Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 529

O. Peterson (113.5 ac.)
Managed by: Natural Areas Division, Kentucky Division of Forestry
The Peterson tract was obtained by Metro Parks and Recreation in 2008 with funding
from the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund . It is jointly managed by the Natural
Areas Division and the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF). Most notable on the property are
the Black Walnut groves for which Mr. Peterson, the previous owner, planted to honor of his
daughter who had died at an early age. These trees have been planted as a tree plantation in
straight rows along the west, north and east boundaries of the property. The walnut groves make
up around 55 acres of the 66.4 acres of woodlands found on the tract.
KDF has carried out some work to control some woody invasive shrubs and vines on the
property. This work has concentrated mostly on the walnut grove areas, removing Wintercreeper
and Bush Honeysuckle.
The property is bounded along its north and east boundaries by Floyd’s Fork. This is a
significant length of river front at 0.7 miles. The woodlands are well established along the river
and they provide a wide riparian buffer with the minimum width being 255 ft. and most areas
providing a much wider buffer.
Thirteen acres of hydric soils are found along the southern end of the property. Also
along the southern end of the property is a railroad track which bisects the southern portion of
the tract from the larger northern acreages.
The 40 acres of grassy meadows on the property have a fairly good mix of grasses and
forbs. Most of these meadow areas are managed as meadow habitat as the KDF carries out
annual stip-mowing to maintain the meadows in this habitat stage. The KDF has also begun
planting some of the open meadows with certain oak species including Swamp Chestnut Oak for
the purpose of collection of acorns for tree propagation for their tree seedling program.
The KDF has developed a resource management plan for the property. This should be
the guiding source for future resource management on the site (Peterson FRMP, 2015).
i. Desired future condition
Preserve and protect each of the habitat areas advancing the woodland areas to a more
mature state.
ii. Goals
1. Invasive plant control through removal of existing stands of invasive plants and
preventing development of new problem areas. Continue to develop nursery stock for
seed/acorn production.
2. Continue meadow maintenance regime to encourage a diversity of plants and animals.
iii. Standards
Maintain the woodland buffers, walnut groves, meadow habitats, wetland and riparian
areas with good habitat management practices including strip-mowing, and invasive plant
removal as necessary.
iv. Concerns
This property may eventually be sought by The Parklands of Floyd’s Fork and it would
see a large increase in public usage. The Parklands have a proven commitment to protecting,
preserving and enhancing resources for wildlife diversity, so we would expect them to be a good
steward of this tract.
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