Open Space Advisory Board 2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Caryl Shields noted that the plant list is "short" for good reasons. The task put before them was to come up with a native plant list that could be found in nurseries. She added that peach leaf and cottonwood trees should be added to the list. She also thought that ponderosa pines would be appropriate on steeper slopes. Bill Jennings again stressed that the list was not all inclusive, but rather a native plant list that can be found in the "trade" for practical reasons. He added that in areas adjacent to open space it was important not to use plants that can easily translocate into the open space. Many of the non - native, showy flowered plants are aggressive plants that will choke out native species. Education about these plants usually helps change the attitude toward native plant preservation. Jean Morgan said she is working with the City on a list of overseeding plants and appreciates the effort on the City's behalf. She would like to see the program expanded. She pointed out that butterfly habitat depends heavily on native plants. Bev Baker encouraged the idea of using xeric, non invasive plants next to open space areas. Susan Spalding commented that just planting native plants wasn't the whole solution. She stressed that education of the managing staff for prolonged maintenance was also necessary for long term management success. Bob Muckle suggested that even though the "edge" areas may not be a function of LOSCAB, the revised list should address the exclusion of planting invasive plants at an open space area's edge. Bill Jennings noted that the "Water Wise Landscaping" book on xeric plants might be an appropriate guide for the margin areas. Jan Chu said any place with established natives should be saved. She noted that the 2 acre parcel off McCaslin had been driven on. Steve Baysinger stated that he thought the area that has been driven on is not City owned land. Joe Mationa added that most people don't know what native plants are and that public education should be a responsibility of LOSCAB. He believes that if the City sets a precedent in using native plants, the public will appreciate natives more. He also thinks that xeric and low maintenance plants should be used as often as possible. Steve Baysinger pointed out that the list doesn't address co -op owned lands. Matt Jones agreed that agriculture lands need to be address. Steve Baysinger said the Board needed to define the direction, then present it to the joint land owners. Matt Jones concluded that the Board needed to add to / update the plant list, then bring back the issue at the next meeting. That way the language can be worked on and additions made to the plant list. Next agenda item: Moving tree. John Kelber updated the Board on the tree moving request. He has 3 large spruce trees in his yard that he is going to remove. He approached Dave Sexton with a proposal to have the City move and replant his trees at a nearby open space (the power line corridor near the Fireside Elementary School). If he removes them, he will wood chip them. The trees are worth a lot of money due to their size. Their value is greater than what it will cost the city to move and replant them.