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REQUEST FOR <br />COUNCIL ACTION <br />CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: <br />AUGUST 21, 2018 <br />TITLE: <br />APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF <br />UNDERSTANDING WITH THE UNITED <br />STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WESTERN <br />ECOLOGICAL RESOURCE CENTER TO <br />COLLABORATE ON RESEARCH, <br />EDUCATION, AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS <br />AT THE SANTA ANA ZOO <br />{STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 2,2E) <br />RECOMMENDED ACTION <br />CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: <br />APPROVED <br />❑ As Recommended <br />❑ As Amended <br />❑ Ordinance on 16' Reading <br />❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading <br />❑ Implementing Resolution <br />❑ Set Public Hearing For <br />CONTINUED TO <br />FILE NUMBER <br />Authorize the City Manager and Clerk of the Council to execute a memorandum of <br />understanding with the United States Geological Survey Western Ecological Resource Center to <br />collaborate on research, education and outreach programs in the field of resource conservation <br />and environmental science at the Santa Ana Zoo for a five-year period from October 22, 2018 <br />through October 21, 2023, subject to non -substantive changes approved by the City Manager <br />and City Attorney. <br />DISCUSSION <br />The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park's mission statement is "The'Santa Ana Zoo, through fun, <br />adventure, and learning, empowers the community to save wildlife and wild spaces." Without <br />successful partnerships, the Santa Ana Zoo could not fully achieve its mission. By partnering <br />with local conservation organizations, the Zoo is able to enhance its ability to provide animal care <br />and zoo educational opportunities. Partnering with the local field station of the United States <br />Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Western Ecological Resource Center (USGS) <br />helps the Zoo meet its goal of providing viable conservation programs, a requirement for <br />Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation. <br />This partnership has facilitated the Zoo to become more involved in conservation programs and <br />the USGS is able to utilize the Zoo's facilities for their research. In 2017, Zoo staff joined a <br />conservation program for the endangered mountain yellow -legged frog, which is facilitated by <br />USGS. The frog is native to the upper reaches of the Santa Ana River Watershed and is a direct <br />connection to water conservation and our local environment. A small breeding laboratory exists <br />on-site at the Zoo. <br />25E-1 <br />