Nature Preserves Park Classification (NPTF)

BACKGROUND
The Nature Preserve Task Force was formed in early 2010 in response to City Council's October 7, 2009 resolution directing the Parks and Recreation staff to:

A. Develop criteria for determining which City of Raleigh parks should be classified as "Nature Parks and Preserves" and

B. Provide a list of parks that meet the criteria and are recommended for reclassification.

The ad hoc Task Force, supported by appropriate subject matter experts as resources, consisted of six group members - two PRGAB members, two citizen members of the Wake Nature Preserves Partnership, and two staff members from the Parks & Recreation Department. The Nature Preserve Task Force's mission was to come up with definitions and criteria to categorize Raleigh's existing parks into a new classification entitled "Nature Preserve". Eleven monthly meetings were held between February 2010 and February 2011. After a year of iterative discussions, the group has prepared a report and unanimous recommendations for consideration by the PRGAB, the public, and City Council.

The report makes eight recommendations including reclassification of four Raleigh Parks from their current park classification of Metro or Special Park to Nature Preserve. They are:

1. Durant Nature Park (Metro Park Classification)
2. Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve Park (Special Park Classification)
3. Horseshoe Farm Park (Special Park Classification)
4. Lake Johnson Park, only the Southern portion (Metro Park Classification)

Metro Park Classification is defined in the 2004 Park Plan and the 2030 Comprehensive Plan as having, "a regional or thematic focus" and "...a LOS of 4.2 acres per 1,000 population. Metro Parks may include natural areas, athletic complexes, as well as parks centered on lakes and incorporating greenways and boat rental facilities."

Special Park Classification is defined in the 2004 Park Plan and the 2030 Comprehensive Plan as having, "a single or unique aspect, such as significant natural features or athletic or performance venues" and "do not have a LOS guideline. Acquisition and/or development
of these parks depend on availability of land, funds and opportunities that may arise."

Nature Preserve Park Classification is recommended to be defined as, "entire park units that contain examples of high quality plant or animal populations, natural communities, landscapes or ecosystems, documented by subject matter experts through local or state programs that contribute to biodiversity and environmental health. The size of a Nature Preserve should be sufficient to buffer, conserve and protect the target element or area. Efforts should be made to protect and manage significant natural resources in these areas thorugh stewardship and best-practice management that do not degrade the resources present. Opportunities for the public enjoyment of the natural resource based recreation and enviornmental education may be provided that are compatible with the protection and enhancement of the Nature Preserve and the nature experience."

STATUS
The DRAFT Report and Recommendations are available for public review and the Appendix includes all public comment received to date. Find the report to the right under Related Information.

Presentations on the report were made at four CACs during March and April and to the Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board (PRGAB). The report went forward to City Council for review and adoption at its June 21st meeting. The report and its recommendations were adopted and approved by Council at its July 5th meeting.

SCHEDULE
RCAC: Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Introduce Project to PRGAB: Thursday, March 17, 2011
North CAC: Tuesday, April 7, 2011
Northwest/Umstead CAC: Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Northeast CAC: Thursday, April 14, 2011
West CAC: Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Presentation to PRGAB: Thursday, April 28, 2011
PRGAB Discussion, Recommendation,and Adoption: Thursday, May 19, 2011
City Council Presentation: Tuesday, June 21, 2011