Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 479

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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