I was able to go the Park Board and get more information about the Eloise Butler buffer issue and what is on the agenda. There were problems with getting the agenda posted online. It is now posted. There is a public hearing about the Saint Anthony Parkway Regional Park Master Plan Wed. July 6 at 5:30- this is an opportunity for the public to comment about the plan. For the Eloise Butler issue- I want to thank Planning staff for their assistance with these issues and the approx. 60 pages of background material and suggested recommendations. >From what I understand the public can speak to the action item 4.1- the approval of staff recommendations at the 5:00 planning committee meeting. What is at issue is the balance of a nature conservancy, trails and buckthorn removal and the restoration of biodiversity. The Recommendations: "Reaffirm the Board's 1964 action declaring that the primary purpose for the land surrounding Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary is that of a native conservatory AND that as a nature conservatory, the MPRB will work to protect and restore biodiversity within Wirth Park and balance human recreational desires with ecological needs. Recreational activities appropriate to this area include nature study, birding, hiking, walking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, environmental education, nature focused art activities, picnicking and others deemed appropriate. This action reaffirms that biking is not allowed in the native conservancy." "The action would direct staff to develop a preferred trail overlay for this area integrated with an invasive species removal and ecosystem restoration plan for Wirth Park." In 1964 the Park Board added territory adjacent to the wildflower garden to have these areas remain in their natural state. After reading all the staff reports and documentation the thing that really strikes me are the problems of forest management and how "unhealthy" and degraded our urban forest in Wirth park has become. One letter about this issue noted the appalling condition from an ecological perspective. Buckthorn and invasive aggressive species are doing more harm to our urban forests than Dutch elm disease, but few are yet aware of how big a problem this is. Thanks, Scott Vreeland Seward As a few folks have pointed out "Open time" rules are now- you can sign up before 4pm the day of the Park Board meeting, but rules still include the following- Open Time discussion is limited to items that are not scheduled for action by the Board on the agenda. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list.
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