Case Date:

6/13/2025

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.

Case Date:

6/4/2025

Had an arborist out on another street tree (Japanese Cherry) that needs pruned badly and some dead removed, but is otherwise healthy. While there he looked at a Red Sunset Maple that I thought had a lot of dead in it, just in the last year. His appraisal was that it needed removed and since a street tree he suggested I give the city a call.

Case Date:

8/19/2023

There is an individual who at least on a weekly basis, tosses many empty beer cans (up to a half case at a time) into the cleared area of Griffey that is on Dunn, across from the group home. The Blue Ridge Bushwackers have removed the honeysuckle from this area and work to keep it clear. We regularly pick up this person's litter. Is there anything that can be done to discourage this behavior? Could we put up a fake camera and/or sign warning them? What suggestions would you have for us? Thank you! Jeannie Galbreath

Case Date:

5/31/2023

Please trim a few limbs at the bottom of the tree in front of the power and communications boxes to the left of the driveway. This will allow mowing the lawn without ducking

Case Date:

7/6/2022

A campsite has been created in the Griffy Woods, just south of the North-most entrance to the trail system on Dunn street (south of the top of the hill/Dam). A path has been cleared off of the trail to the campsite area and a large area has been cleared for the campsite. There is a tent set up with gear, etc. present.

Case Date:

6/12/2022

There are mattresses, a small dresser, trash and broken down vehicle parked/abandoned at the northern trailhead on Dunn St. My neighbor says he saw a tent and campsite in the trail early this morning as well. I don't mind the squatter camping, but the excessive trash is unacceptable.

Case Date:

10/12/2020

A fitness organization called Bloomington United for Fitness is holding an exercise class in Olcott Park. I appreciate the need for outdoor space, however, they are using the paved trail for stationary exercises. Since these occur in one relatively narrow space, it is not possible to socially distance and because they are exercising, they are not wearing masks. Would it be possible to ask them to move to an area with more space in the park such as an open field not next to the path?