At Brooks Park the NAP proposal plans to designate 1.9 of the 3.5 acres as a “natural area”.  The rationale for this designation is not clear.  There is no Federal or State listed endangered or threatened animal or plant in this area.  This area has no important bird habitat and no plants that are even considered “sensitive” by local native plant advocates.  The only possible rationale would be to protect two species of birds the local Audubon Society considers “sensitive”. To this end, NAP proposes:

·         Destruction of non-native plants and shrubs at NAP discretion.

·         Three cypress trees will be removed.  Additionally, destruction of non-native saplings and seedlings (these are by common definition trees) in this area shall be in total.  NAP officials do not believe they need to be accountable to the public for the number of seedlings or saplings they remove.  Please click here to see NAP Director Lisa Wayne's definition of a tree (refer to item #4)

·         Reduction in “predation pressure”.  This would refer to the killing of feral cats and any other wildlife NAP deems unacceptable.

·         Closure of 456 feet of social trails.

·         Reintroduction of “sensitive” species of plants.

This NAP proposal for Brooks Park violates the underlying premise for NAP.  As stated by NAP Director Lisa Wayne, “preserve what is left of the original habitat and protect it from further degradation…enhance these little remnants that are degraded”.  There is NO habitat here to protect; NAP intends to create a habitat.  Does this desire to create habitat justify the destruction of wildlife, trees and plants, as well as the limitation of recreational access to the public?

NAP has refused to disclose the cost to create this habitat.  Are these funds that could better be spent elsewhere in the park system?  Will there be the manpower and funds to maintain this new habitat?  Will it be sustainable?