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5919 MAIN STREET .  NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 34652 . 727.853.1016


TO:City of New Port Richey City Council
FROM:Robert M Rivera – Public Works Director
DATE:9/5/2023
RE:2023 Muscovy Duck Survey Report

REQUEST:

The request of staff for City Council is to review the 2023 Muscovy Duck Survey Report and approve the consultant’s recommendation to allow staff to remove and relocate the Muscovy ducks in the Orange Lake and Azalea Pond areas.

 



DISCUSSION:

As City Council is aware, the Muscovy duck population around the Orange Lake and Azalea Pond areas have increased considerably.  With their population increase, several concerns have been identified by staff and visitors of the sites such as:

 

1.    Water quality decline to both surface waters such as smell and algal problems,

2.     Damage to native plants,

3.   Diseases transmitted between the Muscovy ducks and native duck species,

4.     Aggression by the Muscovy ducks toward humans,

5.   and continued maintenance by staff on the boardwalks and amenities.

 

Ms. Dana Gaydos the principal and Senior Environmental Scientist of Gaydos Hydro Services is present tonight to discuss the study and answer questions City Council may have.



RECOMMENDATION:

The removal and relocation of Muscovy ducks from Orange Lake and Azalea Pond areas are recommended.



BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:

The removal and relocation of Muscovy ducks will be funded out of the Stormwater Utility Operating Account No. 002103.43499 Contractual Services.

 

ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionType
Muscovy Duck Survey ReportBackup Material
FWC Outreach MaterialBackup Material