Important Public Comment Opportunity!

Tell the City of Sacramento to Save Sleep Train Pond!

Hundreds of animals who rely on an ecosystem near the old Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento are at risk of losing their homes and nesting grounds. Over 1,000 herons and egrets nest every year this location, which includes a very large pond that is home to diverse wildlife year-around. However, this thriving wildlife habitat is at risk of being eliminated. Plans have been filed by the owners of the property (Natomas Basketball Holdings aka Sacramento Kings Organization) to develop the land for mixed commercial and residential uses.

The City of Sacramento is taking public comments on the Kings’ proposal until Monday December 9, 2019 – it is CRITICAL that as many people as possible tell the City we want this habitat to be preserved!

If this pond is eliminated, the herons and egrets would very likely move to the surrounding suburban neighborhoods to nest. These birds are known to do this when their original nesting habitat is lost, such as in the Pocket area where they nest in and around an apartment complex.

Baby birds fall out of the tall trees there and hit the concrete, are hit by cars, or risk being harassed or injured by people. Our volunteers find up to a dozen injured baby birds every day during nesting season. Residents complain about the birds’ feces raining down from the trees, the noise, and the injured and deceased babies on the ground.

There is a solution that will benefit both humans and animals, which is preserving this important pond habitat. Sacramento Heron and Egret Rescue is advocating for preservation of this precious natural resource, but it’s critical that we show the community’s support and spread the word.

The Sleep Train Arena site is one of three possible sites being considered by the City of Sacramento for a Zoo move. The Zoo moving to this site would provide the best situation for preserving the pond. The Zoo provides all ages with the opportunity to learn about wildlife from all over the world, inspiring the next generation of conservation heroes. How about we extend that to our own local wildlife? They deserve heroes too.

A sample letter is provided below. Just select the text, right-click and select “Copy text”, then paste it into an email to: thaenggi@cityofsacramento.org by Monday 12/9.

SAMPLE LETTER TO CITY OF SACRAMENTO

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS Monday 12/9

Email to:  thaenggi@cityofsacramento.org

Dear Ms. Haenggi,
 
This is in regards to the Natomas Arena Reuse Project Planned Unit Development (PUD), Project P18-077. The PUD fails to mention the large pond on the property, which provides habitat for thousands of birds. The PUD does not consider the wildlife who use this pond as their home.  It also does not take into account the ramifications of the pond’s removal.

This property contains a large wetland area that is home to thousands of wildlife, and is an important nesting site for over 1,000 herons and egrets every year. I ask that the City require the pond on the property to be preserved. If this pond is eliminated, the herons and egrets would very likely move to the surrounding neighborhoods to nest, creating issues for residents and businesses.
 
Herons and egrets have historically moved into suburban neighborhoods when their nesting habitat has been removed, such as in the Pocket area of South Sacramento where they nest in and around an apartment complex. Rescue groups find up to a dozen injured baby birds every day during nesting season at this site. Residents complain about: the birds’ feces raining down from the trees, the noise (especially from the Black-crowned Night Herons, which are nocturnal), and the injured and deceased babies on the ground.
 
The best solution would be for the zoo to move to this property and incorporate the pond into its exhibits. It is an incredible resource and opportunity for the public to view nature in action. If the City is unable to require the property owners to preserve the property, then I ask that the City select this site for the zoo and work with the community to preserve the pond and nesting site. Thank you.