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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEAC Minutes Dec 2025Minutes of the Ecological Advocacy Committee (EAC) Meeting on December 1st, 2025 Committee Members Present: Andy Schnabel (Chair) Charlene Rountree (Vice-Chair) Andrew Tucker Brian Will John Hamilton Clay Kusbach Kevin Price Others Present: Garry Harrington – VPA, Director of Rum Village Nature Center Brent Thompson – VPA, City Forester Macey Hanna – VPA, Director of Recreation Michael Schmidt – Attorney, City of South Bend I.  Call to Order – Meeting at Rum Village Nature Center at 8:37am. II. Approval of Minutes Brian W. moved to approve the minutes of October 27th, 2025.  John H. seconded. The motion passed unanimously. III. Old Business Committee Reports Aquatic Resources Assessment Subcommittee Charlene R. updated that a short methodology outline has been compiled and uploaded to the EAC G-Drive Field Research folder for the committee to review.  The subcommittee plans on expanding on this in 2026 as its main focus then. 35th St. Wetlands Subcommittee Andrew T. completed a comprehensive proposal for VPA to consider regarding future plans and goals for this property.  Park Specific Management Plan Subcommittee John Martinez mentioned to Clay K. that he was not aware of the free signage available from Indiana DNR.  Garry H. could coordinate EAC with VPA in acquiring this free resource to fulfill VPA signage requests of the committee without any costs.  Education Subcommittee Brian W. brought up the upcoming February 7th, 2026 event called Science Alive.  It’s on a Saturday from 10am to 4pm and is an opportunity for the EAC to promote tree canopy projects as well as more awareness of the 35th St. Wetland property.  Andy S. suggested a winter tree identification educational presentation as a hands-on illustration avenue to the public. Brian W. will register the committee for this event.  Canada Goose Signage Indiana DNR has free signage options to provide for VPA’s requests on this.  IV. New Business 35th St. Wetland proposal John H. thanked Andrew T. for his efforts on compiling the Good, Better, and Best proposal for 35th St. Wetland. Andrew T. and Michael S. discussed how our committee can motion for the proposal to be submitted once a final iteration has been compiled to Macey H. Then, Public Works as a department could consider priorities involved for 35th St. Wetland to be treated as a formal park property.  Brian W. moved for the proposal to be submitted to Macey H. as revised.  John H. seconded.  Garry H. will send this proposal to Macey H.  EAC Meeting Dates and Times Andrew S. reiterated discussion on any proposed changes to meeting days.  The 2026 dates were updated to be all on Mondays after review.  The committee will maintain Mondays at 8:30am for 2026.  Annual Report Andy S. will put together the Annual Report for the EAC for the Park Board.  He will compile a list of highlights for the year of what was accomplished on subcommittees, educational events, and major projects for VPA such as the Canada Goose signage.  V. VPA and City Updates Maddie with VPA ground crew updated on how over 336 shrubs were planted in wet zones and 225 dry area plants were planted in 2025.  Invasive plant removal continues and the nursey development continues.   Brent T. explained that the tree nursery development is delayed due to the nursery sight soil depth being not as anticipated.  He and Barbara D. are collaborating on some solutions to this location issue.  VI. Miscellaneous Garry H. is meeting with Indiana DNR regarding nuisance crows in South Bend, IN.  Farewell to Kevin P. and Ronda S. from our committee for the end of 2025! VII. Privilege of the Floor None Noted. Action Items Garry H. to coordinate with John Martinez on acquiring free park signage from Indiana DNR as Clay K. was presenting as no-cost opportunities.  Brian W. will register the EAC for the February 7th, 2026 Science Alive event. Garry H. can coordinate with Macey Hanna on providing a budget for the EAC to have a formal tablecloth visual aid for educational events and booths.  Eco Owl can locally provide sustainably created signage and brochures, too.  Garry H. to send the 35th St. Wetland Good, Better, and Best proposal to Macey H. as revised.  The next meeting will be on Monday, January 12th, 2026; 8:30 am at Rum Village. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 am.