Refuge could make home in Apex

The American Wildlife Refuge is looking for a permanent home and all eyes are currently looking toward Apex.
Refuge officials spoke to town council last week about their desire to build a facility in the planned Apex Nature Park. Construction on the 160-acre park has been delayed by the poor economy and no timetable has been set for its completion.
That certainly didn’t seem to quell the enthusiasm of AWR officials who believe the park would make an ideal setting for their facility.
The volunteer-driven refuge focuses on raptor rescue and environmental education and it is funded through donations.
AWR official Steve Stone proposed a land lease agreement that would not cost the town any money.
“It would be an independent facility within in the park,” said Stone. “It’s no cost to Apex. We would be completely self-supporting.”
Currently located near Raleigh, the organization would change its name to Apex Raptor Refuge upon moving to town.
Stone said the arrangement would benefit both the refuge and the Apex business community. He estimated that 20,000 to 50,000 people would visit the facility annually generating hundreds of thousands of dollars for local restaurants, gas stations and hotels.
Since the refuge would become the only facility within a 200 mile radius to have resident bald eagles, Stone said it would generate a great deal of media coverage and tourism.
“It would take three to four years before we had eagles on site,” said Stone. “So, we are talking about a long-term thing that we could build and create.”
The refuge currently makes about 130 education presentations each year at area schools, museums, parks, camps, and nature events. Those presentations are seen by an estimated 250,000 people.
There are currently 17 educational birds at AWR along with 12 birds that are being rehabilitated from various injuries before being re-released into the wild.
“Apex is supposed to be at the top,” said a smiling Stone. “Birds like to go to the top.”
Mayor Keith Weatherly said it seemed appropriate for Apex to have such a facility considering the close proximity of Jordan Lake and its large population of eagles.
“This is certainly worthy of some discussion,” said Weatherly. “We hope this can be worked out.” Councilman Bryan Gossage also expressed interest in pursuing the matter.
“I think we should have (town) staff talk with them,” said Gossage.
For more information on the refuge visit www.awrefuge.org.
Source http://www.theapexherald.com