Open Space Advisory Board Minutes 2007 12 12

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes DATE Page 2 of 4 Resolution: The timing of the Takoda Village development project and the need for further connectivity of open space trails suggests that this would be an ideal time to develop an open space trail underpass under the Burlington Northern rail line. Recommendation to City Council by the Louisville OSAB is that some or all of the open space impact fees paid by the Takoda Village Project be dedicated to the development of a trail underpass under Burlington Northern rail line. We should pursue cooperation with other agencies including but not limited to urban drainage and public works as this project would provide additional storm drainage. Review of Daughenbaugh & Warembourg Prairie Dog Management Plan Dauqhenbauqh Property: 2006 - 215 dogs above ground count 2007 - 80 dogs above ground (above ground county typically represents % to 1/3 of population) Healthy population for the 10 acre area is 100 animals. City staff proposes an Irrigation ditch to irrigate the northern portion of Daughenbaugh - the result will be movement of prairie dogs south from the northern are of Doughenbaugh and to consolidate the animals back to the core area. Warembourq Property : The current prairie dog population has extended itself beyond the conservation area requiring removal of all dogs outside of conservation area. Conservation area is now fenced with chicken wire (however dogs have eaten through the mesh). 37 prairie dogs from the conservation area and 41 from agricultural area have been removed this year. Vegetation is minimal and significant soil erosion is taking place. Recommendation by staff is to reduce population to allow vegetation to re- establish. Re-seeding should not be necessary however there may be a weed problem for three years. Resolution: While the OSAB recognizes that City Staff has met its obligations by diligently following the protocols for managing prairie dog populations in the Warembourg and Daughenbaugh properties, it is apparent that efforts to date have not brought about the stipulated results. These properties have populations that continue to grow beyond carrying capacity and have severely damaged existing vegetation to a point that is not in accordance with the goals outlined in the Open Space Management Plan. The OSAB recommends, therefore, that City Staff initiate the more aggressive population control measures as outlined in the plan to include lethal methods. The level of control should bring the populations on these properties to such a number that would allow vegetation regrowth and