Page 67 - parks-master-plan

in saturated soil conditions. The area’s agricultural history has left Dublin with only Category 1 and 2 wetlands as defined by Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3745-1-54(C)(1).

Areas of flooding and ponding occur in the central and southwest areas of Dublin. These areas were where wetlands and vernal pools dominated the landscape before agricultural draining practices. Preserving any remaining wetlands and vernal pools is important for water quality, native plant community

preservation and wildlife diversity. Vernal pools are the rarest form of wetland. They occur in and adjacent to woodlands and are inhabited by wood frogs, spring peepers, a wide variety of salamanders, fairy shrimp, water beetles and a multitude of other invertebrates. Classically, they are wet in the early, mid-March portion of spring, and dry up by early May. Their preservation is extremely important if

amphibian populations, in global decline, are to survive.

The management of retention basins is split between City and Homeowners Association responsibility. The vegetation surrounding the vast majority of the ponds is mowed turf grass that is managed in part by the use of lawn fertilizers. Excess phosphorous or irresponsible use of these fertilizers can cause algae blooms in the ponds, which require additional chemical

treatment. The turf vegetation is also the preferred diet of Canada geese. Both the excess phosphorous and goose droppings cause water quality to decline, which is counter to the goals of any storm water management program.

When practical, more environmentally responsible landscape treatments should be used, including either leaving the grass

unmowed or planting native prairie plants along the fringe. The unmowed or native plantings slow the water, encourage percolation, reduce chemical dependency, act as a goose deterrent and attract a wide variety of other wildlife.

The Environmental Protection Agency classifies ponds as permanent wetlands. Most of the ponds in Dublin were created as part of the storm water management program. They are not a natural resource as classically defined, but the plant material in and around the pond fringe does have an environmental impact.

It is possible to create and recreate wetland areas. The best potential areas for wetlands have heavy clay soils and high water tables. Sites with seeps, springs and low-lying lands that hold water and create vernal pools also are