A MODEST PROPOSAL

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RAVINE CONSERVANCY AREA, 6TH AND MANYPENNY AVE....

...VIEW FROM 5TH ST.

Tuesday, 8:45 AM.  6o degrees F at the ferry dock, 56 on the back porch.  Wind variable but mostly from the N and breezy.  The barometer is at 30.05" and rising.  Predictions are for cooler temperatures and clear skies with a chance of showers on Friday and Saturday, then clearing again.
   Fall colors will be a bit late this year because of all the rain, but day length will prevail.  I heard high-flying migrating geese this morning.

   The Common Council votes today on the following proposal, which if approved will be presented to the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, where it stands a good chance of acceptance.  It would be a worth-while undertaking for all concerned.

A PROPOSAL FOR A

CITY OF BAYFIELD

RAVINE RESTORATION AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

  The City of Bayfield has numerous conservancy areas that have been set aside from development and from most uses.  They are located primarily in areas subject to erosion or flooding, such as ravines and steep bluffs.

  Established after the disastrous flood of 1942, these conservancy areas function well, but are problematical from an aesthetic and safety standpoint, harboring much dangerous dead wood and many invasive species, and are the subject of continuing citizen complaints concerning their appearance, function and use.

   It is proposed that the Chamber of Commerce, at the request of the Mayor and Common Council, undertake and fund a study, and a subsequent plan and the  implementation thereof, of a Ravine Restoration And Demonstration Project  to be used as a model for further projects in Bayfield and other communities.  Such a model would prove extremely useful in applying for future grant funding, as well as answer many ongoing complaints.

   The model would include proper removal of dead and dangerous wood, the identification, removal and control of invasive species, and the planting of such native trees and shrubs as necessary to increase the ecological diversity, improve the erosion control, and immeasurably enhance the aesthetics of conservancy areas.

   If approved, the project would begin with a public presentation this winter that would be informative, and also seek feedback from citizens and City and Chamber officials.  The next step would be developing a work plan for acceptance by the City and Chamber, complete with a not-to-exceed cost.  The project would be completed by July 4, 2017.

Respectfully submitted, 

Dr. Arthur H. Ode, Jr.
Doing Business As

Art Ode

Horticulture Consultant

9/07/16

 

TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!