Meeting Minutes 2-16-2010

Friends of Stone Park
Meeting Minutes
2-16-2010

Present: Zac and Chris Chwirka, Ally Garthright, Bob and Phyllis Nickolson, Bernie Hoversten, Dale Brumm, Kevin Pape, Jim Redmond, Mike Moore, and Warren Dunkle.
Memorial Mile:
Zac and Ally have been talking with the city to see about restoring this project. Several avenues still to be looked into at this point. One of the next steps is to speak with the landowners along the way and see if they would support this project. Instead of the original Elms being planted again we are looking at a smaller tree such as the Prairiefire crabapple.
Botany:
A botanist from the IA DNR contacted Kevin and advised he has found information about a previous botanist named Hayden that discovered a plant in Stone Park in 1936 that is now on the endangered species list. The original plant was documented by Hayden as growing by a school house, which is believed to have been the Boys of ’68 building. Kevin advised this plant still grows in the park and is located in the newly acquired addition of the park just above Hwy 12 by Riverside.
Rezoning Issue:
On February 2, 2010 an article appeared in the Sioux City Journal about the rezoning of a section below the park on Hwy 12 right at the edge of Riverside. The city is being asked to rezone this section of land to be light commercial. A portion of the park is directly above this section of land. Concerns were raised about this affecting the aspects of the land along this area if it is changed to light industrial and what may occur in the future. Planning and Zoning are holding a meeting on March 9, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Members from Friends are encouraged to attend and voice their concern. A motion was made to have the Friends speak. The motion carried by members present and Zac Chwirka will speak on behalf of the Friends group. The meeting was not held on Feb. 23rd.
Earth Fest:
Earth Fest will take place at Morningside College in the Greenspace on April 10th, 2010, rain or shine, from Noon until Dark. This is a free event and people are encouraged to bring picnics and blankets and enjoy the day of music and friendship. Several local bands and talent will be entertaining all through the day.
Jim Redmond and Mike Moore requested a monetary donation from the Friends to help defray the costs of sound and stage equipment. A motion was made to donate $200.00. The motion carried. The Friends will be setting up a table with Friends information and t-shirts for sale. Please stop by and visit!

Leave A Legacy Program:
Kevin suggested that the Friends group possibly look into what it takes to be placed on the Leave A Legacy Program. Chris volunteered to check it out.

Ranger Report:
They have been working on the Eco-System Management plan. They are investigating many options and possible plans.
The oldest Bur Oak tree in the park is from approximately 1796. Not many new oaks are growing due to the lack of areas with full sun. A future plan may include some clear cuttings and planting in areas to reestablish the Bur Oak population. This is discussion and no plans are under way at this time.

Hope to see you at the next meeting on April 13th, 2010, 7:00 p.m., at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Please spread the word and come and see what we are about. You do not have to be a member to attend.

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Kevin Pape
Park Ranger
Stone State Park
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
(712) 255-4698