Nicky Boyette – Jim Helwig, geologist and member of the Springs Committee, urged Parks’ commissioners last Tuesday to adopt a resolution endorsing “an initiative for an integrated approach to storm water management… for all of its projects.” The approach is called Low Impact Development, and Helwig said LID refers to systems and practices that mimic natural processes that manage storm water as close as possible to where it falls. Permeable pavement, rain gardens and rain barrels can be part of the approach.
Helwig said the topography of Eureka Springs, along with its karst hydrology and dense development, presents challenges for handling storm water. “We should consider adoption of LID as an opportunity to vastly improve our relationship with the natural environment and our management of parks.”
Parks Director Justin Huss said Parks is the obvious place to push this agenda, and urged commissioners to lead by example. He also mentioned Mayor Butch Berry is developing a plan for a two percent tax to improve the city’s infrastructure, and this initiative could be included in the mayor’s plan.
Chair Bill Featherstone said the city saw the effects of not having effective storm water management in place last year. “We should be the showcase,” he said.
Commissioners voted unanimously to endorse the resolution and send it to city council.