> Wildlife-Friendly Development
Wildlife-Friendly Development
a project of the Indiana Wildlife Federation
The goal of this program is to promote the preservation, enhancement, and restoration of wildlife habitat in the planning and construction of residential, commercial and industrial developments. The same concept may be used on completed developments; however enhancement may be more challenging depending on existing resources.
Protection of natural resources when developing a property can be challenging, but is valuable to the quality of life of the area. Working with the natural lay of the land, avoiding established trees, and recognizing the importance of wetlands all create greater opportunities to enhance wildlife habitat. Mature trees and shrubs offer food, shelter, and a place to raise young for many birds, butterflies, and small mammals. Water, whether through the protection of an existing lake or stream, through reestablishment of wetlands, or through proper plantings around retention ponds, offers many of the basic needs of wildlife.
To recognize development projects whose owners have made the effort to preserve or renew Indiana’s fast disappearing resources, Indiana Wildlife Federation has established a fee based certification process.
A Developer participant must agree to establish and maintain the property as set forth in the Wildlife Habitat Plan. It is expected that the Developer will make efforts to educate their constituents about the importance of wildlife habitat. This could include interpretive signage along trails, woods, meadows, and creeks. Brochures explaining the benefits of protecting habitat could be available for the public. Other opportunities to share the value of the project can be explored. These criteria must be addressed in the Wildlife Habitat Plan.
Certification of the Development will be granted for a 3-year period, and then IWF will provide the opportunity for re-certification. Failure to maintain designated property can result in removal of the original certification.
Detailed Program requirements for certification are available upon request through the IWF Education and Habitat Coordinator at the contact information below.
WILDLIFE FRIENDLY DEVELOPMENT
(residential, commercial and industrial, based on a 2-year process)
Criteria
Phase 1
IWF will meet with interested parties and discuss Certification
- Developer will prepare a Commitment to Certify for review by IWF for program compatibility
- A Certified Habitat Steward will be assigned to the project and will act as liaison with IWF
- Developer will Form a Habitat Team of 4-10 IWF members made up of developer staff and residents (fee will include membership for 4 individuals)
- IWF “Kickoff Meeting” with Habitat Team to discuss the details of certification process
- Annual IWF Sponsor, includes on call technical assistance
Phase 2
- Habitat Team will provide IWF with proposed Wildlife Habitat Plan for review and suggestions
- On-site review by IWF of Wildlife Habitat Plan for approval
- Quarterly site reviews with IWF and Habitat Team until habitat areas are complete. Any necessary project changes must be discussed with the Habitat Team and IWF
Phase 3
- Final site review is conducted after completion of infrastructure (roads, utilities, etc.) and common areas. The review will include the evaluation and re-vegetation success of the wildlife habitat areas and erosion control by IWF with the Habitat Team
- On site meeting to discuss sign presentation, photo and media opportunities, includes NWF $15. fee. IWF will provide a water resistant sign and assist Developer with a design of a personalized sign.
- Annual progress meeting with IWF and Habitat Team to review possible Wildlife Friendly Neighborhood Certification
Post Certification Phase:
- The addition of new buildings should be encouraged to become certified as a Wildlife Friendly Workplace. Information on this program is available at the IWF office.
- Annual IWF Sponsor includes on call technical assistance.
- Recertification every 3 years will require an IWF review of the property with the Habitat Team, prepare recertification documents.
Minimum Site Requirements:
- 3 sources of food (seeds, berries, nectar, feeders)
- 1 source of water (stream, pond, birdbath)
- 2 sources of cover (ground cover, roosting box, evergreens)
- 2 places to raise young (mature trees, nest box, burrows)
- 2 sustainable management practices (reduced lawn area and mowing, remove invasive species and replant natives)
- These requirements must be addressed in the Wildlife Management Plan.
Fee Schedule
- Base cost of certification of $2,500 is due upon approval of the Commitment to Certify.
- Annual IWF “on call service” fee of $100 is due at the end of each year prior to certification
- Recertification fee of $300 is due the end of the third year.
2008 Program Sponsor:
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
AND TO HELP GET YOU STARTED TODAY!
Indiana Wildlife Federation
4715 West 106th Street
Zionsville, IN 46077
317-875-9453
or CLICK HERE to email us.
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