Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 488

- Provide appropriate staff and resources, both in the planting of trees and the monitoring of
forests
- Plant long-lived trees in all natural resource parks, fragments, and other Metro Parks and
Recreation properties
- Select planting sites appropriately, adapting to urban, suburban, and rural park settings
- Plant trees with appropriate techniques, always aiming to reduce impact on surrounding
ecosystem
- Keep good records
- Apply maintenance standards for tree care and land management
- Coordinate park uses to ensure long tree life
Table 12. Tree commandments for improving the management of forested areas.
5. Water bodies
A. Fishing lakes and ponds
Metro Parks and Recreation manages nearly 70 acres of lakes and ponds which provide
park users the opportunity to enjoy a nearby fishing experience or to enjoy other wildlife found
in and around them. The Forestry Division under Dr. Mesude Duyar, has overseen vegetation
management in these ponds and lakes for the last several years. A 2015 agreement between
Metro Parks and Recreation and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife gives KDFWR
management responsibilities over the fish stock within Metro Parks and Recreation lakes. In all
there are ten water bodies in this management agreement (Table 13).
Pond Name
Area (acres)
Cherokee
4.6
Chickasaw
1.6
Fisherman
15.2
Long Run
28.7
Thurman Hutchins
3.4
Tom Wallace
5.4
Vettiner
1.2
Watterson
4.1
Waverly
5.3
Total
69.5
Table 13. Fishery Ponds and Lakes.
After three years of research and three years of caring for these lakes and ponds, Dr.
Mesude Duyar created policy recommendations to ensure the health and appearance of Metro
Parks and Recreation water bodies (Duyar, 2003). The following actionable recommendations
were presented to Metro Parks and Recreation administration in 2003.
1. Map water depth in each lake or pond;
2. Monitor conditions via annual sediment sampling;
3. Analysis of water sources;
4. Annual water quality and clarity testing (or as needed for
smaller water bodies);
5. Monitoring and prevention of shoreline erosion;
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