HomeMy WebLinkAboutEAC Meeting Minutes_December 2024Minutes of the Ecological Advocacy Committee (EAC) Meeting on December 2nd, 2024
Committee Members Present:
Andy Schnabel (Chair)
Charlene Rountree (Secretary)
Andrew Tucker
Lori Checkley
Ronda Spaulding
Brian Will
Kevin Price
Others Present:
Garry Harrington — VPA, Rum Village Park Property Manager
Brent Thompson – VPA, City Forester
Barbara Dale – Project Manager, Office of Sustainability
Mary Wojcik – Horticulturist, VPA
I. Call to Order – Meeting at Rum Village Nature Center at 8:32 am.
II. Approval of Minutes
Brian Will moved to approve the minutes of the October 28, 2024 meeting as modified. Andrew Tucker seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
III. Old Business
USDA Forestry Project Update
Barbara Dale let us know that although not much new was occurring, all of the planned and scheduled activities are occurring as anticipated. Tree plantings and growing methods are being
reviewed. Nursery visits in the area are being set for 2025 prior to the tree order arriving. The entire crew is compiling all specific locations in the city where trees would be
needed and are working with Brent Thompson on this.
The committee suggested the 35 St. Wetland area as an option for tree plantings. Additionally, coordination with local organizations and universities to gather organized groups of volunteers
for regular plantings and waterings was discussed.
Horticultural Summation of 2024 and Anticipation of 2025 Projects
Mary Wojcik provided a summary of what occurred as horticultural projects for 2024. For 2025, her crew continues to follow standard herbicide application and invasive plant removal
efforts. Chemical herbicide is being used in winter for Reed Canary and Tree of Heaven removal.
Andrew Tucker shared more regarding the history and classification of 35 St. Wetland, especially with respect to information provided by Emersyn Harriman of IDEM. The committee
was given even more background context regarding the wetland status of this unofficial property area.
Wildlife Coexistence Plan (WCP) Directive
Charlene Rountree presented a first draft of a brief WCP directive to be provided to Director Gathers for comment and review. Barbara Dale and Brent Thompson suggested edits and wording
changes for increased readability and VPA considerations with routine maintenance requirements.
IV. New Business
Environmental Research Coalition Symposium
Barbara Dale provided information on research institutes and summer projects for public awareness. The purpose of these is to encourage educational awareness of these multi-field efforts
towards comprehensive environmental stewardship and problem-solving.
Weed Wrangle #3
Ronda Spaulding has established a monthly invasive plant removal gathering for Rum Village park property. This regular event will meet every 4th Friday from 10am to 12pm. They are
making a lot of progress and hope to incorporate outside volunteer groups such as #4Michiana from Granger Community Church as an example.
Many committee members plan to participate in 2025. Most of the plants being focused on are: honeysuckle, Tree of Heaven, and bittersweet.
Assorted Topics
Andy Schnabel opened the discussion on what projects to consider focusing on and accomplishing for 2025. These should be refined in the upcoming January 2025 committee meeting. These
project ideas will most likely include weed wrangle events, Tree Grant advice, tree water plans for 2025, 35 St. Wetland progress with a small budget, outreach to traditional and nontraditional
volunteer groups, and subcommittee organization. Andy Schnabel will prepare a year-end report of EAC activities for the Board of Park Commissioners, and will summarize that report
for them at the December 15 meeting.
V. VPA and City Updates
Mary Wojcik let the committee know that in 2024, more than 24,451 native or non-invasive plants have been planted among all of the public park properties. Habitat restoration success!
VI. Miscellaneous
Although long belated, Garry Harrington presented the committee with the “Outstanding Partner Recognition” award from November 20, 2023 for the EAC from VPA. The committee received
a formal certificate and sign to hang. Wonderful news!
Garry Harrington also informed the committee about which members will not be returning and how we have new ones pending.
Action Items
Compile a list of suggested non-profits, ecologically orientated, religious, and educational institutions that organized volunteers could be gathered from to benefit the tree canopy
efforts with the USDA Forestry Project and invasive plant removals such as Rum Village’s Weed Wrangle, and 35 St. Wetland clean up efforts.
The entire committee is encouraged to consider ideas for 2025 committee projects.
Charlene Rountree will edit the WCP draft for a final draft review for committee vote in January 2025.
Next meeting will be Monday, January 13, 2025; 8:30 am at Rum Village
Meeting was adjourned at 9:52 am