Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 504

E. Cherokee Park (317.8 ac.)
Managed by: Operations Division,Olmstead Parks Conservancy
Cherokee Park has over 100 acres of forest and nearly ten acres of riparian areas along
the Muddy Fork of Beargrass Creek. However, the forest in Cherokee Park is highly fragmented
- divided by parkways, I-64, and maintenance roads. In addition, the western part of the park is a
golf course, which has the potential to introduce many fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides into
the natural resource areas. Cherokee Park is also the ideal habitat for many rare and threatened
species, including the Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, Kirtland's Snake, Allegheny Chinquapin,
Branched Three-awn Grass, Carolina Fanwort, Pickerel-weed, Running Buffalo Clover, and the
historic habitat of the Louisville Cave Beetle.
The “Hogan Fountain Area Master Plan” (2010) and “Louisville Olmstead Parks
Conservancy and Parkways Master Plan” (1994) address many of the natural resource
management issues of Cherokee park including woodlands, soils, and trails. This should be the
source of guidance for resource management within Cherokee Park.
i. Desired future condition
As Cherokee is home to rare and/or endangered plants and animals, it is imperative for its
forest and riparian ecosystems to be protected. Currently, Cherokee is the site of three U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency grants which seek to protect and restore ponds, woodlands,
and Beargrass Creek in an effort to improve water quality.
ii. Goals
1. To protect the riparian areas along the Muddy Fork of Beargrass Creek;
2. To remove invasive species while simultaneously fostering native plants
reintroduction.
3. Protection of rare and threatened species.
iii. Standards
The riparian area must be protected by a buffer zone, where native vegetation is favored
and mowing is prohibited. The existing forest ecosystem must also be protected and enhanced
where possible.
iv. Concerns
A major challenge to protection of natural areas within Cherokee Park is its high
fragmentation from transportation infrastructure. Animals, and potentially visitors, may find it
difficult to cross existing roads. Additionally, the prevalence of invasive species makes
enhancing and protecting the riparian and forest ecosystems difficult as well.
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