Council approved phase one of the proposed Willow Park Natural Area project at tonight’s Regular Council meeting. It allows Administration to move forward with maintenance changes set to begin this fall.

Greg Zirk, Manager of Operations, says, “The leaves are falling and with the change of season, it is time to move forward with the Willow Park Natural Area Project.” Zirk goes on to say, “the project consists of two phases: Phase One, which includes mechanical cutting of most non-forested areas of the park on a weekly basis, and Phase Two, which includes the development of an Urban Forestry Strategy in 2020.”

As a requirement of the Weed Act, the Town has maintained the Willow Park Natural Area by cutting grass once per year to control noxious weeds. This cutting has been routinely guided by the Migratory Bird Act to reduce environmental impact, and native species have been planted in the area to encourage a natural, sustainable ecosystem; however, the noxious weeds have taken over much of the grass area and continue to burden forestation.

The Willow Park Natural Area Project aims to assist the urban greenspace in growing into a sustainable environment not impeded by noxious weeds. With mechanical cutting in non-forested areas, Phase One will:

  • allow natural grasses to overtake the noxious weeds;
  • prevent noxious weeds from spreading further within the park as well as beyond the park;
  • increase the accessibility of many areas of the park allowing for better public use;
  • preserve the existing biodiversity by better protecting the forested areas from the spread of noxious weeds; and
  • prepare the area for the natural increase of dense forestation to improve wildlife habitat and the long-term sustainable growth of the forested areas of the park.


The result of a year of mechanical cutting will be similar to the area currently being maintained by the Town as seen in the picture above.

 

“After about a year of work, the Willow Park Natural Area will be a park that is not only a healthier environment, but also a more inviting greenspace for residents,” says Zirk. “In the second phase of the project, we will be inviting the community to offer feedback and get involved with the 2020 Urban Forestry Strategy Project. We know our community has many environmental leaders, and we hope they will work with us to tackle this project.”

Phase Two of the Willow Park Natural Area Project will be initiated in 2020 in the form of an Urban Forestry Strategy. This strategy will outline a policy framework for the long-term management of urban forest resources. This phase will include public engagement to assist with defining the scope of the plan and outlining proper naturalization techniques for natural areas within the Town.

 

“Taking care of our environment and maintaining greenspaces in our town is incredibly important to us. We know that members of our community are passionate about environmental stewardship, and the Town strives to pursue responsible environmental practices and engage our community to create green solutions together,” Mayor William Choy expresses.

 

Want to know more about the Willow Park Natural Area Project? Read the full report on pages 136-164 of tonight’s Council Agenda package.  

Willow Park Natural Area