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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Conservation Chapter Environmental Conservation Preserving the water, land, and wildlife in and around the City is critical to quality of life for all who reside there. Lake Winnebago--the largest inland lake in Wisconsin, and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the U.S--provides Oshkosh with drinking water, wildlife habitat, and recreational activities that benefit the economy. However, Lake Winnebago is classified as impaired by the Wisconsin DNR based on criteria in the Federal Clean Water Act. The Onterra study of 2010 declared the shoreline as an incredibly poor example of shoreland maintenance. The City has since taken on mandatory and voluntary measures to manage stormwater and sewage treatment for pollution control, such as native plantings along the lakeshore, drainage basins, and incentives for residents to use best practices for stormwater runoff on their land. With its Tree City USA designation, Oshkosh is recognized for its commitment to also meet strict standards for urban forestry management. Trees, native plants, and urban green spaces provide places for groundwater to be soaked up and purified. The trees of the urban forest also absorb and remove other pollutants, such as carbon and sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulates that enter the air from fossil fuels used for buildings and vehicles. The City populations of migratory and year-round birds. These birds, along with bats and insects, control nuisance and disease-carrying pests. Together, the water, land, and wildlife of Oshkosh help keep everyone--and everything--happy and healthy. y relying upon it. Policies: Waterfront Development Update current and future downtown and riverfront plans with stormwater management best practices while also keeping public access a high priority. Continue to enforce erosion and sediment control requirements at construction sites. encouraging the restoration of more shoreline. Explore creating a center for river and lakes education in the downtown area to attract visitors and promote the value of the resource. Recreational Water Safety Encourage continuation of water testing at Menominee Park Beach, posting results publicly on-site and online. Partner with local educational organizations to hold informational sessions on local water-- Encourage continuation of beach grooming to remove litter and other contaminants from the shore area. Promote responsible boat use on the water, regulating noise, speed, wake generation, potential user conflicts, and cleaning boats before and after entering the water to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Water Conservation Review city building codes to update standards for water-conserving plumbing fixtures Review ordinances to ensure the City is able to address drought situations by having policies in place to curtail unessential water uses. Offer innovative incentives for residential, commercial, and industrial water conservation improvements, such as low-flow plumbing fixtures and other proven conservation measures. Educate citizens and business owners on useful tips for cutting back on water usage, collecting water for reuse, and installing low-flow fixtures. Continue to offer rain barrel workshops, providing education on household stormwater runoff while assisting participants in rain barrel construction. Green Spaces Strengthen existing development codes and promote policies that place a greater value on developing an aesthetically-pleasing, natural environment throughout the City. Develop plans to improve select developed areas, such as gateways and the Highway 41 corridor, with a more natural look. Continue the development of new park space in residential neighborhoods with little-to- no access to neighborhood parks. Tree Planting and Retention Support the continuation of the vigorous urban forestry program on terraces and in city parks. -tree inventory, municipal nursery, and status as a Tree City USA. Encourage continuation of programs that support the planting of additional urban trees. Promote zoning policies that protect existing woodlands from encroachment. Consider installation of an urban arboretum as an educational resource and park area. Native Landscaping Review--and modify, if necessary--City lawn and tree ordinances to encourage responsible native landscaping. Provide residents and businesses with a best practices guide for native landscaping. Explore financial inc--such as burying utility lines or replacing dead or unsafe trees--on their property. Continue replacement of annual plants in City landscaping to native, perennial plantings to reduce soil disturbance, decrease stormwater runoff, and mowing needed. Consider no-maintenance, low-growing native grasses when planting new or replacement turf. Add native species to roadside seed mixes on arterials at the edge of the City, and advise the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to do the same in the Highway 41 corridor. Control non-native, invasive species in right-of-ways, parks and other public ares, especially where they are particularly aggressive, such as along frontage roads. Consider programs to help r utility lines, or removing and replacing dead trees on their property.