Glenda Moore said during last Tuesday’s Parks Public Comments that she accompanied arborist Chris Fischer and others on a walk last month near Black Bass Lake in an area where the Carroll County Riders had proposed creating a new trail along the bluff by the lake. She listed species they encountered in the area, as well as others she expected might appear in spring.
Moore advocated “a more balanced approach” in the use of park lands, “with some trails being designated for mountain bike use, some trails for hiking and nature study and some areas to be left undeveloped and protected as wildlife habitat.” She cautioned opening areas like this one would make it vulnerable to the side effects of overuse.
Moore emphasized she was not averse to trails for mountain biking, but encouraged “finding a pathway between public use and protection of Parks lands so that what is uniquely beautiful about the Ozark highlands will be preserved for generations to come.”
She acknowledged the CC Riders for their participation in creating and maintaining trails, but reiterated there were other groups “who have a vision for the environment and are willing to engage actively in implementing that vision.”
Her particular vision includes removing invasive Asian bush honeysuckle, which she and others have worked to remove so natives will not be crowded out. She encouraged further dialogue about use of the parks “with as light a footprint as possible.”
Other business
- Commissioners approved one percent bonus for full-time staff and a pro-rated bonus for part-time staff.
- Third quarter financials were approved.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m.