Biodiversity Management Practice 4 : Create and maintain a dynamic Rare and Threatened Species and Ecosystems GIS . In order to safely manage biodiversity in the Parks system , identifying areas with rare and threatened species is the first standard . Working with the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission ( KYSNPC ), a map of known locations of rare and threatened species and ecosystems will be produced . The Rare and Threatened Species GIS will identify areas and potential habitats ( NOT exact locations ) of these species . Additionally , a field book and database are being created so that Parks staff can identify areas needing protection before construction of or maintenance to trails , easements , etc . In the future , Parks will strive to possess GPS locations of all rare and threatened species and ecosystems on managed lands . It is important to note that this biodiversity data must be kept confidential to properly manage and protect threatened and endangered plants , animals , and ecosystems . The Natural Areas Division maintains a GIS database of , rare , threatened and endangered species occurrences within its managed areas . It is intended that this database will be expanded to include occurrences within other parks it does not currently manage .
Biodiversity Management Practice 5 : Restoration of native plant species in all natural resource parks . By using an ecosystem approach to preserving biodiversity ( Franklin , 1993 ), Metro Parks and Recreation will work to restore native plant species . Fundamentally , a functioning ecosystem with native flora will attract native fauna . In addition to prohibiting the future introduction of exotic and invasive species into natural resource parks and areas , it is also important to implement an active campaign of restoring native plant species . This is as simple as removing invasives . However , it is also necessary to establish strong working relationships with local nurseries that grow native plants , sponsoring native tree / shrub planting events , and encouraging propagation of native ecotype plant species from seed or cutting from Metro Parks and Recreation properties .
5 . Erosion Control
Soil erosion is defined as " the loss of soil by the actions of water , ice , gravity , or wind , and includes both the detachment and transportation " ( New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development , 2004 : 3 ) of soils and soil particles , sometimes referred to as sedimentation . Many areas in Metro Parks and Recreation are susceptible to soil erosion and therefore are in need of erosion control strategies ( Table 9 ). For example , the Natural Areas Division manages over 50 miles of hiking trails . Additionally , with numerous horse trails , roads , and riparian areas , controlling erosion affects all natural resource parks and fragments . Current bank side and floodplain development , sewer line adjustments , and trail construction within Metro Parks and Recreation must comply with the Louisville-Jefferson County Erosion and Sedimentation Prevention Ordinance , which is enforced by MSD ( MSD , 2005 ). Clearly , erosion control is a serious consideration for any public land management agency . The following management practices are necessary to implement erosion control strategies .
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