Parks Committee

AGENDA OF THE PARKS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025, 5:00 PM In person at City Hall, Room 207. Virtual attendance is also available via Zoom. AMENDED A. Zoom Meeting Information. 1. Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84314784824?pwd=THBkdmRwT1k4MG5DV3hhbC9xVDhXdz09 Or call in by phone: +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 843 1478 4824 Passcode: 278667 If you wish to speak at this public meeting or leave a comment, please fill out the online Comment Form prior to the meeting. More detailed Zoom Instructions can be found online. B. Roll Call. 1. Members: Melinda Eck, Joey Prestley, Ben Delie, Jim Ridderbush C. Approval of the Agenda. 1. Approval of the agenda for the Wednesday, September 10, 2025, meeting of the Parks Committee. D. Approval of Minutes. 1. Approval of the minutes from the August 13, 2025 meeting. E. Regular Business. 1. Consideration with possible action on the request by Ald. Johnson to review and update city ordinance 28.37 related to violations for tree removal, and all correlating ordinances and adopted policies that impact the penalty for violating 28.34 or other unspecified ordinances related to public shrubs and trees. Agenda of the Parks Committee September 10, 2025 Page 1  2. Consideration with possible action on accepting a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for $1,700 to go towards 1/2 of the cost of a prescribed prairie burn at He-Nis-Ra Park. F. Informational. 1. Director's Report on updates and recent activities of the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department. 2. Next Meeting: September 24, 2025 G. Adjournment. 1. Adjournment of the Wednesday, September 10, 2025, meeting of the Parks Committee. 1) THIS MEETING IS RECORDED: THE VIDEO OF THIS MEETING AND MINUTES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.greenbaywi.gov 2) ACCESSIBILITY: Any person wishing to attend who requires special accommodation because of a disability, should contact the City Safety Manager at 920-448-3125 at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting time so that arrangements can be made. 3) QUORUM: Please take notice that a majority or quorum of the Common Council will attend this Parks Committee meeting and will constitute a meeting of the Common Council for purposes of discussion and information gathering relative to this agenda. 4) REPRESENTATION: The party requesting the communication, or their representative, should be present at this meeting. Agenda of the Parks Committee September 10, 2025 Page 2  Report to the Parks Committee of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE PREPARED BY September 10, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # D.1 Approval of the minutes from the August 13, 2025 meeting. BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. Parks Committee Minutes 8-13-25 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  Report to the Parks Committee of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE PREPARED BY September 10, 2025 Dan Ditscheit, Parks Director AGENDA ITEM # E.1 Consideration with possible action on the request by Ald. Johnson to review and update city ordinance 28.37 related to violations for tree removal, and all correlating ordinances and adopted policies that impact the penalty for violating 28.34 or other unspecified ordinances related to public shrubs and trees. BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. 2025-07-15 Dist 9 to P and P--redirected to PRF 2. Chapter 28 - Green Bay, WI Code of Ordinances A 3. Tree and Stump Removal Policy Final 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  0123445 67897 ÿ ÿ98ÿ8 ÿ 997ÿ7ÿ 7997 4 3!"#$%$#31&'#4(ÿ*4 3!"#$%$#31&'#4(+ , -1ÿ./01/2321ÿ4521ÿ67 8 93&2$ÿ:;;!&ÿ*93&2$':;;!&"<=>!?$'<4%+@ÿA$#ÿB$#Cÿ*A$#'B$#C"<=>!?$'<4%+@ÿ:4& C D>13E&ÿ*:4& C'D>13E&"<=>!?$'<4%+@ÿF$E&!ÿG34<>ÿ*F$E&!'G34<>"<=>!?$'<4%+@ÿG$> :4C&4ÿ*G$>':4C&4"<=>!?$'<4%+@ÿ9>$<ÿH2%&ÿ*9>$<'H2%&"<=>!?$'<4%+ IJKLMNOÿQLRSRSTUNÿVUKÿWTXXYUSZVRSTUN [VXL \MSVUÿ]T^UNTU WTXXSRRLLÿ[VXL QMTRLZRSTUÿVUKÿQTJSZ_ÿWTXXSRRLL `LaRÿTbÿWTXXYUSZVRSTU cTMÿZTUNSKLMVRSTUÿVUKÿdTNNSeJLÿVZRSTUÿRTÿMLfSLgÿVUKÿYdKVRLÿZSR_ TMKSUVUZLÿhijklÿMLJVRLKÿRTÿfSTJVRSTUNÿbTMÿRMLLÿMLXTfVJmÿVUKÿVJJ ZTMMLJVRSUnÿTMKSUVUZLNÿVUKÿVKTdRLKÿdTJSZSLNÿR^VRÿSXdVZRÿR^L dLUVJR_ÿbTMÿfSTJVRSUnÿhijkoÿTMÿTR^LMÿYUNdLZSbSLKÿTMKSUVUZLN MLJVRLKÿRTÿdYeJSZÿN^MYeNÿVUKÿRMLLNjÿpRVbbÿSNÿKSMLZRLKÿRTÿbYMR^LM ZTURLXdJVRLÿR^LÿeLNRÿgV_ÿRTÿdYeJSZJ_ÿN^VMLÿSUbTMXVRSTUÿMLJVRLK RTÿZVJZYJVRSUnÿR^LÿfVJYLÿTbÿKVXVnLÿRTÿVÿdYeJSZÿN^MYeÿTMÿRMLL SUZJYKSUnÿVKTdRSTUÿVNÿVUÿTMKSUVUZLmÿVUUYVJÿMLfSLgÿSUÿR^LÿZSR_ON bLLÿNZ^LKYJLmÿTMÿNTXLÿTR^LMÿXLZ^VUSNXÿKLLXLKÿVZZLdRVeJLÿe_ JLnVJÿVUKqTMÿZTXXTUÿZTYUZSJj rXVSJÿUTRÿKSNdJV_SUnÿZTMMLZRJ_sÿtuvwÿuyÿuzÿ{|}~ÿ~|w€v~  Report to the Parks Committee of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE PREPARED BY September 10, 2025 Dan Ditscheit, Parks Director AGENDA ITEM # E.2 Consideration with possible action on accepting a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for $1,700 to go towards 1/2 of the cost of a prescribed prairie burn at He-Nis-Ra Park. BACKGROUND The Green Bay Parks Department has begun a prairie restoration project at He-Nis-Ra Park. The goals of this project are to improve habitat for native pollinators, grassland nesting birds, migratory songbirds, and other local wildlife and to enhance the property's value for nature-based recreation and environmental education. The US Fish & Wildlife Service and Ecological Services Program biologists will provide technical assistance through site visits, project planning input, and seed mix selection. The City of Green Bay's Forestry and Conservation Corps divisions will oversee the project and cover additional site preparation and project maintenance activities through in-kind and financial contributions. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded this grant, which will fund 1/2 the cost of a prairie burn. The grant award is valued at $1,700. RECOMMENDATION To approve. FISCAL IMPACT The entire prairie restoration project will cost $14,150. US Fish and Wildlife Service Grant: $1,700 towards 1/2 the cost of a prairie burn. City of Green Bay Funding: Value of $9,700 for expenses and in-kind services. $6,000 - Grazing with goats (Already completed). $1,700 - 1/2 the cost of a prairie burn. $2,000 - In-kind services (Staffing time associated with project oversight, outreach, seed preparation, ongoing maintenance, etc.). The US Fish and Wildlife and Golden Sands RC&D Funding: $2,750 to provide prairie seed. ATTACHMENTS 1. Sub Award Agreement WWA 2024_City of Green Bay_Updated 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  Landowner Agreement No: WIPLO-25-123 Sub-award from: WWA 2024 F24AC01441 FWS-PFW Costs: $1,700 PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM LANDOWNER AGREEMENT Sub-Recipient Agreement to the Cooperative Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association This Landowner Agreement (Agreement), dated 09/08/2025, between The City of Green Bay and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is entered into pursuant to authority contained in the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act (P.L. 109-294), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.) and the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a-j), as amended. This project was selected for funding because the Landowner(s) share(s) a common objective with the USFWS to restore habitat for the benefit of Federal trust species on private lands, and the project supports priority actions identified in the Regional Partners for Fish and Wildlife (Partners) Program Strategic Plan. The City of Green Bay, 100 N Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301, hereby agrees to participate with the USFWS in conducting certain wildlife management practices on lands owned or managed in Brown County, State of WI described as follows: within NE Sec. 31, T24N, R20E; and/or Latitude: 44.5122521°N, Longitude: 88.1114728°W. In signing this Agreement, the Landowner(s) join(s) as a participant in a wildlife habitat improvement program and grant(s) to the Cooperator(s) and the USFWS authority to complete the habitat improvement project or the Landowner(s) may personally carry out management activities with financial or material support as described in attached Exhibit A. Any donation of supplies, equipment, or direct payment from the Cooperator(s) to the Landowner(s) for carrying out the habitat improvements is included in Exhibit A. The activities conducted pursuant to this Agreement are not to replace, supplement or otherwise contribute to any mitigation or compensation that may be required of the Landowner(s) or Cooperator(s) or other parties, as a result of any mandated requirements. The term of this Agreement (also referred to as the habitat retention period) will be completed on 09/08/2035. This Agreement may be modified at any time by mutual written consent of the parties. It may be terminated by either party upon 30 days advance written notice to the other part(ies). However, if the Landowner(s) terminate(s) the Agreement before its expiration, or if the Landowner(s) should materially default on these commitments, then the Landowner(s) agree(s) to reimburse the USFWS prior to final termination for the prorated costs of all habitat improvements placed on the land through this Agreement, and the Cooperator will work with the USFWS to determine how those funds will be used For these purposes, the total cost of the habitat improvements to the United States is agreed to be $1,700. FWS 3-2454 08/14 Landowner: The Landowner(s) or his/her land manager, with legal authority over land management decisions, guarantee(s) ownership of the above-described land and warrants that there are no outstanding rights that interfere with this Landowner Agreement. The Landowner(s) will notify the USFWS and other Cooperator(s) of planned or pending changes in ownership. A change of ownership shall not change the terms of this Agreement. The Agreement and terms shall be in effect on the described land for the term of the Agreement. The Landowner(s) agree(s) to allow access (with advance notice) to the USFWS and the other cooperating partners(s) to implement the project described in Exhibit A, and to monitor project success. The Landowner(s) retain(s) all rights to control trespass and retains all responsibility for taxes, assessments, and damage claims. During the habitat retention period, the landowner must maintain the habitat restored under this award. At the end of the habitat retention period, the habitat improvement project will become the sole property and complete responsibility of the Landowner(s). There shall be no obligation to the USFWS after the term of the Agreement has expired. The Landowner(s) will be responsible for securing any necessary permits. Technical advice and support will be provided by participating agencies in the application for the permit(s). The Landowner(s) agree(s) to identify USFWS contribution to the project during public presentations, reports, or other information published about the project, as appropriate. USFWS: The USFWS will work with the Landowner(s) and Cooperator(s) signing this Agreement, throughout the entire Agreement term to support actions needed to ensure that the project is designed and constructed per the Agreement and functions as intended. The USFWS, its agents, or assignees will provide advanced notice prior to accessing the Landowner(s) property to implement the project described in the work plan, and to monitor project success. The USFWS assumes no liability for damage or injury other than that caused by its own negligence, on the above acreage. The USFWS does not assume jurisdiction over the premises by this Agreement. FWS 3-2454 08/14 Spatial Information Sharing: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, permission must be obtained from the Landowner before any personal information can be released. The only information that can be shared is payment information that is authorized by law. Therefore, Landowner(s) consent is requested to allow for sharing of spatial information about this project solely with conservation cooperators providing technical or financial assistance with the restoration, enhancement or management of fish and wildlife habitat. I/We, the Landowner, consent to having spatial information about this project shared with other conservation cooperators I/We, the Landowner, do NOT wish to have any spatial information about this project shared with other conservation cooperators Signatures: ______________________________________________________________________________ Dan Ditscheit, City of Green Bay Parks Director Date Lara Fondow, USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program Biologist Date ______________________________________________________________________________ Caitlin Nagorka, USFWS Partners Program State Coordinator Date FWS 3-2454 08/14  EXHIBIT A The habitat improvements described below are agreed to by The City of Green Bay, the USFWS, in a Landowner Agreement dated 09/08/2025. Landowner Contact Information: Name: The City of Green Bay Parks Director: Dan Ditscheit Mailing Address: 100 N Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301 City: Green Bay State: WI Zip code: 54301 Telephone: (920) 448-3381 Email: Dan.Ditscheit@greenbaywi.gov Project Contacts Maria Otto, Conservation Corps Coordinator Brian Pelot, City Forester Telephone: (920) 448-3386 Telephone: (920) 448-3378 Email: Maria.Otto@greenbaywi.gov Email: Brian.Pelot@greenbaywi.gov Description of Habitat Improvement Project and Objectives: This project consists of restoring native wet meadow habitat in the City of Green Bay’s He-Nis-Ra Park, a ~55-acre property that connects to another 64 acres of city-owned natural green space. A Green Bay Forestry Department intern helped to develop the park’s restoration plan as part of her high school internship project. This project focuses on a low-lying area of the park known as the “bowl”, which was historically used as a yard waste fill area and is currently dominated by reed canary grass. The goals of this project are to improve habitat for native pollinators, grassland nesting birds, migratory songbirds, and other local wildlife and to enhance the property’s value for nature-based recreation and environmental education. This work will enhance the value and diversity of wildlife habitat on the property, which also supports woodlands and emergent and forested wetlands. Seedbed preparation for site began in the 2024 growing season, when the city contracted targeted grazing by sheep and goats to reduce the biomass and density of reed canary grass in the bowl and to address invasive brush and understory species in the immediate- surrounding woodlands. This grazing technique was repeated in the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025. Additional site preparation will include prescribed fire, hand-pulling of weeds, and herbicide treatments both prior to and following the seeding. A sedge meadow mix will be planted to allow for future grass-specific herbicide applications if needed to further reduce the reed canary grass. See attached project plan map and student restoration proposal in the case file for additional details. This project is a partnership between the City of Green Bay and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), with additional financial assistance from Golden Sands RC&D. The USFWS Partners for Fish & Wildlife and Ecological Services Program biologists will provide technical assistance through site visits, project planning input, and seed mix selection and will provide financial assistance toward the application of prescribed fire and the purchase of a diverse sedge meadow seed mix as outlined in the budget table. The City of Green Bay’s Forestry and Conservation Corps divisions will oversee the project and cover additional site preparation and project maintenance activities through in-kind and financial contributions. FWS 3-2454 08/14 This property lies within the Central Lake Michigan Coastal Ecological Landscape, core breeding habitat for Monarch Butterflies, and a potential habitat zone for the federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. Green Bay Conservation Corps personnel observed RPBB using non-native floral resources in the park in August of 2025. Native wet meadow habitat restoration is expected to improve the quantity and quality of habitat available for RPBB and other pollinators to better support them throughout their lifecycles. This project is expected to benefit pollinators and migratory songbirds and to have a neutral to positive effect on any special status species occurring in the area. USFWS will: The USFWS will work with the Landowner(s) throughout the entire Agreement term to support actions needed to ensure that the project is designed and constructed per the Agreement and functions as intended. Leverage funding and provide cost-share as outlined in the budget table to implement the project identified in this agreement. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program biologist will conduct a site review, develop a project plan, and monitor the habitat restoration work. The PFW and ES biologists will assist in seed mix development for ~5.5 acres of native grassland habitat and coordinate with the landowner and contractors for project completion. The biologist will also provide management recommendations to the landowner for the duration of the agreement. The USFWS, its agents, or assignees will provide advanced notice prior to accessing the Landowner(s) property to implement the project described in the work plan, and to monitor project success. The Landowner(s) will: Retain 100% ownership rights. Landowner will not have to allow the public to access their property. This property is a city park with public access; however, this access is not a condition of this landowner agreement. Coordinate contractors for the completion of the projects outlined in this agreement. USFWS will assist with locating and coordinating contractors as needed. Allow access to the property for USFWS employees and contractors during the restoration groundwork process and for inspections and follow-up monitoring. Make best efforts to maintain the planted area and control invasive species for the duration of the agreement. Activities may include prescribed burning and/or mowing. Mowing to reduce weedy competition while the seeded species are establishing will be completed in the first two growing seasons as needed (approximately June, Aug, Sept). Mowing should occur when the planting reaches 12‐18 inches and mowed back to 6‐8 inches. Record and submit contractor invoices and volunteer hours for activities associated with this project. Activities may include, but are not limited to site preparation, invasive species removal, prescribed fire, tree and brush removal, and site maintenance. All relevant receipts for project costs will be submitted to USFWS for match recording purposes. FWS 3-2454 08/14 Budget Table: Contributing Partners Object Class Categories a Landowner USFWS USFWS- Golden Sands Totals Partners Ecological RC&D Program Services Program Personnel Fringe benefits Travel Equipment Supplies $2,400 $350 $2,750 Contractual $7,700 $1,700 $9,400 Other (In-Kind) $2,000 $2,000 Other Totals $9,700 $1,700 $2,400 $350 $14,150 a The total cost-share by the Cooperator, Service and Landowner must remain the same, however allocations by category may be redistributed upon prior approval by the Service Costs are based upon available information from vendors and similar projects at the time of agreement development and are subject to change. Any work to be completed may be modified with the mutual agreement of the parties. Budget Narrative: Supply Cost Estimate: Seed for 5.5 ac. Sedge Meadow Pollinator Habitat Planting at ~$500/ac. = ~$2,750 (FWS/Golden Sands) Subtotal: $2,750 Contractual Cost Estimate: Custom Targeted Grazing: ~$6,000 (Landowner) Prescribed Fire: ~$3,400 (FWS & Landowner at $1,700 each) Subtotal: $9,400 Landowner (City of Green Bay) In-kind Contributions: Project Oversight, Outreach & Education Coordination, Seedbed Preparation, Seeding, and Project Maintenance (Establishment Mowing, Invasive Species Control, etc.): ~$2,000 Subtotal: $2,000 TOTAL: ~$14,150 FWS 3-2454 08/14  Project Plan Map Landowner: The City of Green Bay County: Brown Habitat Restoration & Enhancement Area: ~5.5 ac. Location: NE Sec. 31, T24N, R20E Assisted by: Lara Fondow & Jade Arneson . ac 5.5 ac. 8.2 Legend He-Nis-Ra Park Interior Bowl Meadow Restoration Area Potential Grazing Perimeter ¯ Scale: 1:4,000 500 250 0 500 US Feet  Location Map Landowner: The City of Green Bay County: Brown Habitat Restoration & Enhancement Area: ~5.5 ac. Location: NE Sec. 31, T24N, R20E Assisted by: Lara Fondow & Jade Arneson Legend He-Nis-Ra Park ¯ Scale: 1:24,000 1 0.5 0 1 Miles  Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Habitat Map Landowner: The City of Green Bay County: Brown Habitat Restoration & Enhancement Area: ~5.5 ac. Location: NE Sec. 31, T24N, R20E Assisted by: Lara Fondow & Jade Arneson Legend City of Green Bay Property RPBB Habitat Model High Potential Zone Low Potential Zone ¯ Scale: 1:48,000 1 0.5 0 1 Miles  EXHIBIT B: Restoration Proposal Prepared by City of Green Bay Forestry Department Intern Brenna Ruonavarra Introduction He-Nis-Ra Park, spanning a total of 89 acres, was officially named in December of 1965 by the Board of Park Commissioners after a recommendation to turn the area into a park was adopted. This was later approved by the Improvement and Service Committee and Council. The area was turned over to the Park Department in 1967. He-Nis-Ra Park contains an open area, known as “the bowl,” and surrounded by a thick wooded environment. The bowl is around 4.5 acres in the center of the park with access from South Point Road. The bowl is the former site of the southwest yard waste site and is a popular walking loop for residents. The area is a perfect spot to view local wildlife and immerse yourself in a natural setting. The trails in the wooded areas also are perfect for hiking and in the wintertime are a hotspot for winter biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. In recent years the bowl has lost its biological diversity and become overrun with invasive plant species. My project intends to restore the bowl to a native meadow with scattered trees to promote the biological diversity of plants and animals. These restoration efforts will increase the biological richness and provide a more enjoyable experience for visitors to the park. The area has recently been identified as right on the fringe of a high-potential zone for rusty patched bumblebees (Bombus affinis), as it buffers areas with confirmed occurrences. In hopes of helping to re-introduce them into the area and increase their population, we’ll be running surveys and planting native flowering species known for supporting them in native settings. The contiguous forested corridor adjacent to the area reinforces the park’s potential to support rusty patched bumblebees, as the bees rely on these cover types for overwintering, nesting, and early spring foraging. Rusty patched bumblebees have been confirmed present in Brown County, and with their declining population it would make sense to create a pollinator corridor to aid in their re- population of the city. The pollination services provided by native insects, especially bees, are estimated to be at $3 billion per year in the United States. In Wisconsin, commercially grown pollinator-dependent crops create over $55 million in annual production. We’ll be observing their presence and planting native flowering species to support them. Although now a species of low conservation concern, the eastern bluebird population in North America fell significantly in the early 20th century due to the introduction of invasive species, like house sparrows and European starlings, and rapid habitat loss. In an effort to promote public awareness about the conservation of bluebirds and their significance in our local ecosystem, we will be putting up bird boxes and educational signage detailing important facts about the species around the park. Red-headed woodpeckers are considered near threatened and are currently listed as a Watch List Species for the U.S and Canada, due to steep population declines. Habitat loss and species introduction into existing habitats have caused a cumulative decline of more than 60% between 1970 and 2014. The best way to promote the conservation of the species seems to be proper management of snags, dead branches, and the understory of the wooded area surrounding the bowl for foraging. Background Historically, the bowl was a wooded marshland (Picture A). The area was cleared to create the southwest yard waste site (Picture B). Around 2005 the yard waste site was closed, with the area being graded and seeded to create an open-park setting with the walking loop. In recent years, the bowl has lost its biological diversity and become overrun with highly invasive species (Picture C). Species we’ve confirmed present at the site include; phragmites (Phragmites australis subsp. australis), Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), ragweed (Ambrosia), yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), goldenrod (Solidago), and garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). Invasives like these can alter the food web in an ecosystem by destroying or replacing native species, as well as permanently altering the abundance of certain species and biodiversity in the area. There are some native species we observed as well, though few and far between, including boxelder maples (Acer negundo), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), and wild mint (Mentha arvensis) After a few site assessments, we have determined that the soil of this open area would support a native prairie or meadow setting once commonly found throughout pre-settlement Wisconsin. This project will promote community partnership through collaboration with residents and those with a vested interest in the park. The project would reflect others throughout the city, including the oak savannah at the Mackenzie stormwater pond on the East side. Picture A (1960) Picture B (1978) Picture C (2020) Implementation We intend to clear the bowl and surrounding area of invasives through the usage of mowing, tilling, and targeted herbicide treatments if necessary. Afterward, we’re looking to re-create a native meadow setting, so we’ll seed in native prairie and meadow species commonly found in similar pre-existing habitats in Wisconsin. In order to provide an educational experience for the public and encourage a deeper appreciation and respect for the park, we would like to install informational signs around the bowl area explaining present species and how to properly respect their habitat. We are looking to collaborate with several local civic groups to implement the project, including the Green Bay Conservation Corps, Green Bay Botanical Gardens,The King of Arms Neighborhood Association, Lombardi Middle School, and Bird City WI. Our projected timeline currently shows us beginning implementation in May of this year, where we will be doing the first wave of clearing invasives from the bowl. Through the summer we will continue to inspect for the presence of undesirable invasives and perform control measures as needed. If left unchecked these plant species could become future issues as competition for our introduced meadow species. For invasive control we will use mechanical means, such as spring mowing followed by tilling. Tilling the soil will disrupt invasive root systems that could potentially resprout after the initial clearing. The area will then be monitored for resprouting of vegetation and followed by either another mowing or added chemical control. Invasive species can be difficult to control, a variety of methods and repeat applications may be necessary to keep good control and promote desired species. With most of the species we’re planting being flowering forbs, we are looking into partnerships with UWGB and GBBG to assess and make the site a pollinator corridor area. Plant species we are planning to restore after clearing the bowl will include but are not limited to: compass plants (Silphium laciniatum), prairie milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii), prairie bush-clover (Lespedeza leptostachya), and small-flowered false foxglove (Agalinis paupercula), as well as scattered swamp white and bur oak. By implementing the project, we will be supporting native species of plants within the park and promote bird populations in and surrounding the park. Restoring habitat that supports insect populations will promote the establishment of plant communities and provide a food source for birds. Locations for two clusters of Bluebird nest boxes will be identified and installed. Two nest boxes will be placed within ten feet of one another, each pair of boxes will be about 100 yards apart. Artificial perches in the interior of the open area could be installed to help with feeding. In the fall of this year we will till the soil, seed in our native meadow species, and plant oak trees. Our projected timeline predicts that we’ll be finishing the project and opening the final product to the public in the fall of 2025, the 60th anniversary of the park! Field Work Spring: -Assess the presence and abundance of bluebirds and red-headed woodpeckers in the bowl and surrounding area. We will do this using pre-recorded bird calls. -Set up bluebird boxes in bowl area -Site assessment for the presence of dead snags and cavities -Identify invasive plant species in the bowl -Observe presence and abundance of rusty patched bumblebees Summer: -Assessment of the plant composition of the bowl. We’ll be considering both invasive and native species -Assess the success of our bluebird boxes and clean them out -Survey the presence of red-headed woodpeckers in the bowl and surrounding wooded area using pre-recorded bird calls -Controlled mowing and goats deployed to cut back on invasives -Observe presence and abundance of rusty patched bumblebees Fall: -Conduct a pre-planting assessment of the bowl, observing both the presence of invasives after the use of control measures and the soil quality. -Goats deployed for pre-winter control of invasives - dwindling their numbers and taking away energy necessary for surviving the winter months -Seed in native prairie species Spring 2025: -Survey the presence and abundance of bluebirds and red-headed woodpeckers -Site assessment for used dead snags and cavities -Identify and cut down invasives re-sprouting in the bowl -Deployment of goats + usage of controlled mowing, if necessary -Assessment of the germination success of prairie seeds from our fall planting -Tree planting + potential arbor day planting with Lombardi Middle School -Observe presence and abundance of rusty patched bumblebees -Observe presence of monarch butterflies and success of milkweed planting Funding Currently this project does not have any city funding attached to it. However, the project has been supported with in-kind volunteer time and monetary support from agencies like USFWS, Green Bay Botanical Garden. Funding from these entities will be used to cover the costs of plant and seed, and signage for public education. Oak trees will be supplied by Green Bay Forestry. Funding for the expense incurred with goat grazing still needs to be determined and allocated. We are partnering with the Green Bay Conservation Corps and Parks and Forestry crews to assist with site preparation work and planting and seeding efforts. -Partnering with Stephanie Bowers from Glorious Goat Ranch -Partnering with USFWS -Estimated project costs both in-kind and actual monetary are projected to be ??? Public Education We plan to get educational signage created and distributed throughout the park, as well as getting the local middle school students involved next Arbor Day, as a means of teaching the public about proper tree care, treatment of the park, and the importance of the wildlife and habitat present. Aftercare Maintenance First Year Management: -Control invasives by regular mowing to a height of 4 to 6 inches and goats as needed -Do not allow invasive to flower or seed out -Do not pull invasives out by hand - This could disturb new prairie plants and spread seeds -At the beginning of the second season, evaluate the number and abundance of invasives present. If necessary, mow and use goats to keep the field at a height of 4 to 6 inches Long-term maintenance: -After the prairie has been established for 2-3 years, the use of controlled burning could be used (Would have to be done in April or early May) -Mow / use goats once a year after prairie seeds have fallen in early spring -Remove clippings of invasives to expose crowns of new prairie seedlings  Report to the Parks Committee of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE PREPARED BY September 10, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # F.1 Director's Report on updates and recent activities of the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department. BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. Director's Report 09.10 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  PARKS COMMITTEE DIRECTOR’S REPORT WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 PARK DIVISION • Park shelter rentals are continuing through the fall months. • Park crews continue to mow the parks, green spaces, and RDA owned property on a regular basis. Mowing crews are getting caught up on detail work such as pruning suckers off trees, extra string trimming, picking up branches, and picking litter. • Park landscape crews are out and about maintaining landscape beds in our parks, Bay Beach, aquatic facilities, and other areas throughout the city. • Park caretakers continue to have a presence in the parks picking litter, checking bathrooms, emptying garbage cans and ensuring the parks are in order for visitors. • The ballfield crews continue to prepare soccer fields, softball fields, and baseball fields for fall athletic games. Preparing the various fields can mean anything from dragging ballfields, to laying out and line painting soccer fields and moving soccer goals. • Park carpenters have completed the installation of the new playground at Farlin Park. They have begun removing the playground at Meyer Park for the new dog park. The carpenters are also handling minor repairs to shelters and buildings. • Staff have begun end of season maintenance on pools and wading pools. Splash pads continue to be maintained and operated daily for the public. • Almost all the Parks Dept seasonals have gone back to school. FORESTRY DIVISION • Crews are still working on pruning and tree removals for ongoing DPW projects including road resurfacing, reconstruction and sidewalk replacements. • Forestry staff recently removed infested ash trees and pruned trees around the nature center parking lot at the WLS. • Forestry staff continue to work with IT staff on transferring our tree inventory to a GIS format. • The stump grinding has been completed on the east side. Approximately 725 stumps have been ground so far this season. Crews are starting the west side list in the neighborhoods near Ft Howard and Seymour Parks. There are approximately 500 stumps remaining on the westside. • Cycle pruning efforts are being focused in the downtown and Whitney Park areas. Typical cycle pruning includes raising tree limbs for clearance, deadwood pruning and structure pruning to help reduce the chances of breakage during storms. • Pruning crews are also working on individual pruning requests throughout the city. DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION • The west end train is currently being tested as we wait for State approval. We are hopeful the ride will open soon. • Staff are working with a consultant to complete the wildlife viewing platform and shoreline walk construction plans for Bay Beach Amusement Park. Staff hired a consultant to complete the quality assurance requirements in the EPA grant for the wildlife viewing platform and shoreline walk work. • Shipyard Phase II design work has begun. The consultant recently submitted the 50% bid plan sets for review. • Planning continues for the Joliet Park Area of Concern habitat restoration project. • Construction has started on the Main Street East River Trail project from Baird to Irwin and should be completed by mid-September. • Construction of the JBS project is well underway. The infrastructure/road project is nearly completed. The construction of the Park/Boulevard will likely begin in September. • Planning continues for the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and Renard Island Nearshore Area. A draft Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) has been completed. • Planning for the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Strategic and Master Planning has begun. • The consultant is actively working on the redesign of the Leicht Park shelter project. Final plans are expected next week. The site grading for the soil surcharge has been completed. • A consultant has been hired to design improvements for Joannes Sk8 Park. The consultant is developing conceptual plans. • Construction of the Bay Beach HVAC Pavilion Project will begin on 9/8/25. GREEN BAY CONSERVATION CORPS • Crews continue to complete follow-up treatments of buckthorn at Joliet, He-Nis-Ra, McAuliffe, WLS, and Newberry. • Summer plant maintenance continues at all native plantings. • Crews mulched the trail system at Red Smith Park. The Red Smith school received a grant to install storybook trail signs along the trail. Staff began installing these trail signs in late August. The Girl Scouts built and donated 3 benches along the trail. • Crews partnered with the Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust for a workday at Wequiock Natural Area in Green Bay to remove invasive species and learn about the restoration of the site. • Staff continue to complete encroachment surveys throughout the park system and have begun re-inspections. • The 2024-2025 program year concluded on 8/31/2025. The new crew starts 9/22/2025. This year, we filled more positions in the fall than anticipated, with a total of 16 crew members. Nine of these members are alumni of the program. Staff are finishing background checks and completing the onboarding process for all 16 members. • Staff continue to research and write grants for the program. • Staff met with Risk and Legal to finalize the “roving crew” project application and paperwork. More information will be released soon. • Staff have been working with the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for a large restoration project at He-Nis-Ra in which FWS is donating nearly $4,500 in native seed and cost-sharing the prescribed burn. RECREATION DIVISION • The adult fall softball leagues began August 19th. We are offering Co-Ed Slow-pitch and Men’s Slow-pitch at Beaver Dam Park. The season will run Mondays and Tuesdays through mid-October. • Adult football leagues have begun. Leagues are played on Thursday nights at East River Van Beaver and Ted Fritsch Parks through mid-October. • Youth Basketball Skills registration opened on August 4th. The program will start on September 29th. • We are currently taking registrations for the table tennis league which will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning October 1st at Franklin Middle School. • Fall permits have been issued for the youth baseball, cross-country, football, soccer and tennis programs. • We are currently taking registration for the adult basketball leagues which are scheduled to begin November 5th. • Fall 2025-2026 Dance Registration is open. Information on Fall classes is available at: https://www.greenbaywi.gov/885/Dance-Classes. The informational parent meeting takes place on September 23rd with classes beginning the week of September 30th. • FIT in the Parks concluded August 28th with great success following a short hiatus. Stay tuned for some fall pop-up FIT classes. • Registration opened for the Howling Halloween Hike on September 8th. We anticipate selling out the event, which is scheduled to take place on October 24th at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. AQUATICS • All pools closed for the season on Sunday, August 17th. • The Pooches in the Pool event took place on Saturday, August 23rd at Joannes Aquatic Center. We had a total of 41 dogs that participated in the inaugural event. • This off-season, staff will continue to evaluate the staffing shortage we continue to endure. Some notes to consider: o Types of schedules o Length of shifts o Scheduling software o Incentives o Weekend bonus pay • Staff are working on completing the 2025 Annual Aquatics Report. This will assist in making decisions for the 2026 season. BAY BEACH AMUSEMENT PARK • Ride Repairs o Sea Dragon: New lap bars are on order. o West Train: Construction is nearing completion. The train has been tested on the new tracks. We are waiting for the State Ride inspector to do their final inspection. o Merry Go Round: Down for the year. o Rockin Tug: Parts have been ordered and we are waiting for delivery. • Inclusive Playground o Working on donation “plaque”. Elevate is looking to install the plaque around 9/23/25. o The new prefabricated bathroom is installed and open when the park is busy. o On nice days, there are plenty of families utilizing the playground. • Staffing o Our staffing numbers continue to decline as staff head back to college. We continue to hold interviews, but applicants do not meet requirements. • Improvements o Dancehall HVAC construction began on 9/9/25. o We are looking for ways to increase special events for 2026 season. o We are working on a staffing survey to see what we should change or keep doing for 2026. METRO BOAT LAUNCH • The Pay Station is open and taking payments. • The facility is seeing average usage for this time of year. TRIANGLE HILL • Shelter rentals are underway. • Disc golf and bike track continue to get a great number of participants. • Staff has begun discussions on winter staffing. WILDLIFE SANCTUARY • The Raptor Walk exhibit electrical updgrade is complete. • AOC Grant work continues onsite with soil testing, water level monitoring, plant assessments currently underway and data being analyzed. • The Sanctuary Strategic & Master Planning project kick-off meeting was held with early deliverables identified and introductions to all appropriate parties. • Final planning and preparation underway for WLS’s 20th Walk for Wildlife to be held on September 20th. This year we will be highlighting our otters Renee and Cesar. • The OAK School new school year is underway with full enrollment. All 4K staff from last year have returned for this school year. • Preparations are starting to begin for winter enclosure modifications. • Fall programs are now underway including Nature Walks, Children’s Storytime and Wolf Feeding. ADMINISTRATION • Reservations for shelter rentals are open for 2025. • Staff are continuing to support special event requests. • Gift cards are available to purchase by phone or in person in our office. • Metal Detecting Permits are available for purchase online, or in person in our office. • Posted social media events, programs, and information. • Annual Metro Boat passes are available in the Parks and Recreation Office for the 2025 season. • Park and Recreation Department budget formulation continues. • Capital Improvement Project budget formulation has been compiled. • Basketball, Table Tennis, and Youth Basketball Skills are open for registration. • Registration for the Dance 2025-2026 season is available online, by phone, or in person with a program start date of September 29th. • Registration for the Howling Halloween Hike, scheduled for Friday, October 24th, is available online, by phone, or in person.