11-18-25 - PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – November 18, 2025 Page 3 for proposed work that can be done and how to do it. They have templates and specifications for mechanical removal of buckthorn and species specific issues that parks can have and how to address them. There are also species recommendations for parks that will work the best at each one, looking at soils, habitat types and other things that are working in similar areas. Ms. Tucker asked for feedback and asked what the PTRC is interested in seeing in this plan. Are we addressing the needs? Committee Member Julius said she thinks prioritization is important. What is the decision matrix? It would be good to have a commentary on how bad it is and outlining the logical steps to gain improvement. Ms. Tucker said the first section of the document outlines the current state of each individual park. The “Resource Threats and Habitat Goals” outline the pressing issues at each park. The next steps are outlined in the third section. It is mocked up for Hazelnut at this time. They wanted feedback from the PTRC before going back and completing that third section for each of the other parks. Ms. Tucker outlined the focus is on continued stewardship and management to ensure the results are long-term. Discussion ensued regarding the needs at the parks that can be added to the document. She explained how each section will be unique, actionable and applicable to each of the parks. Ms. Tucker said they hope to get some feedback on the draft presented tonight and they plan to visit the sites in the spring to outline the work that has been done so the recommendations can be tailored to the most current conditions. Committee Member Jacobson noted there will need to be funding for some of the projects. She asked if this document will be incorporated into the Park Master Plan. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said no. Committee Member Jacobson asked for clarification that the Great River Greening plan is just for Natural Resources. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky confirmed. Committee Member Jacobson said this will have to be approved by City Council and she imagines there is no funding. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said this is still in draft format. This represents a vision of the best possible scenario. However, nothing has been approved. Committee Member Julius said she would like to see it show what will happen if no action is taken. There is a cost to initiate these, but there is also a consequence for doing nothing. That would make it more expensive, the more invasive species spread. She would like to see what residents will gain be outlined. Maybe it supports bird species or some other tangible gains that can be outlined. She is in support of goat browsing.