|
This park is .3 acres, and
all .3 acres have been designated a “natural area” by this plan. This
is a curious designation, as no plants, birds or animals in this park are listed as endangered or threatened by the State
or Federal government. Nor are there any “sensitive” species here
as designated elsewhere in the NAP proposal by local native plant and bird enthusiasts.
There are three aspects of the NAP plans for this area that we find objectionable.
- There is as part of the
plan an objective to reduce “predation pressures”. This would refer to the killing of feral cats and any other
wildlife NAP deems unacceptable. Considering the proximity of this park to residential
development, we fear the trapping of cats and other wildlife on this park property could result in the destruction of pets.
- The concept of removing
cape ivy and ehrharta grass in the “natural area” is fine, except pointless.
The plan notes these species are abundant on adjacent private property. These
non-native plants will subsequently recolonize in the natural area. This appears to be an exercise in futility, albeit an
expensive one.
- The use of herbicides
to destroy non native vegetation, as well as maintain this as a natural area, is a potential health risk to homes adjacent
to the steps. Please refer to Hawk Hill.
|
