Page 97 - parks-master-plan

98

Issues

• Loss of plant and animal diversity is threatened by the movement and planting of non-native species.

• Water quality and aquatic diversity is affected by invasive species.

• Migratory species are affected by loss of diversity.

• Native fauna cannot use and are unfamiliar with many non-native plants.

Strategies

• Implement management plans for all non-landscaped areas within city limits, allowing for maximum diversity.

• Implement plan for removal of non-native invasive species and use an on-going volunteer plan for removal, when practical.

• Monitor floristic assessments for loss of diversity within assessed areas due to invasive species.

• Educate residents and employees about non-native invasive species.

• Use volunteers for management programs such as bluebird trails, invasive species removal, plant salvaging and plant installation.

• Implement ordinances prohibiting the installation of any plant on the State of Ohio’s invasive plant list.

• Promote native plantings and install educational gardens, providing examples for residents.

Policy 25: Promote policy to restore or improve land adjacent to waterways Issues

• Much of the green space was developed without water quality and diversification of flora and fauna in mind.

• Old practices of mowing to water edges do little to promote proper use by wildlife, stabilize banks along water ways or improve water quality.

Strategies

• Educate residents/employees on the benefits of land restoration and management.

• Restore riparian and buffer zones along waterways to stabilize banks, improve water quality and provide habitat.

• Restore habitat such as wetlands, woods and grasslands whenever feasible, improving diversity.

• Use plant salvaging, implemented by volunteers, from areas slated for development to diversify areas cleared of invasive species

• Implement ordinances prohibiting the installation of any plant on the State of Ohio’s invasive plant list.

• Promote native plantings and install educational gardens providing examples for residents.