Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 538

R. Seneca Park (123.4 ac.)
Managed by: Operations Division,Olmstead Parks Conservancy
Seneca Park, excluding Seneca Golf Course is dissected into three nearly equal
fragments. Interstate 64 and the golf course divide these areas. The Olmstead Parks
Conservancy has carried out invasive vegetation management to a high degree in the park and
continues to follow up as necessary to prevent re-infestations. The tree canopy and
grassland/low vegetation habitats make up just a bit more than 50 acres each. It may also be
beneficial to allow much of the mowed area to return to a meadow ecosystem or eventually
forest habitat. Despite it being a small natural resource fragment, Seneca Park is within the
habitat range for the Branched Three-Awn Grass, Pickerel-Weed, Allegheny Chinquapin, and the
historic range of the Louisville Cave Beetle. In addition, Seneca has been the site of one U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency grant which addressed water quality in Beargrass Creek.
About 0.6 mile of the park borders Beargrass Creek and additional protection measures like
increased woodland riparian buffer could be established to improve water quality in the creek.
i. Desired future condition
Grasslands will be improved to increase the diversity of native plant species supporting
habitat for bees and butterflies. Woodland buffers along Beargrass Creek will be increased to
cool the stream and positively impact water quality.
ii. Goals
1. Continue woodland health prescription to keep woody invasive plants from re-
establishing.
2. Increase the buffer zones of riparian woodlands as appropriate
3. Incrementally work on creating diverse native meadows for wildlife habitat.
iii. Standards
Carry out woodland restoration work in all woodlands removing non-native woody
invasive plant species using proven techniques. Establish annual monitoring and follow-up
prescriptions to prevent re-infestations. Install native trees and shrubs as part of woodland
restoration planting plant to create a more intact woodland buffer along Beargrass Creek.
iv. Concerns
Seneca Park sees a high amount of public use. The public use areas will need to be
evaluated carefully considered as habitat management work proceeds.
90