Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 489

6. Spring re-stocking with appropriate fish species, with an
emphasis on native fish species;
7. Monthly algae monitoring;
8. Tissue sampling in lakes with water quality issues;
9. Shocking the lake to determine diversity of aquatic species;
10. Initiate study on the sources of contamination and excessive
fertilization;
11. Eradication of invasive aquatic plants using proven, safe
methods.
B. Future recommendations
To further promote the health of recreational water bodies in Metro Parks and Recreation,
the focus must be shifted from basic invasive animal/plant removal and fish stock maintenance to
water quality and enhancement of natural aquatic and riparian ecosystems. This shift will likely
include conducting scientific analysis of where and how pollutants are entering lakes and ponds.
Clearly, partnerships with Metro Sewer District (MSD) and the University of Louisville would
help in both building the infrastructure of water quality improvement (i.e. storm water
management) and the scientific knowledge to direct future park policies. Similarly, transferring
both the responsibility of pond/lake maintenance from Dr. Mesude Duyar, a forestry expert, to a
trained hydrologist will also improve the capacity of Metro Parks and Recreation to improve and
maintain water quality. A possible solution is to hire a hydrologist on contract to work under Dr.
Duyar's guidance.
6. Environmental education and outreach
Metro Parks and Recreation recognizes that the protection and maintenance of natural
resources will only be successful if the citizenry of Louisville and Jefferson County are active
partners. Thus, an active environmental education and outreach campaign is needed. Natural
resource management and protection could be emphasized in existing programs for both the
primary and secondary level of public schools. In addition, targeted essay and/or art contests
focusing on natural resources in Metro Parks and Recreation could be developed for elementary
and middle school students. A few internships from the University of Louisville have taken place
in the last five years where the students have assisted in land management work within t he
Natural Areas division. These have been seen as very beneficial to both the students and Metro
Parks and Recreation. In 2016, two additional college interns will be assisting in biological
inventory and detailed trail conditions mapping within the Natural Areas Division. Metro Parks
and Recreation should continue to provide internship opportunities for students in GIS, forestry,
environmental science, and environmental education/public relations. The ultimate mission of
these internships would be to enhance Metro Parks and Recreation's ability to document,
manage, and promote natural resources.
The environmental education campaign must also reach beyond the student population of
Louisville and Jefferson County. To effectively notify the public of the natural resource wealth
within Metro Parks and Recreation, new signage within the parks could be carefully positioned
to highlight the biodiversity, rare ecosystems, riparian areas, etc. Volunteer programs like the
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