04-22-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Big Island Nature Park Management Plan November 2011 ____________________________________________________________________________ 11 Management Plan Development Orono from the very beginning has embraced the concept that Big Island Nature Park is a unique natural environment. The site has experienced a number of transitions over the past century - from being relatively untouched forest in the 1800s, converted to a highly-developed amusement park in the early 20th century, later becoming a popular camping and vacation area for veterans, and finally now reverting back to a more natural state. The challenge for the future is to balance the recreational desires of the public with protection of the natural environmental values of the property that make it a desirable destination. This Plan in many respects is the result of a steady progression of directed actions, reactions, and learning experiences over the 5-year period since Big Island Nature Park was acquired by the City. The result is a much broader understanding of the opportunities, challenges and limitations for maintaining this public park in an island setting. The Big Island Nature Park Committee has met 3-4 times per year to evaluate the ongoing status of the Park, to consider options for its management, and to provide recommendations to the City Council and staff. Orono‘s expectations for the Park have changed somewhat from those initially contemplated at the time it was acquired. When the Veterans Camp ceased operation, the City expressed concerns about security and maintenance of the property. In the ensuing years, ongoing vandalism of the basic park facilities caused a careful reconsideration of the level of services and amenities that can reasonably be provided. Because full-time staffing of the site is not economically feasible or practical, this Management Plan is directed toward preservation and maintenance of the site’s natural features and historical amenities, while maintaining a minimal level of physical facilities. The City‘s commitment remains steadfast to managing this resource in a manner that supports the provisions of the MCWD Conservation Easement.