Title
Authorizing City Engineering to work with the Parks Department and volunteers to conduct a greenway and pond management study for 3 seasons. This study will manage multiple greenways (which have been previously planted in prairie) in a more holistic manner and compare the costs associated with this method of maintenance vs. the current standard of mowing two times annually from edge to edge.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has previously planted multiple greenways and ponds with native prairie species in consultation with the Parks Department conservation staff and;
WHEREAS, many of the greenways and ponds that were planted to prairie have prairie stands that are in good condition and;
WHEREAS, the current mowing practices do not assist the prairie plantings to thrive and;
WHEREAS, a thriving prairie provides multiple benefits in terms of stormwater infiltration and habitat and;
WHEREAS, the suggestion has been made (see Legistar No. 21636) to manage our greenway/pond systems of this type in a manner designed to assist the prairie species to thrive and;
WHEREAS, Parks and volunteer staff are available to assist Engineering staff to determine the proper maintenance required in specific areas to provide support for the prairie plantings and;
WHEREAS, Engineering would like to explore the costs associated with managing our open spaces in this way;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that City Engineering, in cooperation with other agencies and volunteers is authorized to conduct a 3 year study on more holistic management methods for greenways and pond systems planted in prairie, and to monitor costs and report back to the Board of Public Works at the end of this study with a recommendation on future management practices for these types of areas.
Fiscal Note
No specific additional funding is required for this project - existing operations staff and equipment will be utilized to maintain existing areas in a different manner.