5. Arboretum Vegetation Management Plan
Meeting Minutes
Robert O. Cook Arboretum / Janesville Schools Outdoor Lab (JSOL)
Tuesday September 16, 2008 6:30 PM
In attendance:
1. Steve Huth, School District of Janesville JSOL Director
2. Tom Presny, City of Janesville Parks Director
3. Mary Ann Buenzow, Rock County / DNR Forester
4. Tom Klubertanz, University of Wisconsin Rock County Professor
5. Scott Schlegel, Michaels Cycles, mountain biking
6. Bob Schlegel, Michaels Cycles, mountain biking
7. Janet Schlegel, mountain biking
8. Bill Livingston
9. Curt Jacob, President of Blackhawk Chapter of WWOA
10. Larry Reimer
11. Nancy Hanson Bennett, President of Green Rock Audubon Society
12. Dean Paynter, President of Rock Trail Coalition
13. Ron Martin, Midwest Prairies and WI Woodland Owners Association
14. Marti Martin
15. Loren Hanson, President-Elect of WI Woodland Owners Association
16. David Feuillerat
Introduction:
A news media press release was sent as was an invitation letter to those will past
interest in the Arboretum / JSOL to announce this meeting. The stated purpose of the
meeting was to share information regarding this property and learn of user interests.
The Arboretum / JSOL began in 1968 with the purchase of 85 acres. Now 40 years,
later this property is nearly double in size at 160 acres. This land is approximately one
quarter mile wide by three quarters of a mile long. Property ownership is that of The City
of Janesville with programming and general oversight by The School District of
Janesville. The property is meant to serve as an outdoor classroom for the students of
Janesville’s Schools as well as public parkland for public enjoyment.
Little in the way of financial resources is available to manage and operate this facility.
Much of what is accomplished is possible because of volunteers, The Janesville Lions
Club, Eagle Scout projects, Alliant Energy easement contributions, and other donations
from enthusiasts. Establishment of the Arbor Ridge Subdivision to the South and West
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has added about 6 acres to the boundaries along with the challenges of adjacent
residential neighborhood development.
Meeting minutes:
Tom Presny opened the meeting with background that the Arboretum / JSOL has
largely operated without community impute. During preparation of the 5 year Janesville
Park and Open Space Plan it was suggested by several people that the need existed to
evaluate use and policy of this land. As there are uses and actions taking place that are
both desirable and undesirable, it is the desire of the city and the school district to
involve the community in guiding this property’s future.
Steve Huth overviewed the student programming of the JSOL and successes with
outdoor education in the community. Each year several thousand students benefit from
programs and activities. Mary Ann Buenzow shared copies of a newly completed
Arboretum / JSOL Forest Management Plan. This plan provides evaluation of the tree
and plant resources and recommends management practices to improve and sustain a
health forest. The land was designated a School Community Forest in 1986 (22 years
ago). Since that time little has been implemented to manage the property. As a result
there is some notable deterioration of desired trees and many invasive plants are
impacting sensitive native plant and animal communities.
The Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association (WWOA) was represented by Loren
Hanson who shared the background and purpose of their organization and offered
technical assistance and volunteer resources to help manage the Arboretum / JSOL. On
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Saturday October 11 WWOA is host to a daylong Forestry Field Demonstration Day
which includes highlights of Planning for sustainable tree harvest, invasive species
control, prairie restoration and management, and birding and effects of habitat change.
Attendees of the meeting were invited to share their interests and passions relative to
the Arboretum / JSOL and refrain from critiquing others uses and comments. The
following is a summary of those comments:
1. There is a need for invasive species management including buckthorn, box elder
trees, reed canary grass, garlic mustard, honey suckle, and barberry.
2. Birders provide twice annual counts and enjoy the quality of bird populations.
3. Question was asked - are we going to sell this property? Answer is no.
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4. How do we find more funds for programs and improvements? Suggested that we
find ways to connect with all segments of the community with programs, and
ways to get involved.
5. We should get teams of volunteers to work on invasive plants.
6. Suggest that we use Sheriff’s Department ‘Workenders and RECAP program
workers.
7. Bikers would like to continue to use trails. Use is thought to be by 30 skilled
mountain bikers who use the trails about one a week.
8. Suggest that better design of the trails is necessary for safety, erosion and
reduced maintenance.
9. Select sustainable timber harvest would help to build a strong forest which at the
present time is in a deteriorated condition.
10. There is a plan for the Wisconsin Ice Age Trail (a statewide walking path) to link
eastward from the Arboretum to the Devils Staircase Trail at Riverside Park and
Golf Course. A city bike trail will also link south to Parker High School and
Rockport Park. One day a westward Ice Age Trail link to Magnolia Bluff County
Park and Green County is planned.
11. Efforts should be made to work with adjacent property owners to preserve and
protect the woodlands and wildlife communities.
12. The Arboretum is too narrow (1/4 mile (+/- 1200’) to sustain threatened species.
Steps should be taken to purchase or obtain conservation easements where
possible on adjacent lands.
13. User requested that this property not be excusive to use by the schools and that
it remain open to the public.
14. The drinking fountain next to the classroom shelter needs a system to control
drainage so as to not affect the trails below.
15. How can we manage older trees to maintain existence of Pileated
Woodpeckers? This question was addressed by the Forester.
16. Comment in support of select and prescribed timber harvest which would
manage the trees and provide some much needed revenue for this property.
17. Question – can revenue generated for this property be protected for use only at
this property? Answer is generally yes with proper planning.
18. Question – Are woodchips on trails necessary? They help reduce mud and help
to maintain the identity of trails in lesser used areas. Bikers prefer no wood chips.
19. WWOA would like to involve high school students in forestry education and field
work and demonstrations.
20. Question – can we keep dogs out to protect wildlife and students? During May 15
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to Sept 15dogs are prohibited and must be on a leash 6’ in length or less,
otherwise an ordinance or policy change would be needed to prohibit dogs in the
Arboretum / JSOL.
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The following different comments were recorded on submitted comment forms:
1. It is confusing to refer to this property with two different names. The name
Arboretum is very confusing. Suggest that it be called the Janesville Schools
Outdoor Laboratory.
2. I support woodland management and control of invasive species here.
The meeting concluded listing ways in which attendees / others use the Arboretum /
JSOL:
1. Biking – mountain biking
2. Outdoor classroom for students
3. Parents and children or just parents walking / hiking / exercising
4. Girl Scouts and Boy Scout events and activities
5. Birders who bird watch
6. Joggers
7. Snow shoeing
8. Geo caching (‘treasure finding’ with clues and a GPS unit)
9. UW – Rock County teaches classes and conducts student research
10. Welty Environmental Center provides field trips for students and adults
11. Photography
12. Research of land, plant and animal communities
13. Dog walkers (prohibited May 15 – September 15)
14. Horse riding (prohibited by city ordinance)
15. 4H clubs and members to support their goals
Meeting Conclusion:
Those in attendance agreed that there should be future meetings to discuss the
needs and future direction for the Arboretum. Minutes of this meeting will be sent to
all in attendance and they are encouraged to share them with others interested.
Another meeting will be schedule later this year. If you did not attend this meeting
but you are interested in being notified of the next meeting contact Tom Presny at
presnyt@ci.janesville.wi.us or 755-3026. The meeting concluded at 8 PM.
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