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Minutes for March 22, 2016 Meeting

Friends of Green Lake Meeting, Tuesday 22 March 16, Hearthstone Boardroom

Convened at 7:00 PM

Attendees:
Richard FlemingBrian DeLucaRob ZisetteKaren SchurrEllen HewittGina HarmonMark JordanMartin MullerAlice PoggiPeter NestingenClaudia DeibertDon DeibertMarcia Norman

Initial comments by Richard, then first order of business:

Rob Zisette provided update on forthcoming alum treatment for Green Lake waters. The contract has been awarded to HAB Aquatic Solutions, Lincoln NE (habaquatics.com). Permits are expected on or after 1 April. Additional work to be performed by his company Herrera (herrerainc.com):

  • Further analysis of Green Lake sediments by examination of core samples.
  • Study and document the extent of milfoil and other aquatic plants. Rob noted that the general limiter on the range of lily pad extension is water depth. They propagate only to a certain depth because of their need for sunlight. Hence they will not spread to cover the lake.
  • Record lake levels and outflow rates using wireless monitoring equipment.
  • Study impacts of Community Center parking lot vehicle oil runoff, currently untreated.

Guest Speaker Mark Jordan, PhD – Assistant Professor Seattle University College of Science and Engineering Biology Department.

Dr. Jordan delivered comprehensive presentation on studies of Seattle wildlife, with focus on carnivores, e.g. otters, raccoons, opossum (birds not included in study, but were mentioned in discussion). The main area of study is South of downtown, i.e. Seward Park area West to Lincoln Park area, although he commented that the findings are likely similar to what might be learned in similar habitat from Magnusson Park West to Golden Gardens/Woodland Park/Carkeek Park areas.

The study focused on: Who lives here? How do they interact? How do they move about their habitat?

Recording of animal movements were by means of benign scent lures, reflector plate lures and camera traps, which of course photographed other curious creatures – including humans and pets. An interesting finding was that raccoons and opossum did not appear to interact. Discussion offered that perhaps because raccoons are more attracted to humans’ garbage on the edge of wooded areas and opossum are more inclined to root out grubs and worms in the denser parts of wooded areas, being less reliant on or not seeking humans’ offerings. These both tend to stake out a territory vs. the coyote, which migrates freely and are present in urban and rural areas across the country.

Noted in general discussion was the work of Lyanda Lynn Haupt (lyandalynnhaupt.com), Seattle-based naturalist and author. Particular mention was made of two of her works, both of which can be found via her website: The Urban Bestiary: Encountering the Everyday Wild, and Crow Planet: Essential Wisdom from the Urban Wilderness.

Discussion was of the Northwest Wildlife Federation (nwf.org) work on establishing urban and regional corridors for pollinators and other animals.

Richard gave an update on work at the Densmore Drain at the North tip of Green Lake. He also noted that at our next meeting Tue 26 April, be prepared to discuss a “punch list” of suggested capital projects for the park, not limited to our FOGL mission statement.

Brian DeLuca, FOGL Recording Secretary