Explanation
Title
To support the creation of the Griggs, O'Shaughnessy and Woodward Park Nature Preserves.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is the owner of certain lands at Griggs and O'Shaughnessy Reservoirs and at Woodward Park; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Commission of the City of Columbus recognizes the existence and importance of these natural areas and resources; and
WHEREAS, it is recognized that the primary purpose of the reservoirs is to serve as a source of water supply for the City of Columbus and no portion of this resolution shall be construed to undermine or adversely affect the management of the reservoirs as such source of water supply; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Commission recognizes the need to preserve and protect these areas for the education and benefit of the people of Columbus; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That there is hereby created the Griggs, O'Shaughnessy and Woodward Park Nature Preserves.
That the boundaries of the Griggs Nature Preserve shall be comprised of all city parkland and waterways north of and including Ottawa Island as well as Hayden Falls Park.
That the boundaries of the O'Shaughnessy Nature Preserve shall be comprised of all city parkland and waterways north of Harriet Road and west of Dublin Road.
That the boundaries of the Woodward Park Nature Preserve shall be comprised of all city parkland and waterways east of Interstate 71, north of Fahlander Drive North, south of Vinewood Drive and west of Boxwood Drive following the bike path south to west of the Picnic Pavilion and west of the tennis courts.
That these nature preserves are hereby created and dedicated to fulfill the following public purposes:
A. To protect and enhance stream valley corridors to reduce flooding, pollution, sedimentation and to preserve their unique ecological features in conjunction with their use as a water supply reservoir.
B. To protect, improve and enhance wildlife habitat.
C. To protect and provide and area which can support and promote nature observation and conservation education programs and to encourage and promote wildlife and plant research.
D. To protect the habitat necessary to attract and promote sensitive wild plant and animal communities and the general wildlife ecology of the nature preserve areas.
E. To provide, preserve and protect and environmentally significant area for present and future generations.
Furthermore, the Hoover Nature Preserve Advisory Council will be designated as the Nature Preserves Advisory Council. This council shall be advisory to the Executive Director of the Recreation and Parks Department and shall, from time to time, make recommendations for the operation, development and uses of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Nature Preserves.
The Advisory Council shall be composed of nine (9) members who shall be appointed by the Recreation and Parks Commission. An employee of the Department of Recreation and Parks shall be assigned as liaison to the Council. Council members shall serve for staggered three (3) year terms or until a successor is appointed and qualified. The Council shall be comprised of natural resources management professionals and representatives from the communities in which the nature preserves are located. Members shall serve without compensation during their respective terms.
The Nature Preserve Advisory Council shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
A. To evaluate and report to the Executive Director of Recreation and Parks on the development, use, and progress of the area within and surrounding the nature preserves boundaries.
B. To study and recommend to the Executive Director changes in the status, boundaries, and uses of the preserve areas.
C. To review and make recommendations for the adoption, modification, amendment or rescission of rules and regulations governing the uses and restrictions placed on the preserve areas.
D. To serve as a public forum for presentations concerning public use, management and access to the preserve areas.
E. To review and make recommendations on such subjects and matters as shall be protected by the Executive Director.
These three new nature preserves join the existing Hoover Nature Preserve as a historic, and long-term testimony of the commitment of the Recreation and Parks Department to protect the environmental assets of Greater Columbus. These treasures are protected to provide sanctuary for rare plants and animals that will be preserved for future generations. As wisely stated by the late Chief Seattle "We have not inherited the land from our fathers, we have borrowed it from our children."