Griffy Lake Master Plan Update Complete

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2008

For more information contact
Steve Cotter, Natural Resources Manager, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, (812) 349-3736
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, lopezd@bloomington.in.gov

Bloomington, IN - After more than a year of intensive research, study and public input and comments, the City of Bloomington presented the final Griffy Lake Master Plan Update to the City's Utility Service Board and Board of Park Commissioners at their respective June meetings this week. Both boards approved the Plan.

The Master Plan Update replaces the original Long Range Use and Management Plan that was created for Griffy Lake back in 1984. Changes in and around Griffy Lake during the past 20 years underscored the need for a new plan, which includes an extensive Natural Features Inventory that lists ecological communities and plant species in addition to mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians observed in the Griffy Lake area during the study period. Also included are a facility assessment, user profiles, and adjoining property influence sections, as well as 70 recommendations to guide the future management of the lake and surrounding nature preserve.

"We're grateful for the diligent work of our consultant team in preparing this extensive plan and to the efforts they made to give our Departments the information we need to make the best decisions for Griffy Lake," said Mick Renneisen, Director of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department. "While we aren't able to immediately undertake each and every recommendation made in the plan, we certainly intend to take a very close look at how best to protect and preserve this unique resource for future generations."

The Master Plan Update, as well as the 2005 Griffy Lake Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan can be viewed online at [www.bloomington.in.gov/parks|http://bloomington.in.gov/parks].

For more information about the Master Plan Update, contact Steve Cotter, Natural Resources Manager, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, at 349-3736 or e-mail cotters@bloomington.in.gov.

###