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Commission urges ecological proposals that avoid wildlife hazards in Confluence Ponds plan
Summary
Middleton Airport commissioners agreed to participate in Confluence Ponds planning but flagged FAA safety constraints: any native-vegetation or park designation on airport property should avoid attracting wildlife near runways; staff will coordinate with Mead & Hunt, BOA and FAA.
Commissioners told Adaptive Restoration and city staff that Confluence Ponds planning on airport property should promote ecosystem health while avoiding designs that attract birds or other wildlife near movement areas.
Commission members said page 2, section 5.2 of the consultant task order — which references designating native‑vegetation management areas — raised immediate safety questions. Rich, the airport manager, noted FAA guidance limits planting that could draw animals into approach and takeoff areas, and commissioners urged language that balances erosion control and habitat goals with aviation safety.
Staff (Brian) said Mead & Hunt will be asked to identify feasible locations for a viewing area and that BOA and FAA review will likely be required if changes to fence lines or RPZ buffers are proposed. Commissioner Cara praised Adaptive Restoration’s previous work and encouraged the firm to use vegetation choices that discourage foraging near the airport.
Next steps: Commission representatives will attend Adaptive Restoration listening sessions and send input via staff; Meadow & Hunt and FAA/BOA consultations will inform any proposed relocations of viewing areas or fence lines.
