Remember: our rules allow pointed disagreement, but require respectful discussion.
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I really enjoyed the thread regarding the hawks. On my Montana vacation I
became very familiar with buzzards - now talk about a big bird?
But this all brings me to the point someone made about we should talk more
about nature. Nature in this urban setting is our lakes, parks, tress and
green, open space.
Let me tell you a little story about my beginnings on the Park Board. Some
of you may not remember back to 1989 but one of my plans was to quit
spraying chemcials and pesticides in the parks. Lo and behold, after I did
get elected about two months into the job we are burrowing through the
budgets and lo and behold I find out that Golf courses are the biggest
producer of revenues for the Park Board. And what entity uses a lot of
chemicals and pesticides. And then I found out about the Rose Garden and
it's amazing use of chemicals to make those flowers so beautiful.
So what is one to do. At a National Parks Conference a couple of years
later I attend a workshop on golf courses. Lo and behold, the Audoboun
Society is there and explains their program in partnership with the PGA
that has a certification program that works with golf courses to reduce
their use of chemicals in order to address migratory patterns of birds and
the bird paths that take place in open swaths such as fairways of golf
courses.
We have worked hard to reduce the use of chemicals in the Park system now
using a methodology called Integrated Pest Management and other ways of not
spraying as much. So those of you experiencing the big birds coming back
to your neighborhood - if you live anywhere close to a glof course you may
be seing that increase also.
I think it also signifies that the birds are moving south and we all know
what that means.
So folks, election time is right around the corner - and not many people
talk to their Park Commissioner other than an immediate neighborhood
concern. It is time to hear about your vision and mission of the parks and
how they can be enhanced and kept as the #1 reason people live in Minneapolis.
Throw me your questions, throw me your vision and give me your top 3
priorities you think the Parks should be addressing. My theme this year is
New Parks for the New millennium - so bring it on - what do you all want?
PS...watch out for your vision - it can't cost a lot unless you want a tax
increase,
Fact: 7% of your property tax dollar goes to the parks
Annie Young
"the new, updated" www.annieyoung.org
Ward 6 - East Phillips
Citywide at-large Park Board Commissioner
Seeking re-election in 2001
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