York Parks Committee Work to Suppress Invasive Plants

Here is a summary of the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting for York Township on July 27:

Purple Loosestrife Containment Continues

Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Frank Stukenborg and other committee members are working to remove the purple loosestrife plant that has invaded York Township. The committee has been in contact with the Department of Environmental Quality and has been approved to remove the plant from most known areas. Newly discovered infestations, however, will have to wait until a later date for removal, since unauthorized clearing can result in a large fine.

Ticks More Common on Trails

Committee members noted that they have been encountering more ticks than in previous years while traversing the parks for maintenance and upkeep. While there is no particular way to curb the presence of these insects, people are warned to keep an eye out for them on themselves and their pets when they leave natural areas and trails. 

Committee Agrees with Board on Property Purchase

Township Board Trustee Jill Hargrove presented the committee with the proposal to purchase roughly 7.5 acres of land by Willis and Crane roads. The idea met with unanimous approval from the committee, and Hargrove intends to notify the board of the approval at the next monthly meeting. Further plans will continue to be discussed at the next board meeting in August.

Boy Scout Projects Proceeding Apace

Three Boy Scout projects are continuing to progress. Taylor Paxman’s bluebird boxes are nearing completion. Justin Magelby is getting information together on the creation of a short boardwalk in Richardson Park to cover a part of a trail that continues to be excessively watery. Cameron McChesney is gathering the necessary numbers to construct an addition to the split-rail fence at McCann Park’s parking lot. All of the projects have met with the committee’s approval and are moving forward.