HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2012-12-10City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission
December 10, 2012 - Minutes
Members Present: Ron Herring, Dan Hoffman (note taker), Joe McMahon, Jon Meigs,
Anna Stalter, Robert Wesley
Members Absent: Aaron Donato, Sarah Steuteville
Others Present: Roxy Johnston (for DPW), Chris Proulx (Common Council liaison)
1. Reports & Announcements
- Trail blazes (bright blue paint) are now in place along a number of trails at Six
Mile Creek.
There are new signs along the South Hill Recreation Way
2. Tree Removal at Six Mile Creek Natural Area
- There are 2 Norway maples and 1 sugar maple along the main trail (from the
Giles Street parking area) that were girdled (apparently by an anti - invasive
species vigilante) and are now in distressed condition.
- Joe M. suggests that NAC recommend their removal (because of potential
hazard to trail users). There was no objection to this recommendation.
3. Fire Dept Request to Place Location Identifiers in Six Mile Creek
- Joe M. met with Fire Dept representatives, who are concerned that response to
emergency situations (e.g., injured Natural Area user) can be difficult,
because responders may not be familiar with parts of the area, or those in
need of assistance may not be sure where they are located. Fire Dept
would like the City to consider establishing a system of identifying trails
and sectors and assigning codes to them, then marking them on the ground
(e.g., with signs along trails). NAC members were skeptical that such a
system would help in a substantial way, given all the factors involved.
Also, it would add more visual "clutter" to the natural environment. Joe will
relay NAC concerns to Fire Dept. and a suggestion a better map be prepared for
their use.
4. Natural Areas Long -Term Management Plans
- NAC representatives met with Andy Zepp, director of the Finger Lakes Land
Trust, who strongly recommended that the City develop long -term
management plans for its natural areas (as the FLLT does for its preserves).
- There was support for this concept from NAC members at today's meeting. It was
suggested that the City try to get the Town of Ithaca involved and to help
with the cost (considering how much of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area
is located in the Town, and is enjoyed by Town residents).
- Could the City seek grants to write proposed plans? It was noted that the City
plans to hire a grant writer for 2013.
- How to implement such an idea? No resolution on this; more discussion needed.