02-25-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Rev. Aug 10, 2011 All other trail alignments will follow existing pathways, because existing trails alignments are being used, the trail improvements will have minimal impact on the Park’s ecology. Swimming Beach: A natural swimming beach approximately 200 feet in width is located along the southeasterly shore of the Park. The beach is enjoyed by Park visitors who arrive at the docks as well as recreational boaters who pull their watercraft up to the shore at or near the beach. The beach area is not improved, is not attended by a lifeguard, and is posted ―No Life Guard On Duty. No improvements or impacts are planned for the swimming beach. Signage: Signage that could be characterized as primarily regulatory in nature was installed at appropriate locations within the Park in spring 2009, addressing No Fishing from Dock; No Life Guard on Duty; No Dumping Allowed; and general park rules & prohibitions. As part of the proposed improvements, interpretive signage will be installed in key area of interest to help educate park users. The signage will be basic in color and design. Signage will blend into the natural environment. Little or no ecological impact is anticipated. Buildings: Entry Office Structure. The existing small 256 s.f. building and attached deck near the main entry dock area has been retained for future use as an entry portal to the Park. The building has been in its current location since 1997-98 and served the veterans Camp as an entry point for camp visitors. ADA access to the entry office structure will be provided as part of this project. Minor grading near the building may be necessary to accommodate the ADA path. C. Fish and Wildlife: Indicate whether the proposed project site is on or adjacent to, a national, state or local wildlife management area, park or natural area. Describe the known fish and wildlife species common to the project site and any known species that are listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Describe the likely impacts of the proposed project on habitat, population levels, and any other factors related to the fish and wildlife resources. State listed special concern species exist on the island. A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest is located in the woodland on the south side of the isthmus. There are also records of two special concern fish species, pugnose shiners (Notropis anogenus) and least darters (Etheostoma microperca), near Big Island. There are no anticipated impacts to the fish and wildlife in and adjacent to the project site. The trail work is on existing trails and the restroom and shelter are planned for open areas where previous land alteration occurred. The Park also abuts Three Rivers Park District’s Big Island Regional Park, a 62-acre wildlife refuge that has remained completely undeveloped. Separated by a narrow peninsula, the complementary parks share a goal of preserving the woodlands and wetlands that provide habitat for a wide variety of animal and plant species. D. Vegetation: Describe the major plant species and communities common to the project site and any known species that are listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Describe the distribution of major plant communities or types on the site. Indicate the extent of cutting, clearing, removal or other disturbance that will result from the proposed project, as well as any restoration and/or protection activities planned as part of the project. A limited natural resources inventory was performed by MCWD staff on May 26, 2010. The recreation areas were dominated by leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) and non-native grasses. The maple-basswood forest had a somewhat disturbed ground layer, dominated by upland sedges and other species tolerant of earthworms and