Buffalo Bayou Park Vegetation Management Plan (PDF)

CHAPTER TWOGOALS AND OBJECTIVESChapter 2Goals and Objectives2.1 Overall Goals of the West SectorNo comprehensive vegetation management plan has been developed and implemented for the ecologicalfunctioning of Buffalo Bayou Park. Current vegetation maintenance practices in the corridor includemowing terraced, turf conditions and pruning trees within the turf. Although maintained turf parkspace isan overwhelming portion of the West Sector, areas that go neglected by maintenance can potentiallycreate the most interesting and unique features of the corridor. Some managed parkspace currentlyrequiring intense maintenance can be converted to more sustainable conditions that will decreasemaintenance while providing a richer aesthetic and ecological value to the Park.2.2 Urban Forestry GoalsUrban forestry, “the study of trees and forests in and around towns and cities” is essential to the health ofthe West Sector trees and forests (EPA). The following goals were developed to guide the Buffalo BayouPartnership’s Urban Forester to begin implementing the VMP. The Texas Forest Service 2004Partnership Grant Program objectives include:• promoting natural conditions within the corridor;• monitoring trees and forests;• implementing a bioengineered streambank protection demonstration project;• enhancement of the riparian buffer by removing invasive species;• enhancement of the riparian buffer by developing planting plans for native species;• managing Forestry Volunteer Program;• and, increase Public Safety.2.3 Buffalo Bayou Park Vegetation Management Plan Goals and ObjectivesThe primary goal for the VMP is to determine the existing conditions and make recommendations on themanagement for the natural resources within the Sector.Goal: Use best vegetation management practices for the bayou corridorObjectives:• Identify the conditions and needs of the West Sector• Review city, county and state agencies, and other best management practices (BMP’s) foreach condition represented or proposed in the West Sector• Incorporate those BMPs into the maintenance structure of managing agenciesGoal: Protect and enhance native vegetation and natural resourcesObjectives:• Restore forest community with site-specific reforestation projects• Restore and enhance grasslands, wetlands and wildflower slopes• Develop and maintain lists of native vegetation for each area• Increase migratory bird habitat (snags and large native trees)• Make recommendations for the re-establishment of historically existing conditions (includingprairies, vegetated swales, etc.)• Work toward the possible designation of park habitat areas as wildlife areasGoal: Develop a streambank restoration plan utilizing erosion control techniquesObjectives:• Identify a specific location where severe erosion is occurring in the West Sector for ademonstration project• Upon completion of Harris County Flood Control District’s erosion study of the Buffalo Bayou,apply their recommendations to a demonstration project in the West SectorOctober 2004 4 Buffalo Bayou Park Vegetation Management PlanBuffalo Bayou Partnership