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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 11 10 Consent " , Answers to Frequently Asked Bat House Questions Will attracting bats to bat houses in my yard increase the likelihood that they will move into my attic or wall spaces? No. If bats liked your attic or wall spaces, they probably would already be living there. How many bats can potentially occupy my bat house? A common single-chamber bat house is capable of housing 50 bats, while a larger multi-chamber design-can attract nursery colonies of 200 or more bats. How can I determine the likelihood ot attracting bats? Throughout most of the United States and much of Canada there are occupied bat houses being used by one of North America's many crevice-dwelling bat species. Wherever bats live, they must find enough insects to eat, largely explaining their preference for roosting near aquatic habitats. The closer you live to cave or mine hiber- nating sites the better, and the existence of bat colonies in nearby buildings also increase your chances. Why might bats not be attracted to my bat house? The most frequent cause of failure is inappropriate exposure to solar heating. Alternatively, the kinds of bats that use bat houses may not be able to live in your area due to heavy pesticide use, inadequate food supply, or lack of available caves and mines within 50-100 miles (80-160 km). So far, we are unaware of large areas of North America (with the exception of hot desert lowlands) that cannot attract bats. If I have bats living in my attic, but would prefer that they occupy a bat house, what should I do? Attics and other parts of buildings often provide ideal bat roosting sites. In most cases, bats will not voluntarily move from an attic. In such cases, alternative roosts ideally should be provided several months or one season before the desired move. The bats should be evicted from the attic at a time in the early spring or late summer when flightless young are not present. Eviction is often easily accomplished. Watch to see where the bats emerge at dusk. Using polypropylene bird netting or heavy plastic, hang a large enough piece over the emergence point, extending a foot (30 em) below and to each side of the exit. Secure the net in place so that it hangs free an inch (2.5 em) or so away from the building. It will act as a one-way valve-permitting exit, but closing when bats land on it to return. How effective are bats in controlling insects? As primary predators of night-flying insects, bats playa key role in the balance of nature, consuming vast quan- tities of insects, many of which are costly agricultural and yard pests. Furthermore, many insects avoid areas where they hear bats. Will having bat houses in my yard interfere with attracting birds? No. They will not compete, either for food or space. Will bat droppings pose a threat to my family? No more so than bird or cat droppings would. You should avoid inhalation of dust associated with animal feces of any kind. What are the odds that a sick bat will endanger my family with rabies? Fewer than ten people in over 50 years have contracted rabies from North American bat species that commonly live in bat houses. Like all maII1IDals, bats can contract rabies, though very few do (less than half of one percent). Unlike many other animals, even rabid bats rarely become aggressive. They quickly die from the disease, and outbreaks in their colonies are extremely rare. The odds of being harmed by a rabid bat are remote if you simply do not attempt to handle bats. Any bat that can be easily caught should be assumed to be sick and left alone. We do not recommend attracting bats to places where curious children are likely to attempt handling them. With or without bats in your yard, the most important action you can take to protect your family from rabies is to vaccinate your family dogs and cats. Pf}rticipate in the North American Bat House Research Project PurrING UP BAT HOUSF_" and making care- ful observations offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about bats. To encourage experimentation and advancement of knowledge, BCI has established the North American Bat House Research Project. We invite bat hou~e enthusiasts to make an important contribution to our understanding of bat rousting behavior by participating as active volunteer Research Associates in this lonh-term project. Even the most abundant bats of North America are rapidly losing roost- ing habitat. Although we k.now that at least ten species are using bat houses, we need much more information before we can consistently accommodate the needs of even these few bats. High priorities include learning more about preferred roost chamber dimensions for individual species and the effect of solar heating under various climatic condi- tions. The amount of time each volunteer needs to commit will range from mini- mal to as much as you care to devote to the project. From spring to fall, depend- ing on your area, you wiII be asked to make regular monthly inspections of your bat houses. It will be critical that you complete and return a simple data report to BCI for each house erected and status follow-up reports at the end of each subsequent summer. Participants will receive a copy of BCI's new TIle Bat House Builder's Hlllldl1()ok, which contains detailed plans for building various types of houses. You wiII also receive complete instruc- tions on how to begin conducting the experiments most needed in your area along with report forms. The most sig- nificant data on temperature preferences will result from erecting groups of at least two or three houses, but those who call erect only one house can also con- tribute valuable information about the incidence of occupancy when single versus multiple roost choices are avail- able. Individuals unable to build their own bat houses may still participate by purchasing them from the BCI catalog. We strongly encourage those who have unoccupied bat houses to participate by moving them or making other appropri- ate changes and reporting conditions before and after. . Participants will receive special spring and fall reports on bat house research progress and will also be able to use this forum to share their experi- ences and exchange ideas with other project experimenters. Those who suc- cessfully attract bats (or who already have done so) alld complete and return the data forms, will be eligible to com- pete for small grants to conduct further experiments. Special achievement awards will be made to those who con- tribute most to new knowledge. The resources required to mount a national species-specific study of bat roosting needs are truly formidable. Establishing a special project fund by enlisting the participation of contribut- ing volunteers will enable this important work to continue. The project fund will support the costs of phone and mail consultation with participants and data gathering and analysis. It will also support small grants and awards to encourage successful participants to expand their research. The North American Bat House Research Project is open to current BCI members and to non-members. Participation as a Research Associate in BCl's North American Bat House Research Project offers a unique oppor- tunity to help your own backyard bats while sharing in the excitement and sat- isfaction of scientific discovery. Your participation can yield important infor- mation. Please fill out the application below and return it to BCI. ._________________________________________________~~~e!~~_~~~__________________~______________________________ Yt's! I wal/t to become all actipe poll/llteer Researc11 Associate ill BCl's North American Bat HOl/se Research Project for one full year. Enclosed is lilY cOlltribl/tiOlI of: o I can't become an active volunteer at this time, but I would like to contribute $ to the project research fund o $ for a one-year BCI membership only ($30 minimum to join, does not include Research Associate) o $10 (current BCI member) Member # o $15 (Research ASSOCIate only, does not include BCI membership) o $40 (Research Associate and special $25 BCI membership rate-membership materials will arrive separately) Name Address Make check or money order payable to Bat Conservation International. All checks must be in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. banks only. City Country Daytime phone (very important) State_Zip Or, charge my 0 Mastercard Card # Signature o Visa Exp. Date Yes, you may include my 0 address 0 phone number 0 email in the Research Associate listings. We're sorry, bllt we cannot accept gift memberships for Research Associates. Return application to BCI/North American Bat House Research Project/P.O. Box 162603/ Austin, TX 78716 161 Neighborhood Improvement Program Grants Overview DRAFT The City of Winter Springs Neighborhood Improvements Program is designed to assist Neighborhood Groups within the City limits who desire to enhance the overall community in which they reside. Grants awarded to Neighborhood Groups must be used for landscaping on public property such as Rights-Of-Way, Medians, Public Buildings, or Parks. Requirements for grant award: 1. Neighborhood groups must consist of at least (10) households located within the City of Winter Springs. Homeowners and Condominium Associations may participate with written support of the Association Board of Directors. All groups must be not for profit. 2. Participants must be willing to match grant funds at 50% with volunteer labor or financial participation. 3. Neighborhood groups must agree to establish and maintain the project for a minimum of (1) year after completion. 4. Completed applications with landscape plans must be submitted on or before March 1st, 2005. Plans will be reviewed by Staff for compliance with ordinances. If plans fail to meet standards, staff will provide suggestions to allow the application to be processed. Grant Distribution: 2004-2005 Budget Year . $ 1,000.00 - Landscape and flowering tree grant. . $ 1,000.00 - Landscape and flowering tree grant. . $ 1,000.00 - Landscape and flowering tree grant. . $ 2,000.00 - Native tree grant. . $ 2,000.00 - Roadway canopy tree grant. . $ 3,000.00 - Roadway canopy tree grant. . $ 5,000.00 - Landscape, flowering tree, and canopy tree grant. $ 15.000.00 Total Available Deadline for submission of grant applications and plans is March 1st, 2005 @ Spm. Location: City Hall, C/O: Nancy Vobornick, Purchasing Coordinator, 1126 E. SR 434, Winter Springs, FL 32708 The City of Winter Springs reserves the right to change or cancel the grant program at any time. Application for the Neighborhood Improvement Program does not guarantee a grant will be awarded. All grant proceeds must be used for tree and landscaping improvements on public property or rights-of-way areas within the City of Winter Springs, Florida. 'Laura Seckbach Finn (407) 324-0647 Cell: (407) 414-2142 Fly By NI9~::a;~:~ightinC0'9 The Bot Specialists Post Office Box 562 Osteen. FL 32764-0562 www. flybynightinc. org Research Public Education Population Management , Fly By Night, The Bot Specialists Laura Seckbach Finn (407) 324-0647 Cell: (407) 414-2142 laura@flybynightinc.org Inc. Post Office Box 562 ~~... 62 ~g Research Public Education Population Management "" . I>> .. C'CIen enC'Cl I>>oa '2 ; fti :t= g' -~'E jgC'ClB c \2 u , DiiCl,& 'C1>>\2.- 1>>" C'CI 31 E~en:E CClI>>" 1>>=; Cl ~ ~ ._ I fa ==-cn ,cCl.!! uuu .. I>> I>> oS .!! :t oaCl- c,c c . C'CIEI.!!!fB E I>> c:a.._ ,&.!::! ~ E en'EC'CIg :g&ii8 C'CIClEI>> 2! .!!..c c UCC'ClC'Cl SD~~ .,c,c CiE .. C'CI ,c S = = Ii ... Cl - en c:a.c e= oaCi cc:a. Cl _ '-C'CI 'G.Cl ::l- oa ::I eCl c:a.= oa 'j Iii enE I>> .. ~cl ,cC 31'S ell C :c; ::I .!!-gcng' ,g .-. ; '0; 31 en C'CI ::I 'C~E1-g Cl'Sg'a .- oa 'G\2 I>> cl :i!: e~ ES c:a. cl eC'Cl c c - D:! J !~A c ~ -E C'CI is. I>> > C'CI ell C'CI E cl J:: . . CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES BEAUTIFICATION OF WINTER SPRINGS BOARD REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 13,2004 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Dawna Ferguson called the Regular Meeting of the Beautification of Winter Springs Board to order at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 13, 2004 in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708). Roll Call: Chairperson Dawna Ferguson, present Vice Chairman Richard Grogan, present Board Member Kathleen Andrews, present Board Member Alice Bard, present Board Member Ethel Beecher, present Board Member Carol Morrison, present Board Member Lorry Roero, present The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairperson Ferguson. II. CONSENT AGENDA CONSENT A. Approval Of The August 11,2004 Regular Meeting Minutes. Board Member Ethel Beecher stated, "On the second page, the - third (3rd) paragraph, was quoted as saying that it gave us an inventory of all the 'Fall' decorations it is supposed to be all the 'Christmas' decorations. And, on page 3 it said we talked about adding something in 'lieu of Plumbago'. I thought we were planning something to go in with the Plumbago." "I MOVE WE APPROVE THE MINUTES WITH THE CORRECTIONS." MOTIONED BY BOARD MEMBER ANDREWS. SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER BARD. DISCUSSION. ,-, ~ t::a- -- -- rr=: t""" . t""" . ~ ~ ; . .. . I CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES BEAUTIFICATION OF WINTER SPRINGS BOARD REGULAR MEETING - OCTOBER 13, 2004 PAGE 2 OF 4 VOTE: VICE CHAIRMAN GROGAN : AYE BOARD MEMBER ANDREWS: AYE BOARD MEMBER BEECHER: AYE BOARD MEMBER MORRISON : AYE BOARD MEMBER ROERO: AYE CHAIRPERSON FERGUSON : AYE BOARD MEMBER BARD: AYE MOTION CARRIED. Note from the Deputy City Clerk: After the October 13, 2004 Beautification of Winter Springs Board Meeting had concluded, there was discussion regarding the Motioned corrections to the August 11, 2004 Minutes, it was determined that the Minutes did not need to be changed. III. REGULAR AGENDA REGULAR A. Update On Decorative Pot Project For City Hall. Mr. Steven Richart, Urban Beautification Coordinator, Public Works Department presented this agenda item. Chairperson Ferguson stated, "If we get the pots by Christmas, could we put 'Poinsettias' in them until after Christmas?" Mr. Richart stated, "Absolutely." With further discussion, Chairperson Ferguson stated, "Is it the Consensus of the Board then that we put 'Poinsettias' in them?" It is noted that all Board Members stated "Yes." Chairperson Ferguson stated, "Red." Mr. Richart stated, "Just red?" Board Member Beecher stated, "I think that they make a better splash of color. It is all one color - it catches your eye better." Chairperson Ferguson stated, "That's if we get the pots by Christmas." Mr. Richart stated, "We are going to try." Discussion. REGULAR B. Update On George Street. Mr. Richart presented this Agenda Item with a slide presentation. ,.-, r--, ~ ..- =- s::: ,... . ~ :,---. ; . .. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES BEAUTIFICATION OF WINTER SPRINGS BOARD REGULAR MEETING - OCTOBER \3,2004 PAGE30F4 With discussion, Mr. Richart stated, "We are bringing in a thirty foot (30') Southern Red Cedar for the tree lighting Ceremony. That is November 20th [2004] at 6:00 p.m. at the Town Center, Market Square area." Board Member stated, "Is that going to be one where you are going to plant?" Mr. Richart stated, "Plant." Board Member Beecher stated, "Because I have a call into Bob Opsahl [Member-Eyewitness News Team] and I was going to ask him - what - he donated to Winter Park." REGULAR C. Update On Arbor Day. Mr. Richart presented this Agenda Item. Discussion. IV. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS . Discussion on Grants. . Bat Houses. . Arbor Day. . Update on Tree Lighting Ceremony/Christmas. V. REPORTS Mr. Richart discussed hiring an "Urban Worker" to work on the trees within the City. In addition, Mr. Richart discussed the "Department of Forestry Grants" and the "Community Grant Program". With discussion on the Community Grant Program, Chairperson Ferguson asked, "Would it be wise - if everybody has time to - take a tour around the City and see if they can come up with some ideas of areas where this money can be used." Mr. Richart stated, "Set some parameters for this. Like do we want to have five (5) or six (6) grants - with the fifteen thousand ($15,000.00) and come back with some guidelines." Furthermore, Mr. Richart stated, "I have some outlines, I will bring them next month - the 'Forestry Outlines'." Mr. Richart stated, "I will- go get Altamonte's and see what they did." Discussion ensued regarding the status of the "Village Walk". ,....., r-, :: - -- rr:; ,..... . ,..... . ~ ES '. -, CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES BEAUTIFICATION OF WINTER SPRINGS BOARD REGULAR MEETING - OCTOBER 13, 2004 PAGE40F4 VI. ADJOURNMENT "MOTION THAT WE ADJOURN THE MEETING." MOTIONED BY BOARD MEMBER BARD. SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER MORRISON. DISCUSSION. WITH CONSENSUS OF THE BOARD, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. Chairperson Ferguson adjourned the Meeting at 7:40 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY: DEBBIE FRANKLIN DEPUTY CITY CLERK NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the .2004 Beautification of Winter Springs Board Meeting. ,..., r-' t- -- ~ f:: ,... . G ~ Date: November 10, 2004 The following Documents were provided to the Beautification of Winter Springs Board on November 10, 2004 by Staff. I Bat Conservation International, Inc. North American Bat House Research Project Post Office Box 162603 . Austin, Texas 78716 · 512-327-9721 · FAX 512-327-9724 Bat Houses? Here's How! Dear Friend, Thank you for your interest in bat houses! Bat Conservation International is the world-wide leader in bat conservation, and one of our many programs is the North American Bat House Research Project (NABHRP). created to learn more about the roosting needs of bats. As Project Coordinator, I work with approximately 1,700 volunteer Research Associates in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Research Associates receive The Bat House Builder's Handbook, the semiannual project newsletter The Bat House Researcher, instructions for conducting bat house experiments, a Data Report Form, a listing of Research Associates (upon request), personal consultation as required, and opportunities for small grants and special recognition for advancing bat house knowledge. We appreciate your interest and invite you to help bats as a volunteer Research Associate. Many people are now discovering the benefits and wonder of bats by providing alternative roosts for these fascinating and important mammals. Unfortunately, many bat houses do not meet the needs of bats and many are not accompanied by adequate instructions. We have learned much about the needs and preferences of crevice-roosting bats since the project started in 1993, and we share this information through The Bat House Builder's Handbook and The Bat House Researcher. Many homeowners, farmers, organic gardeners, foresters, and recreation managers are installing bat houses for education and pest reduction. Please join us by providing an acceptable home for our beneficial bats. Included with this letter are criteria for successful bat houses, and an application to participate as a Research Associate. This brochure will help answer several of the most important questions about bat houses, but I encourage you to also read The Bat House Builder's Handbook and become a Research Associate. Thanks again for your interest. Sincerely, ~ Mark Kiser Project Coordinator To order the Handbook, bat houses, or to join the NABHRP, call1-800-538-BATS. ~ Bat Conservation International is supported by tax-deductible contributions used Jor public education, research, and conservation of threatened IInd endangered bats. Printed on recycled paper. ,;:. Criteria for Successful Bat Houses 1. Design-All bat houses should be at least two feet (60.1 cm) tall, 14 inches (35.6 cm) or more wide, and have a 3-6-inch (7.6-15.2 cm) landing area extending below the entrance. Most houses have 1-4 roosting chambers. Roost partitions should be carefully spaced 3/4 to 1 inch (1.9-2.5 cm) apart. All partitions and landing areas should be roughened. Wood surfac~s can be scratched or covered with durable plastic screening (1IR- or V4-inch [32mm-64mm] mesh, available from companies such as Internet, Inc. at 1-800-328-8456). Include vents six' inches (15.2 cm) from the bottom of all houses to be used where average July high temperatures are 85" F (300 C), or above. Front vents are as long as a house is wide, side vents 6 inches tall by 1j2 inch wide (15.2 x 1.3 cm). 2. Construction-A combination of exterior plywood and cedar is best. Do not use pressu.re-treated wood. Any scrE'WS, hardware, staples, etc., must be exterior grade or galvanized. To increase longevity, use ssrews rather than nails. Caulk all seams. especially around the roof. 3. Wood Treatment-Paint the exterior with three coats of outdoor paint. Available observations suggest that color should be black where average high temperatures in July are 80-850 F (27-300 C), dark colors (such as dark brown or gray) where they are 85-950 F (30-350 C), medium or light colors where they are 95-1000 F (35-380 C), and white where they exceed 100" F (38" C). Much depends upon amount of sun exposure; adjust to darker colors for less sun. 4. Sun Exposure-Houses where high temperatures in July average 800 F (270 C), or less, should receive at least 10 hours of sun; more is better. At least six hours of direct daily sun are recommended for all bat houses where daily high temperatures in July average less than 1000 F (380 C). 5. Habitat-Most nursery colonies of bats choose roosts within V 4 mile (400 m) of water, preferably a stream, river, or lake. Greatest bat house success has been achieved in areas of diverse habitat, especially where there is a mixture of differing agricultural use and natural vegetation. Bat houses are most likely to succeed in regions where bats are already attempting to live in buildings. 6. Mounting-Bats find houses mOlmted on poles or buildings more than twice as fast as on trees, which are also less preferred. Houses mounted on metal siding have not been used. Wood or stone buildings with proper solar exposure are ideal, and locations under the eaves often have been successful. Mounting two bat houses back to back, 314 inch (1.9 em) apart on poles, both covered by a tin roof, helps protect from overheating in hot climates. All bat houses should be mounted at least 12 feet (3.7 m) above ground; 15-20 feet (4.6-6.1 m) is better. Bat houses should not be lit by bright lights. 7. Protection from Predators-Houses mounted on sides of buildings or high up on poles provide the best protection from predators. This may be a key factor in determining bat choice. Locations at least 20-25 feet (6.1- 7.6 01) from the nearest tree are best. However, houses may be found more quickly if located along forest or water edges where bats tend to fly. 8. Avoiding Uninvited Guests-Wasps can be a problem before bats fully occupy a house. Use of 3/4-inch (1.9 em) roosting spaces reduces wasp use. If nests accumulate, they should be removed in late winter or early spring before either wasps or bats return. Open-bottom houses greatly reduce problems with birds, mice, squirrels, or parasites, and guano does not accumulate inside. 9. TIming-Bat houses can be installed at any time of the year, but are more likely to be used their first summer if install~d before the bats return in spring. When using bat houses in conjunction with excluding a colony from a building, install the bat houses 2-6 weeks before the actual eviction. 10. Importance of Local Experimentation-We have much to learn about the needs of individual bat species in differing climates. It is important to test for local needs before putting up more than three to six houses, especially comparing houses of different darkness and sun exposure. Excerpted and summarized from The Bat House Builder's Handbook, 1997 pri/lti/lg, @ 1993 by Bat Conservation lntematiollal, IlIe. 4/99 Visit our web site, at www.batcon.org -"''''. r Answers to Frequently Asked Bat House Questions Will attracting bats to bat houses in my yard increase the likelihood that they will move into my attic or wall spaces? No. If bats liked your attic or wall spaces, they probably would already be living there. How many bats can potentially occupy my bat house? A common single-chamber bat house is capable of housing 50 bats, while a larger multi-chamber design-can attract nursery colonies of 200 or more bats. How can I determine the likelihood o~ attracting bats? Throughout most of the United States and much of Canada there are occupied bat houses being used by one of North America's many crevice-dwelling bat species. Wherever bats live, they must find enough insects to eat, largely explaining their preference for roosting near aquatic habitats. The closer you live to cave or mine hiber- nating sites the better, and the existence of bat colonies in nearby buildings also increase your chances. Why might bats not be attracted to my bat house? The most frequent cause of failure is inappropriate exposure to solar heating. Alternatively, the kinds of bats that use bat houses may not be able to live in your area due to heavy pesticide use, inadequate food supply, or lack of available caves and mines within 50-100 miles (80-160 km). So far, we are unaware of large areas of North America (with the exception of hot desert lowlands) that cannot attract bats. If I have bats living in my attic, but would prefer that they occupy a bat house, what should I do? Attics and other parts of buildings often provide ideal bat roosting sites. In most cases, bats will not voluntarily move from an attic. In such cases, alternative roosts ideally should be provided several months or one season before the desired move. The bats should be evicted from the attic at a time in the early spring or late summer when flightless young are not present. Eviction is often easily accomplished. Watch to see where the bats emerge at dusk. Using polypropylene bird netting or heavy plastic, hang a large enough piece over the emergence point, extending a foot (30 em) below and to each side of the exit. Secure the net in place so that it hangs free an inch (2.5 em) or so away from the building. It will act as a one-way valve-permitting exit, but closing when bats land on it to return. How effective are bats in controlling insects? As primary predators of night-flying insects, bats playa key role in the balance of nature, consuming vast quan- tities of insects, many of which are costly agricultural and yard pests. Furthermore, many insects avoid areas where they hear bats. Will having bat houses in my yard interfere with attracting birds? No. They will not compete, either for food or space. Will bat droppings pose a threat to my family? No more so than bird or cat droppings would. You should avoid inhalation of dust associated with animal feces of any kind. What are the odds that a sick bat will endanger my family with rabies? Fewer than ten people in over 50 years have contracted rabies from North American bat species that commonly live in bat houses. Like all maII1IX\als, bats can contract rabies, though very few do (less than half of one percent). Unlike many other animals, even rabid bats rarely become aggressive. They quickly die from the disease, and outbreaks in their colonies are extremely rare. The odds of being harmed by a rabid bat are remote if you simply do not attempt to handle bats. Any bat that can be easily caught should be assumed to be sick and left alone. We do not recommend attracting bats to places where curious children are likely to attempt handling them. With or without bats in your yard, tlte most important action you can take to protect your family from rabies is to vaccinate your family dogs and cats. · Pflrticipate in the North American Bat House Research Project PurrING UP BAT HOUSF-" and making care- ful observations offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about bats. To encourage experimentation and advancement of knowledge, BCI has established the North American Bat House Research Project. We invite bat hout>e enthusiasts to make an important contribution to our understanding of bat rousting behavior by participating as active volunteer Research Associates in this long-term project. Even the most abundant bats of North America are rapidly losing roost- ing habitat. Although we k.now that at least ten species are using bat houses, we need much more information before we can consistently accommodate the needs of even these few bats. High priorities include learning more about preferred roost chamber dimensions for individual species and the effect of solar heating under various climatic condi- tions. The amount of time each volunteer needs to commit will range from mini- mal to as much as you care to devote to the project. From spring to fall, depend- ing on your area, you will be asked to make regular monthly inspections of your bat houses. It will be critical that you complete and return a simple data report to Bel for each house erected and status follow-up reports at the end of each subsequent summer. Participants will receive a copy of BCI's new TIlt? Bat HOllse BlIilder's Hill/dbook, which contains detailed plans for building various types of houses. You will also receive complete instruc- tions on how to begin conducting the experiments most needed in your area along with report forms. The most sig- nificant data on temperature preferences will result from erecting groups of at least two or three houses, but those who call erect only one house can also con- tribute valuable information about the incidence of occupancy when single versus multiple roost choices are avail- able. Individuals unable to build their own bat houses may still participate by purchasing them from the BCI catalog. We strongly encourage those who have unoccupied bat houses to participate by moving them or making other appropri- ate changes and reporting conditions before and after. . Participants will receive special spring and fall reports on bat house research progress and wiIl also be able to use this forum to share their experi- ences and exchange ideas with other project experimenters. Those who suc- cessfully attract bats (or who already have done so) alld complete and return the data forms, will be eligible to com- pete for smaIl grants to conduct further experiments. Special achievement awards will be made to those who con- tribute most to new knowledge. The resources required to mount a na tional species-specific stud y of ba t roosting needs are truly formidable. Establishing a special project fund by enlisting the participation of contribut- ing volunteers will enable this important work to continue. The project fund will support the costs of phone and mail consultation with participants and data gathering and analysis. It will also support small grants and awards to encourage successful participants to expand their research. The North American Bat House Research Project is open to current BCI members and to non-members. Participation as a Research Associate in BCl's North American Bat House Research Project offers a unique oppor- tunity to help your own backyard bats while sharing in the excitement and sat- isfaction of scientific discovery. Your participation can yield important infor- mation. Please fiIl out the application below and return it to Bel. .----------_______________________________________~~~e!~~_~~~__________________~______________________________ Yi's! 1 want to become an actil'e l'olumeer Research Associate ill BCl's North American Bat House Research Project for one full year. Enclosed is Illy cOlltributioll of: o $10 (current BCI member) Member # o $15 (Research ASSOCiate only, does not include BCI membership) o $40 (Research Associate and special $25 BCI membership rate-membership materials will arrive separately) Name Address o I can't become an active volunteer at this time, but I would like to contribute $ to the project research fund o $ for a one-year BCI membership only ($30 minimum to join, does not include Research Associate) Make check or money order payable to Bat Conservation International. All checks must be in U.S. funds, drawn on u.s. banks only. Or, charge my 0 Mastercard 0 Visa Card # Exp. Date Signature City Country Daytime phone (very important) State_Zip Yes, you may include my 0 address 0 phone number 0 email in the Research Associate listings. We're sam}, bllt we cannot accept gift memberships for Research Associates. Return application to BCl/North American Bat House Research Project/P.O. Box 162603/ Austin, TX 78716 161 Neighborhood Improvement Program Grants Overview DRAFT The City of Winter Springs Neighborhood Improvements Program is designed to assist Neighborhood Groups within the City limits who desire to enhance the overall community in which they reside. Grants awarded to Neighborhood Groups must be used for landscaping on public property such as Rights-Of-Way, Medians, Public Buildings, or Parks. Requirements for grant award: 1. Neighborhood groups must consist of at least (10) households located within the City of Winter Springs. Homeowners and Condominium Associations may participate with written support of the Association Board of Directors. All groups must be not for profit. 2. Participants must be willing to match grant funds at 50% with volunteer labor or financial participation. 3. Neighborhood groups must agree to establish and maintain the project for a minimum of (1) year after completion. 4. Completed applications with landscape plans must be submitted on or before March 1st, 2005. Plans will be reviewed by Staff for compliance with ordinances. If plans fail to meet standards, staff will provide suggestions to allow the application to be processed. Grant Distribution: 2004-2005 Budget Year . $ 1,000.00 - Landscape and flowering tree grant. . $ 1,000.00 - Landscape and flowering tree grant. . $ 1,000.00 - Landscape and flowering tree grant. . $ 2,000.00 - Native tree grant. . $ 2,000.00 - Roadway canopy tree grant. . $ 3,000.00 - Roadway canopy tree grant. . $ 5,000.00 - Landscape, flowering tree, and canopy tree grant. $ 15,000.00 Total Available Deadline for submission of grant applications and plans is March 1st, 2005 @ Spm. Location: City Hall, C/O: Nancy Vobornick, Purchasing Coordinator, 1126 E. SR 434, Winter Springs, FL 32708 The City of Winter Springs reserves the right to change or cancel the grant program at any time. Application for the Neighborhood Improvement Program does not guarantee a grant will be awarded. All grant proceeds must be used for tree and landscaping improvements on public property or rights-of-way areas within the City of Winter Springs, Florida. ,. Laura Seckbach Finn (407) 324-0647 Cell: (407) 414-2142 Fly By Ni9~::a;~:~n;ght;nCO,g The Bat Specialists Post Office Box 562 Osteen, FL 32764-0562 www. flybynightinc. org Research Public Education Population Management ,. Fly By Night, The Bat Specialists Laura Seckbach Finn (407) 324-0647 Cell: (407) 414-2142 laura@flybynightinc.org Inc. Post Office Box 562 ?~.n,.... 62 ~g Research Public Education Population Management >I> . lU ... ftlfl) fl)ftl lU'CI .- G).'" ~Mftl a..- = fI) >..: 1a-=~ -: e g . ftl ii Cl lU -!ee:5! lU ftl ftl II e fI) :5! < lis Clll "i -g ._ I ft:I gE-,,; ,cCl.!! ",,,,,,, ...lUlU S.!!~ -=J!'E . ftlll.!!= e lU a.._ CDN'CIe -:i!i~ =:'ii8 ftlClelU 2:! .!!.";: C "'C::ftlftl .: B lii g -,c,c 'Se ... ftl