uReport

City of Bloomington, Indiana

closed: Resolved #203385

Trails:

Other: I would like to request that the "volunteer" workers that are cutting new trails into a state-designated nature preserve across from my home be stopped immediately. The state designates "nature preserve" land to be preserved for natural ecological functions. It's the highest protection the state can place on natural land. These "volunteers" are cutting new trails which increases the spread of invasive species. The ecological integrity of these precious few acres is already compromised by the proximity to homes and these new and poorly designed trails are adding to the stress and degradation of this natural space. They are using lawn mowers and power tools which disrupt nesting bird habitats. They cut one Asian Honeysuckle allowing several more to take its place. Trash bags with refuse are left for weeks by these volunteers. I understand that the intentions are to remove invasives but what is actually occurring does nothing but spread the same invasives. It is a misguided effort and needs to cease immediately. I have a Master's degree in Park and Public Land Management from IU and have seen this happen numerous times in other locations. In this case it seems that a small group of volunteers desired a walking trail next to their neighborhood and began "volunteering" to create these trails. While not a big deal on private land, these particular lands are designated by the state for the highest protection possible. I would be more than happy to discuss this further and suggest some alternative activities for this group of volunteers. You have my email and I hope we can come to a resolution that will stop the infringement of these state-protected lands. Thank you for your time.

Assigned to
Joanna Sparks

History

8/8/2025 16:44:16 Closed by Joanna Sparks

Thank you for your uReport regarding your concerns about the volunteer invasive plant management efforts occurring at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve (GLNP) along Dunn Street in the utility right-of-way areas along the western boundary of the State Dedicated Griffy Woods Nature Preserve. These volunteer activities are guided by the BPRD Urban Greenspace Outreach Team which hosts regular volunteer weed wrangle events and guides the Adopt-a-Greenspace (AAG) volunteer invasive plant management efforts at most BPRD managed properties, including GLNP. Note that the AAG volunteers at GLNP are not authorized to perform management activities within the State Dedicated Griffy Woods Nature Preserve. Their efforts are to be limited to the utility right-of-way along Dunn Street that is not included in the IDNR managed Nature Preserve. BPRD staff recently met with the GLNP volunteers to review volunteer guidelines regarding approved management practices and to review the AAG parcel boundaries. As required by the IDNR, the Nature Preserve has signs posted along its boundary to clearly define the area serves and to reinforce this information. Moving forward, the BPRD Natural Resources staff will assist the Urban Greenspace Outreach staff with monitoring for future unapproved activities in this area. Thank you for valuing the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve and for sharing your concerns about possible harm, however "good intentioned". Know that BPRD staff value the GLNP property immensely and appreciate your input.

Sent notification to Joanna Sparks, Anonymous
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=203385 Closed by Joanna Sparks Thank you for your uReport regarding your concerns about the volunteer invasive plant management efforts occurring at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve (GLNP) along Dunn Street in the utility right-of-way areas along the western boundary of the State Dedicated Griffy Woods Nature Preserve. These volunteer activities are guided by the BPRD Urban Greenspace Outreach Team which hosts regular volunteer weed wrangle events and guides the Adopt-a-Greenspace (AAG) volunteer invasive plant management efforts at most BPRD managed properties, including GLNP. Note that the AAG volunteers at GLNP are not authorized to perform management activities within the State Dedicated Griffy Woods Nature Preserve. Their efforts are to be limited to the utility right-of-way along Dunn Street that is not included in the IDNR managed Nature Preserve. BPRD staff recently met with the GLNP volunteers to review volunteer guidelines regarding approved management practices and to review the AAG parcel boundaries. As required by the IDNR, the Nature Preserve has signs posted along its boundary to clearly define the area serves and to reinforce this information. Moving forward, the BPRD Natural Resources staff will assist the Urban Greenspace Outreach staff with monitoring for future unapproved activities in this area. Thank you for valuing the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve and for sharing your concerns about possible harm, however "good intentioned". Know that BPRD staff value the GLNP property immensely and appreciate your input.

6/13/2025 10:00:49 Rebecca Swift assigned this case to Joanna Sparks

Can you please confirm that this is not the work of our AAGS volunteers?

Sent notification to Joanna Sparks, Anonymous
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=203385 Rebecca Swift assigned this case to Joanna Sparks You can use the link to follow progress on this case. Can you please confirm that this is not the work of our AAGS volunteers?

6/13/2025 09:50:19 Tim Street assigned this case to Rebecca Swift

Sent notification to Rebecca Swift, Anonymous
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=203385 Tim Street assigned this case to Rebecca Swift You can use the link to follow progress on this case.

6/13/2025 09:36:16 Anonymous assigned this case to Tim Street

Sent notification to Tim Street, Anonymous
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=203385 Anonymous assigned this case to Tim Street You can use the link to follow progress on this case.

6/13/2025 09:36:16 Opened by Anonymous

421 E Clover LN

CityBloomington
StateIN
Zip47408
Latitude39.195526123047
Longitude-86.52799987793
Neighborhood AssociationBlue Ridge
TownshipBloomington

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