HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2016-02-02Natural Areas Commission Minutes
February 2, 2016
DRAFT
In attendance: Joe McMahon (chair), Members Anna Stalter, Robert Wesley (CU Liaison), Dan Hoffman, Ashley
Miller, Todd Bittner (Cornell Plantations Liaison)
Ex-officio: City Forester Jeanne Grace, Watershed Coordinator Roxy Johnston
Guests: Jake Barnett-Hill (IHS), unofficial member Janet Edwards
Absent: Jon Meigs
Meeting minutes from January 2016 were corrected and approved.
Reports & Announcements: Janet Edwards has submitted an application for membership. The terms of several
active members have lapsed without re-appointment and the required swearing-in. Jeanne Grace will request
deputization so that she can swear in all that need it at a future meeting.
Joe McMahon reported a bald eagle seen at 30' Dam, as well as a den of foxes or coyotes near that area.
Dan Hoffman announced that there is a tent in from Juniper Drive below the SH RecWay.
Following up on a comment at the January meeting that the restoration at the settling tank area does no t look
finished, Roxy Johnston reported that after difficulties draining thickeners this past year there may be a need to keep
the area open for some sort of basin to empty the thickener tanks if there are problems in the future. Hoffman referred
to the fact that this project had gone through site plan review which called for the area beyond the settling ponds to
revert to a more natural area.
Jeanne Grace reported that Common Council did not approve funding an extended season for the Natural Area
Rangers. She has learned that security guard and CPR training is required for those who, like the rangers, observe
and report on illegal activities. The city may ask the Town of Ithaca and Tompkins County for additional funding to
help pay for these requirements. She is working with City Clerk Julie Holcomb on the possibility of a video on the
dangers of 30' Dam cliff jumping etc. to counteract those already online. There is also the possibility of body cameras.
A gamecam possibility was mentioned as an economical alternative, although vandalism can be a problem. Todd
Bittner suggested that McMahon recommend funding body cameras when he gives his annual report to Common
Council.
Roxy Johnston reported that a 2001 Restoration Plan for Cayuga Lake was undergoing an update and would be
recognized by NYS as the official management plan. She described a Watershed Issues Prioritization request from
the Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Organization and asked for input from members of the NAC.
It was moved and seconded that the NAC endorse a set of recommendations for the city-owned properties at 401
and 403 Lake Street as drafted by Dan Hoffman (dated 2/12/16). Approved 5-0.
Hoffman brought up the subject of a possible donation of land within the Six Mile Creek RecWay. He will bring a map
and more information to the March meeting for a discussion of an NAC endorsement.
All members agreed that we need a wall map of the city with the Natural Areas shown.
Some 2016 priorities for the Commission followed:
-Change membership requirements to allow that fewer than 6 of 9 members must be city residents.
-Settle the future of the Lake St. properties
-Develop a Natural Areas management plan and create a position for a manager.
A. Six Mile Creek
B. Ithaca Falls
C. Fuertes Sanctuary
-Develop a strategy for increasing the effectiveness & visibility of the NAC
-If membership is less than 1/2 of filled seats, reduce the number required for a quorum.
Respectfully submitted,
Ashley Miller