Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2010 11 10

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Cityof L.0 Louisville PARKS RECREATION October 28, 2010 Louisville City Council 749 Main Street Louisville, CO 80027 Dear City Council, 1 am writing on behalf of the Louisville Open Space Advisory Board (OSAB) in support of following best management practices when mowing on Open Space properties. 1 am also writing to request these management practices be followed on properties that have recently been changed from mow to no -mow areas due to budget cuts. At the October 13, 2010 OSAB meeting the board evaluated the effects of not mowing open space properties. A non mowing protocol is supported by the Integrate& Weed Management Plan adopted in 2009. The Board understands that a non mowing management protocol promotes taller grass growth, limits the spread of weeds, and enhances wildlife habitat. The Board is cognizant these practices may increase the potential of wildfire and negative human wildlife interactions, butfwe feel the positive benefits of a no -mow protocol outweigh the potential risks. Also at the Oct. 13 OSAB meeting the Board evaluated and selected properties that we recommend be zoned as Open Space. For these properties we recommend that grass areas be mowed only for weed management and restoration purposes. This concept is supported in the 204 City of Louisville Open Space Master Plan. We recognize that some portions of Open Space proiSerty may require limited mowing (trail entrances, sign locations, access points) and recommend best management practices be followed for these sites. We also recommend that best management practices are adhered to when mowing along trails that are located on Open Space properties. As was discussed at the Study Session with Council on February 24, 2009, mowing should be done in a way that discourages the spread of weeds, allows native grasses to develop and produce seeds, and allows for the less frequent mowing dictated by growth patterns rather than a strict schedule. At the Study Session we discussed how this could be accomplished and at the time Council was in favor of the changes. The Board also supports a no -mow or limited mowing protocol for other public properties not designated as open space but that would potentially lead to increased and improved in wildlife habitat, wildlife populations and native vegetation. With this change in management styles OSAB recognizes that there will also be a need to increase weed control efforts and are cognizant of a potential increase in human wildlife interactions, Tom Davinroy Chair, Open Space Advisory Bo 749 MAIN STREET LOUISVILLE, CO 80027 PFL (303) 335 -4735 FAX (303) 335 -4738 www.cLlou isville.co.us PARKS RECREATION SENIOR SERVICES OPEN SPACE FORESTRY TRAILS GOLF