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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - March 18, 1992 (86)CITY OF LODI AGENDA TME: Approval of the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area Policy Statement MEEMG DATE: March 18. 1992 PUPARED BY. Parr and Recreation Director RECOMMENDED ACTION. That the City Council approve the Lodi Lake Park Nature Ana Policy Statement as proposed by the Nature Area Advisory C.oramittcc. BACKGROUND INFORMATION. The Nature Area Advisory Cornmittve when it was formed was charged with the responsibility of developing a policy statement for the Lodi Lake Nature Area. Tine highlights of this statement is as follows 'To maintain and develop the Nature Atsa as a nwaged rpaturrd area.- As stated, this lamas that some controlled development and management will occur. Mbe areas add in the policy deal with general safety, cubes for human use, maintenance- su cmcnt, and statements having to do with the introduction and maintenance of existing animal and plant life. A pardcular rsate in. this policy s tho recommendation to prohibit the u= of alcohol and abo a p v"bWm against picnicldng in the Nature A- 1 1 tmisdwxc cf policy is to ma the Nature Area in its pmscm co"tion and to insure the integrity is not compromised by over use. I Pmpated by Scott Fssin, Parks Superintendent APPROVED: �A LP 't'H� A. PETERSON «..... CC -7 Aaft& EXIUBIT A LQDI LAKE NATURE AREA NATURE AREA POLICY STATEMENT 11,.O*Z.+) 11 "w • . This statement is intended to draw final public comment on the actions proposed by the Lodi Lake Nature Area Advisory Committee regarding the Lodi Lake Nature Area. It is intended that recommendations will be made to the Park Commission next month. and upon approval, implemented. It isthe intentcf the Nature Area Advisors Committee(N.AA.C,), that Lodi Lake Nature Area be developed and managed as a "natural" area. Urbm development has left little or no riparian habitat inside the City of'Lodi, We, therefore, feel it is important to p r o t e c t a representative area of natural vegetation and w-Ud1 ife, which is inthe City cf Lodi, In order to maintain and enhance natural conditions, it will be necessary that some controlled development and management occur. Any contemplated development will be kept on a minimal scale to allow natural processesto occur. The ultimate goal is the establishment of a natural area which will be managed to protect the wildlife as well as foster human enjoyment and appreciation of that wildlife. SPECIFIC POLICIES: I. GENERAL SAFETY: Fire Lanes; Fire lanes are required but should be kept to a maximum maintained width of 12 feet. Fire Hydrants; Fire Hydrants must be kept visible. Lodi Lake Nature Area Nature Area Policy Statement Page 2 II. PRUNING SAFETY: A. Dead limbs and trees within the natural area shouldbe left in place, except where it poses a hazard to the public (i.e., over or near the main trails, amphitheater, benches, trash receptacles and fixe hydrants). Bracing Of and trees should be done in an inconspicuous manner. III. PR.E VENTI VE PRUNING: A. Diseased, dead or decayed trees or limbs should be removed only if they are over trails or other areas of concentrated use. B. When such wood is cut. it should be left irk and on the ground. C. In cases where the basic health of a tree L. threatened by disease or decay, kited pnming should be accomplished for preservation of the healthy trees. D. Wild grapevines are not to be removed from trees. IV. PARASITE AND FUNGUS CONTROL A. Mistletoe shouldbe allowedto remain. It should be removed only in such cases where a limb is broken and/or split. B. If *nishould kill a tme, then that tree should be treated as indicated in II and III. V. GROUND COVER A. Noxious weeds as determined by the NA.A.C, should be removed by mechanical means whenever this method is found to be practical. If such removal is not practical, then non-persistent herbicides shouldbe used, but only to the minimum extent necessary to accomplish control of noxious weeds. B. In no cases should persistent herbicides be used. Lodi Lake Nature Area Nature Area Policy Statement Page 3 C. Large fallen trees and limbs should be left where they fall in the natural area to provide habitat Brush and twigs should not be piled or allowed to accumulate in mounds or piles which would pose a potential sm hazard. D. Natural ground cover may be introduced in the natural area. 1. Wildflowers and other plants maybe established, but selected for survivability to represeta t,s native a mix as practical, and to provide habitat and food for wildlife. 2 Selective removal of ground covers may be appropriate to establish an evolving riparian forest habitat. E. Watermaybe provided for establishment andmaintenance ofnatural i ground cover. VI. INTRODUMON OF AND MAINTENANCE OF EXISTING ANIMAL AND PLANT LIFE: A Native plant speeiesoccurring in the nature area should be protected and encouraged However, it is understood that the term describes the general rule. The absolute adherence to that principle is not expected, nor considered practical. B. Native plant species found in the Central Valley habitat areas may be introduced, cared for, and watered until established. C. Native animal life should be encouraged and Protected. D. Maintenance policies should be designed to prevent the park from becoming a refuge for feral cats. noxious weeds and appropriate measures should be instituted to control these factors. E. 7b protect small animals and birds, dogs and cats are to be excluded by establishing a cyclone and blackberry fence barrier. Lodi Lake Nature Area Oak 01� Nature Area. Policy Statement Page 4 VII, MAINTAINING NATURAL AREAS: A An educational program should be instituted to encourage visitors to stay on trails in the natural areas. R Fences. signs, and interpretive personnel shouldbe used to encourage enjoyment. understanding and proper use of the natural areas. C. A Nature Study Center should b4 established in the 1Aa ;,ake Concession Stand. VIII. PIGS LAKE - Plan to be developed. IX. SLOUGH' Plan to be developed. RULES FOR HUMAN USE As with other parks with in Lodi, - ictiar. of human um are necessary. They are required to optimize the intended uses of this facility, provide safety and preserve our resources. 1. Animals andplants arenottobe damaged, trapped, kilted, orremovedtrom vitb n t he Natural Area. 2 A low speedlimit shallbe posted alongthe adjacent portion of the river for boats. 3. Bikes will be allowed on designated trails only. ( LCC 12,12.255 ) 4. Joggers are to remain on the pathways. 6. Running events are limited to those meeting all the below qualifications: 1. Approved by the Parks and R.ec -eation Department. 2. Held the previous year by the same sponsoring organization a. Christmas Tree Run b. Crime Fair Run c. Field & Fair Day Run sis Lodi Lake Nature Area Nature Area Policy Statement Page 5 d. Lodi Trinthalon e. High Schooi cross Country Track Meets 3. Having no observable negative impact on the natural integrity or aesthetics of the nature area. a. Any flags or other markers will be removed by the run organization on the race day or following day. b. Chalk or gypsum arrows will not be used. c, Approved course will consistgWI of the main trs;; loop that has also been designated as allowed forbicycle tmfflc. 6. RilaWansare requested to remain on established trails• 7. No sing or wading will be allowed. & N o paaiics we allowed. 9. No fireworks are allowed. 30. Dogs and cats are not to be permit -ted within the Natural Area.. 11. Ng Alcohol is allowed. S YEAR PLAN/00ALS 1. The Restoration of a full spectrin of indigenous other animals. 2 The Restoration of diverse, ecological habitats characteristic of Central Valley of California. 3. The Development of Pigs Lake Master Plan. 4. The Development of Cattail Creek Master Plan. 5. The Development expanded programs for better appreciation of the Natural Area. 6. The Development of interpretive path for all citizens. 7. Position Natural Area to be able to receive grant money.