Laserfiche WebLink
. • � _ <br /> February 15, 1977 <br /> ORONO PARKS COTl�:TISSION <br /> ORONO PLAIvi�lING CO'�ISSION <br /> ORONO COUI���CIL <br /> Dear 5irs; <br /> It has come to rr�y attention that you are currently disc�.assing various <br /> possibilities for land—usage of that part of Casco Yoint known as <br /> "The Park." I am a third—generation Casco Point resident� currently <br /> enga�;ed in rearing a fourth generation� and would like to offer my <br /> own ideas for consideration, based upon a life—long love affair with <br /> this small bit of land. <br /> Formerly a haven for songbirds and gamebirds alike� small animals such <br /> as raccoons and even foxes, The Park has come under rather more <br /> "cultiva.tion" in the past 5 years under Orono ownership, and this wild <br /> population has nearly disappeared. ��y last si�hting of a ruffed grouse <br /> was in 1975. (There was also a buck whitetail deer t:r.at year, too:) <br /> I have seen no pheasants or foxes for years. But wildflowers still <br /> aboun�. in reckless prnfusion each spring� despite the destruction <br /> brou�;ht on by motorcyclists and snowmobilers. Tt is r►�y opinion that <br /> Orono has a singular opportunity for the creation of a very unique park <br /> given this lovely raw material: a semi—wild bird and wildflower parkland. <br /> I see the advantages of this type of usa�;e as being: <br /> -- A completely unique park, offering what no other park in <br /> this area now offers; nature study <br /> -- A park �vhich caters to ALL AGES, including the middle—aged <br /> and senior citizen� nearly always excluded from recreational <br /> park planning <br /> -- An opportunity to carry out conservation ideals so often <br /> voiced today but seldom acted upon <br /> -- Low maintenance. That large area noz�v mowed several times <br /> yearly could be reduced or even eliminated and pathways <br /> created instead. School field trips using such footpaths <br /> might than be planned without causing damage to the ecosystem <br /> -- Bird fanciers might be persuaded to stock The Park with <br /> pheasant and their more exotic and hardy cousins, making <br /> the area interesting also to local birdwatching groups <br /> -- I�ei�hborhood involvement. One area aesident, Ray Stock, <br /> has suggested the observance of Arbor De.y each year, with� a <br /> nei�hborhood clean—up and tree—planting event in celebration. <br /> Area garden clubs might be invited to participate in wild— <br /> flower transplanting and bulb p�anting. <br />