Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 518

K. Iroquois Park (590.9 ac.)
Managed by: Operations Division, Olmstead Parks Conservancy
Iroquois Park, located in western Jefferson County, is comprised of a golf course to the
north (not included in listed acreage) and a southern forested area. This park is an island of forest
within a sea of high density suburban neighborhoods. A 21 acre grassland area consisting of a
restored prairie with interspersed small ponds designed to slow the flow of water from the park
during rain events is found at the top of Iroquois Hill. It also has a significant forest ecosystem of
nearly 500 acres. This forested area is only slightly fragmented - much less than Cherokee.
Iroquois contains an intermittent wetland/riparian area along Pond Creek on the southern
boundary. Iroquois Park is also the ideal habitat for many rare and threatened species, including
the Northern Oak Hairstreak, Kirtland's Snake, and the Branched Three-Awn Grass.
The “Louisville Olmstead Parks Conservancy and Parkways Master Plan” (1994)
addresses many of the natural resource management goals for Iroquois Park and this should be
the guiding document for future land management projects.
i. Desired future condition
As Iroquois is home to rare and/or endangered plants and animals, it is imperative for its
forest and riparian ecosystems to be protected. Iroquois has been the site of two U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency grants which provided funding to restore ponds and stabilize
trails and slopes in an effort to improve water quality.
ii. Goals
1. To protect the riparian area along Pond Creek.
2. To protect the forest ecosystem.
3. To remove invasive species while simultaneously fostering native plant
reintroductions.
4. 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
The labor involved for both the invasive species removal is a major concern.
Additionally, due to the high density of suburban neighborhoods surrounding the park, it may be
difficult to maintain or improve water quality and enhance the forest ecosystem within the park.
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