Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 56

In addition to the Ohio River corridor, the KSNPC’s database documents a number of
rare species reported along stream corridors in Louisville. These include 14 occurrences (rare
fish and plant species and the federally endangered Indiana bat) recorded for the Floyds Fork
corridor and its tributary streams. A unique natural community (calcareous mesophytic forest) is
located along Goose Creek in the northeastern part of the County.
The Natural Heritage Program’s database records only known occurrences of
threatened, endangered, and special concern plant and animal species. Areas for which no
occurrences have been recorded to date may harbor rare species if suitable habitat exists. As
noted in the 1992 report State of Kentucky’s Environment:
The most critical element needed to protect rare, threatened, and endangered species is
undisturbed habitat in which they can live and reproduce.⁹
As an example, Iroquois Park offers excellent potential roosting sites for the federally
endangered Indiana bat and the northern long-eared bat, a state listed species of special
concern, and may support a remnant population of the federally endangered running buffalo
clover. However, additional field surveys are needed to document the potential occurrence of
these species in the area.⁹
Kentucky Glade Cress at McNeely Lake Park
Metro Parks Natural Areas Region staff tracks a
total of 18 animal and plant species that are listed by
the Kentucky State Nature Preserves as Endangered,
Threatened and Special Concern Plants, Animals and
Natural Communities. These species have been
documented in McNeely Lake Park, Jefferson Memorial
Forest, Beargrass Creek, Caperton Swamp, Kulmer
Beach and Waverly Park. One of these includes a
globally rare plant species, Kentucky Glade Cress, which
occurs in McNeely Lake Park.
C.4 Cultural and Historic Resources
The wealth of Louisville’s cultural resources is indicated by over 500 National Register of
Historic Places properties and 44 National Register Historic Districts. In addition, there are 83
Locally Designated Landmarks and 7 Local Preservation Districts.
Parks and Recreation System Master Plan | III. CONTEXT AND COMMUNITY INVENTORY
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