HomeMy WebLinkAboutsunfish Lake natural resource management plan update Parks Commission
Date: 1-20-10 Item: 5
ITEM: Update on the development of the Sunfish Lake Park and Natural Resource Management Plan
SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Project Assistant
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The City has received a Metro Greenways Conservation Planning grant to develop a natural resource management plan for Sunfish Lake Park. Sunfish Lake Park is an area with significant
natural features, wetland, woodland, and grassland plant communities which have become degraded over time, primarily through colonization by invasive plants. Water quality, wildlife
habitat and enjoyment of the park by users have been reduced as plant diversity and habitat quality have decreased. These native plant communities are still at a point where they can
be improved with planned conservation management. Such management will result in improved wildlife habitat and water quality with the added benefit of improved aesthetics for park
users.
Goal: To assess current status of park natural resources and prepare a long-term management plan to address ways to improve the plant communities so that they function to protect water
quality and improve wildlife habitat.
Objectives:
1. Survey the existing plant communities to determine species composition
and degree of disturbance/degradation
2. Survey presence of invasive plants and degree of invasiveness
3. Develop management protocols for invasive plants
4. Develop plans for re-planting and establishing native tree, shrub and ground-layer plant species
Staff will provide an update on progress to date on the development of the plan as well as a timeline for anticipated project related activities.