HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2016-03-01
Natural Areas Commission Minutes
Tuesday, March 1, 2016.
In attendance: Joe McMahon (chair); Members Anna Stalter (co‐chair), Dan
Hoffman, Ashley Miller, Todd Bittner (Cornell Plantations Liaison), Josephine
Martell (Common Council Liaison)
Ex‐officio: Watershed Coordinator Roxy Johnston
Guests: Josh Beuerman (IHS), prospective member Janet Edwards
Absent: Robert Wesley, Jon Meigs
Meeting minutes from February 2016 were approved by members present (no
quorum) with minor changes.
Reports and Announcements
Regarding the fact that some NAC members have lapsed without reappointment or
swearing in, Josephine reported that the city’s pending reorganization of boards and
committees precludes adding new members, or updating listings on website.
However, because this continues to impact the NAC’s ability to act on agenda items
in a timely way, Josephine will talk to the mayor about the need for new
appointments.
Roxy and Jeanne will be going to an info session about HWA in the Finger Lakes.
It was asked if there were restrictions re treatment of hemlock trees in Six Mile and
Roxy commented that the water supply would be unaffected. Todd added that stem
injection would be indicated for trees close to water body. Roxy, having had
experience with Hydrilla control efforts, commented that being transparent with
public is best approach. Though the city code (Dan H.) lacks explicit restrictions, it
does state that the NA be maintained “in a natural state. “ Biological controls
(Josephine asked) are still a long way off.
Joe reported that he had the trail map updated with Chris Morrissey at Water Plant.
Jeanne says Natural Areas Ranger Brittany Lagaly will return this year. Brittany is a
field biologist, interested and knowledgable.
Watershed Protection Funds for Finger Lakes Land Trust Purchase
$10,000 per year in fund to purchase land upstream of reservoir, as per city council
resolution. What about funds for other lands around natural area? $5000 in support
of FLLT easement.
Abuts Slaterville 600, Roy Park Preserve, Fir Tree Swamp, so 2 UNAs. FLLT needs to
raise money to buy it, should city pledge entire $20,000? County will likely donate
some of the funds it has for land protection. This not a parcel the city has on its wish
list. Land Trust will get it, regardless, but since benefit for city is indirect (though at
headwaters). What is appropriate amount? BPW approved, but now goes to PDEC.
Others funds that NAC called upon in the past have been exhausted.
Dan Hoffman mentioned that the owner (Lori Yelensky) of a property between SH
recway and Giles is interested in selling or perhaps even donating the parcel to the
city rather than continue paying taxes. 2.33 acres, steep and wooded. Assessed at
$68,000. Risk to city (steep slope, some runoff, unstable). Would NAC recommend
city accept donation (loss of tax revenue)? Forestalling future damage to Giles and
protecting recway. Owner might agree to prohibit development on her lot where it
is close to Giles. Will bring up next time there is a quorum.
Ithaca Falls Comprehensive Plan
Josephine met with architect Caroline O’ Donnell from Cornell. Caroline has
experience with designing sites for multiple uses while preserving the natural
environment. Her design could incorporate all three of the city properties (overlook,
park and 401/403 Lake St.). City would host a design competition, but clear
parameters are needed. Josephine will bring this up at the next Planning meeting.
Community input is welcomed. There is a new feature on city website to get
feedback from constituents. NAC would like to be involved. It was asked if there was
any lingering concern that the parcel will be put into the June auction? Josephine
will check agenda; April is the deadline.
Priorities (continued discussion from previous month)
Fill vacancies....city bottleneck
Change residency and quorum requirement
401 lake st
Management plan and assessment ‐ ranger at SMC can help
Assessments to include appropriate use, invasive species, deer management
Access tours of all sites for CC
Steep slope regulations (with CAC)
Southwest park (land N of inlet should be included ‐ NAC recommendation of years
past)