Arborist Chris Fischer announced at the Sept. 18 Parks Commission meeting he had helped secure two new grants from the Walton Family Foundation (WFF) which will fund restoration projects at Lake Leatherwood City Park and creation of an urban forest management plan for Eureka Springs.
Fischer said he had a conversation with Patti Erwin, former Arkansas Forestry Commission Urban and Community Forest Coordinator, who worked with the WFF on a large tree-planting project in Benton County. He asked Erwin since WFF had invested in a world-class recreational project at LLCP, would they also be interested in a world-class natural restoration project in the same part of the park. His idea was locals interested in native plants and resolving the Miner’s Rock situation could present a case to the Foundation, and Erwin arranged a meeting.
Fischer said after the meeting, he wrote a draft proposal for how local groups could work with the Foundation, and it was approved. He said the emphasis at first would be to make a thorough assessment of the landscape to identify which areas need what kind of attention such as additional plantings or erosion control measures. He also intends to combine several existing maps of that part of the park to create a map system for planning future maintenance.
He will have more information to report at subsequent meetings.
And while the restoration project was unfolding, an Urban and Community Forest grant opportunity opened up through the Arkansas Forestry Commission. Fischer worked with City Economic Development Coordinator Glenna Booth on a proposal for creating an urban forest management plan. Erwin again contributed her resources, and Fischer said the grant had been awarded the previous week.
Besides assessing the abundant inventory of trees in town, the project will examine where green spaces and trails can be augmented. Fischer also wants to create a “linear arboretum,” or trees planted in a sequence, and to engage students in the project.
Parks Director Justin Huss commented through these grants different projects seem to be merging and it will be an exciting process for the city.
Fischer will have more to report later.
Director’s report
Huss said he and Office Manager Dove Bolerjack have been working over the policy manual “till we’re cross-eyed.” He also tendered an offer to a Trails Manager candidate, and expected there would be an announcement soon.
He said city council passed a resolution accepting the property acquired by the Walton Family Foundation during the downhill trails project, and the Rock Solid trailbuilders will be returning mid-October to continue their work.
Commissioner Cameron Denoewer commented about the dramatic increase in revenue from the camping cabins and campsites, which he attributed to Huss’ foresight. Steven Foster said he was happy about the new picnic tables and trash cans.
Other business
- Commissioners voted to allocate $81,609.75 from the WFF trails grant funds. Huss said $40,000 was for Trails Manager equipment and the remainder was salary for the Trails Manager.
- Huss presented a Food Truck policy for LLCP based on input from commissioners. Denoewer said he was satisfied it reflected what they discussed, and the policy was adopted 4-0.
- Commissioner Fergie Stewart proposed having another “Thank you for your service” Day in late October to honor firefighters, paramedics, police, SORT team members, first responders and others. Huss vetoed having it next month because there is too much going on already, but said it might be a good season-opening event next spring. Stewart said he would aim for a warm day next spring.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m.