HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2016-11-01 1
Natural Areas Commission Minutes
Tuesday, Nov 1, 2016
Members in attendance: Joe McMahon (chair); Anna Stalter (co-chair; notetaker), Dan Hoffman, Ashley Miller,
Janet Edwards, Jon Meigs (Town of Ithaca), Robert Wesley (Cornell University)
Also attending: Josephine Martell (Common Council Liaison), Brittany Lagaly (Stilt Grass Project Steward), Dan
Krall (Parks Commission)
Reports and Announcements
Brittany Lagaly (Natural Areas Ranger/Stilt Grass Project Steward) presented a summary of the Stilt Grass
Eradication Project. With funds from the FL-PRISM and NYS DEC, the city was able to hire Brittany to conduct some
background research, to contact other local managers/stakeholders involved in similar projects, thoroughly map
the infestation at Six Mile Creek, and then organize volunteers to pull as much of it as possible. Brittany spoke with
Jake Brenner at IC, who is managing an infestation on IC Natural Lands, and with folks on West Hill, where a new
(2015) infestation is encroaching on the properties of several homeowners. The extent of stilt grass at Six Mile
Creek was much greater than previously thought, and with Susan Nixson’s help, Brittany was able to create a map
of all known patches in the Natural Area in 2016. That alone is an impressive feat! The map helped to visualize that
the spread of the invasive species is mostly through waterways. It will also be very useful going forward.
Brittany organized two volunteer workdays, one each in the Wildflower Preserve and in the Amphitheater, around
Second Dam. Volunteers were able to make significant headway, and as a follow up, one volunteer was hired to
work alongside Brittany to continue the effort before the plant set seeds. One newly discovered patch was much
too large for hand pulling and will be managed in subsequent years using string trimmers. Brittany reported the
occurrence of other invasives, most notably Oriental Bittersweet, which should be addressed in the future. Two
boot brush stations, with signage provided by FL-PRISM will be erected by Jeanne’s crew at two entrance points to
the natural area. All in all, a very comprehensive and successful effort! She will present her report to Common
Council as well.
Dan Krall, representing the Parks Commission (IPC), made an appeal for a more imaginative name for the “Lake St.
Park”. The commission is in favor of installing a plaque at the park, much like the one that Historic Ithaca has
placed in the cemetery. (Ellen Leventry is chair of IPC. Megan Wilson is contact.)
Krall also remarked that although the path has been improved, complaints have been made to the IPC, and
consequently they have talked to Jeanne Grace about re-installing the railing donated by the Liberty Hyde Bailey
Garden Club. Because of its industrial history, IPC is suggesting the name "Millrace Park" be given to the newly
renovated area, which is part of the officially designated Ithaca Falls Natural Area. Josephine made the point that
the entire area is both parkland and natural area, which is perhaps ambiguous from the perspective of IPC. A map
with clear boundaries would be helpful.
It was suggested that any plaque be placed such that a viewer would face the falls area. (South)
IPC meets 2nd Tuesday of every month at noon, at Cooperative Extension and welcomes NAC input, comments. Still
in the early stages. Dan H. will write up a resolution stating NAC’s position, as will Robert, and these will be
circulated before the next meeting.
Appointments: Joe had the impression that Janet had been appointed. He will follow up.
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