HomeMy WebLinkAbout01172009NRB FieldTripNATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MEETING
SPECIAL FIELD TRIP
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2009
MINUTES OF MEETING:
Meeting began at 9:05 am; present was Ken Grudens, Lynn Albury, Co-chair, Robin
Graves and Chair, Ginny Koerner. Late to arrive was Margie Reynolds... 9:40 am.
Meeting that took place on this date was a scheduled Public Notice. Review of area along
Stonecrop was walked from Montrose, North to Starflower. We discussed the purpose of
clearing will address not only exotic invasive species of plant life that is choking out
natural Florida species but, clearing will also aid Law Enforcement who patrol this
section of Stonecrop. Better visibility for police will help protect law abiding citizens
against any potential illegal activity that could be shielded from the over growth along the
river and wet-land area. It is not our objective to erect picnic areas or boat launches. We
were all in agreement with this objective.
We went on to discuss that phase 1 will begin in May, after the pepper trees and other
exotic species of plants have dropped their seeds. Ginny mentioned that Margie Reynolds
will first have to inarestigate the area for scrub jays and mark all gopher tortoises borrows.
Ken Grudens mentioned that MRC will have to be contacted in order to get their work
crews and equipment lined up in conjunction with the crews/equipment approved by the
City of Sebastian. We were in agreement that work could begin as early as 7:30 am thru
to 2 pm......This schedule would depend on how long we would have available crews to
take away cuttings. As we were discussing the coordination of crews, we walked down
to the river, following various clearings along Stonecrop.
Being satisfied with the review of the phase 1 area to be cleared; our meeting was
adjourned at 9:28 am.
Continued........
NRB/Stonecrop special meeting continued...
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Margie Reynolds arrived late, 9:40 am. Still available to walk with Margie was I, Ginny
Koerner. Margie and I walked out to the wet land area and observed the dam discharge
point and the silt water flowing from it to the river. Margie stated that more rock will be
added in the spillway, so that only clean/clear water will run into the river. We walked
from Montrose, north to Starflower. During this time we found 3 gophers tortoise
borrows in less than 5 minutes time. Large pepper trees were noted and Margie
mentioned that immediately after cutting out the invasive species, no time can be wasted
on treating the stumps so that the invasive plant will not grow back. While clearing,
invasive-exotic vines will also be eradicated. Cogan grass, an invasive species and
highly combustionable was identified...to be eradicated. During this time, local residents
came out to speak with us regarding our reasons for us being out there. We reassured
them that the work we do will not involve putting in park benches or boat launches, only
to clear invasive species of plant life and give the police better access to protect the area.
Margie indicated that the city has already approved work crews for this field project and
all we have to do is coordinate with MRC. Margie was in favor of the time frame the
members were willing to volunteer for.
After identifying exotic and non-exotic plant life to be eradicated, as well as identifying
various wildlife imprints, borrows, nesting sites and assuring area residents of our plans,
our meeting was concluded at 11:20 am.
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Ginny Koern "
Chairman