Wildlife Plan

Two prairie dogs in a burrow

Overview

As urban growth and recreational pressures increase in and around Lafayette, the City's Open Space Division is beginning a process to develop the City's first Wildlife Plan to guide the preservation of local wildlife and ecosystems. 

The purpose of this plan is to address wildlife conservation holistically through the lens of wildlife equity. In other words, if you were a fox living near Old Town, what kind of protections would you want to see in place to protect your home and family?

The City onboarded Biohabitats, Inc. to conduct thorough ecological assessments, gather community input, and create a plan that addresses wildlife conservation through actionable steps and protection measures. 

Red Fox

Ecological Consultant - Biohabitats, Inc.

  • The City selected an ecological consulting firm focused on conservation planning, ecological restoration, and regenerative design.
  • Their mission is to Restore the Earth and Inspire Ecological Stewardship.
  • Biohabitats' team consists of ecologists, biologists, specialty scientists, water resources specialists, landscape architects, engineers, and more. 
  • Two subcontractors, Dig Studio and WIldlife Specialties, will be employed to assist with public outreach and sensitive species studies, respectively.
Monarch banner

Wildlife Plan Background

  • In 1999, a Council-appointed Wildlife Task Force drafted a brief report consisting of wildlife-related strategic recommendations to Council
  • Open Space, Lafayette Open Space Advisory Committee, and the Prairie Dog Advisory Working Group began discussions of an official Wildlife Plan in 2019 
  • Strong organizational and community support allowed Open Space to begin formalizing the City’s first Wildlife Plan in 2020

Wildlife Plan Schedule

  • Geospatial Analysis September-October 2022
  • Community Survey December-January 2023
  • Winter Ecological Assessment December-February 2023
  • Trivia Night at Odd13
  • Summer Ecological Assessment April-August 2023
  • Earth Day Every Day April 29, 2023
  • Plan Development and completion early 2024
Hawk vocalizing in tree with dead leaves

How can you help local wildlife and habitat?

  • Stay on the trail
    • Creating or utilizing undesignated social trails causes habitat fragmentation, destroys vegetation, decreases soil health, causes erosion, and encroaches on wildlife that shares the space.
  • Keep your dog leashed
    • Off-leash dogs disturb wildlife by encroaching and often harming wild animals or their homes. Limit conflict and spread of disease by keeping your pooch leashed where required.
  • Create habitat in your yard by avoiding herbicide or pesticide use and planting native shrubs, trees, and forbs that benefit birds, insects, and small rodents.
  • Reduce light pollution by turning off unnecessary lights at night
  • Maintain a sizable distance from any wildlife observed on the trail.
  • Report notable wildlife observations or send photos to Lafayette Open Space staff to be featured on our Instagram page. 
  • Submit your observations on local community science sites like eBird.org or iNaturalist.org.

Contact

For all questions and concerns, contact Lexie Sierra-Martinez, Natural Resources Coordinator 
Lexie.Martinez@lafayetteco.gov