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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStatement for Advisory Parks Board Meeting Statement for Advisory Parks Board Meeting Nov. 9, 2015 Kathy Propp 1936 Hazel St, Oshkosh WI 54901 Winnebago County League of Women Voters co-president The Winnebago County League of Women Voters strongly supports the Shoreland Plantings Demonstration Site in Menominee Park. On behalf of the League, I urge the Parks board to respect their own motion from October 13, 2014 that calls for working with the Shoreland Restoration Committee for a three year period on the shoreland plantings demonstration project. This means that the plantings demonstration site should be reviewed in fall 2017, not terminated in 2015. Several shoreland plantings supporters were present on Oct. 12 at Menominee Park. A handful of objecting neighbors also voiced their opinions. The Winnebago County Land and Water Conservation staff expressed strong support for the demonstration site and a willingness to provide technical expertise for optimum plant species, size, and maintenance guidelines. We ask parks staff to put together a maintenance and possible trimming plan in full cooperation with Shoreland Restoration committee leaders and Winnebago County LWC staff. We ask the Advisory Parks Board to allow a minimum of two more years before review in fall 2017. There is no better spot for a shoreland plantings demonstration project than the Ames Point area in Menominee Park. This type of shoreland planting is required on many northern lakes because of its positive effect on water quality. Many lake residents have installed their own planting buffers. Parks always include a variety of uses. In a large park like Menominee Park, there is room for everyone. Fishermen can share a few feet of park shoreline with other interests and still be able to use perhaps 80% of the shoreline. Neighbors can share Menominee Park with Oshkosh area residents who are not fortunate enough to live on or near Menominee Drive but who appreciate gardens, plantings and want to learn about the positive impact of shoreland plantings on water quality. Thank you for reviewing the demonstration site in 2017 as planned.