vegetation for thermal cover and for escape from predators. The removal of any additional vegetation from within the presently fenced area could jeopardize the wood ducks as well as the other waterfowl present.
The Old City Park pond is an ecological diamond. Do you throw away the diamond because you don’t like its unattractive box? Or do you build one that is more attractive? Please consider building an attractive, predator-proof fence.
Joe Cresto
Wildlife Biologist, Retired
