Case Date:

3/30/2023

Please review this article: https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/2023/03/30/falling-tree-kills-2-indianapolis-kids-parents-take-action/70055144007/ in today's HT regarding trees, limbs, etc., on trails. Although I'm so pleased with the work done on the Clear Creek and Limestone Trails during the year, during my bike ride yesterday, I noticed several vines, etc., that looked like they were about to fall off a tree. Not sure how you handle maintenance, but wanted to make you aware. If your staff takes a slow ride along the trail as they do from Country Club, they'll see what I'm sharing. Thank you.

Case Date:

4/28/2023

Leaf blowing riding-mower abuse. The riding mower, attached with a leaf blower, driven by a city employee, Wednesday April 26 at 12:30pm, was being used to abuse the soil and surrounding greenspace. The shoulder of the west spur trail, at the southern end of the Switchyard Trail, was being subjected to harsh blower force and hostile behaviour. This force and speed created a billowing soil-cloud that rose 50ft above the trail and continued to float towards the creek 300 ft in an east direction. This environmental abuse was viewed from the Bloomington Rail Trail parking lot and witnessed by two city employees and five volunteers. From this vantage point we were able to see the leaf blower mechanism had a diameter of 12-18". The speed and noise of the mower drew our attention. The previous day, I had conducted a survey and recorded invasive plants along this portion of the trail. This slender strip of greenspace did not have leaves to be cleared from the trail, nor did it need to be mown. In addition, I observed the ground cover habitat being used by a pileated woodpecker as it foraged for food. Treating habitat in this way destroys important food sources, is a breathing health-hazard, is abusive, and demonstrates hostile behaviour.

Case Date:

4/24/2023

A large, broken branch is hanging over the Clear Creek Trail. It's only held up by a few smaller branches and looks like it could fall pretty easily. Since it's such a large branch, I'm concerned that somebody could get hurt. Location is on Clear Creek Trail, north of the That Road Trailhead, about 100 feet north of the "From Tapp Round-About 1 mile marking sign that faces northbound.(or about 100 feet north of the last house that's on Dove Dr., on the right of the trail if you're going northbound)

Case Date:

5/15/2023

Feels unsafe to walk trails during the day, numerous homeless people were seen on the sidewalks strung out on drugs. I noticed that the campers were coming out of several encampments throughout the trail during our walk. Also, just curious why the homeless camps have signs posted" private no trespassing" at various locations on trail? Are they on actually on private land or is it owned by the city? This was my first time at the trail and I'm sadden why such a beautiful park that was built with tax payers money has become a haven for the homeless community.

Case Date:

6/4/2023

A branch is suspended precariously over rail trail a little south of country club road

Case Date:

5/31/2023

The unhoused community on the east side of the trail just south of the Switchyard dog park is causing some issues. This morning I was walking my dogs and noticed a dog running off leash, chasing down deer. It started to come towards us but its owner stepped out of the woods and grabbed it. The dog is obviously just being a dog but the owner needs to have the animal on a leash so it doesn’t injure anyone or get injured by someone who isn’t a fan of dogs. I did notice one of the deer limping.

Case Date:

4/27/2023

Latimer trail has a fallen tree across trail, in south west area

Case Date:

7/21/2023

Lights 137 and 139 not working properly (flashing) on B-Line trail

Case Date:

8/1/2023

Greenway sign graffiti tagged at Morningside and Park Ridge

Case Date:

9/6/2023

There is an overcup oak in the Goat Farm / Rogers Family Park which appears to have lobed oak galls attached all over. These contain larva of the oak gall wasp. I did not know if this is an environmental / safety concern for the park, but I wanted to bring it to your attention. The tree is one of the first planted, smaller trees, on the left side of the trail if you are walking from Sherwood Oaks Park. Thank you!