Minutes

Sarnia Urban Wildlife Committee

April 16, 2003

Attendance: Art Teasell, Dave Shortt, Terry DeMarco, David Smith, Alan Welsh, Brenda Lorenz, Bruce Ballingall, Darcy Higgins, Bruce Strangway, Nikki May

1. Minutes of March 19th were reviewed. Addition of Suncor Natureway to item 11. Dave moved and Brenda seconded minutes be approved as amended.

2. Financial Status. David presented a budget breakdown. Money is left from the Shell donation because of the College Park sign donation.

3. Dennis Rupert Prairie Reserve. The committee will pay for the burn specialist training from the Dennis Rupert money. There will be no burn this year.

4. Bright’s Grove Lagoon. The walk date is set tentatively for May 11 (Mother’s Day).

5. Blackwell Road Wildlife Refuge. Nikki/Terry will write a letter to City Council if necessary to aid approval process at Council meeting on the 28th. Nikki and Terry will tour the site to assess the current condition of plants and human disturbance.

6. Perch Creek Wildlife Habitat. Many trees did not survive the winter.

7. College Park. David and Bruce placed the sign today. Bruce may put in vandalism signs, and will also look into a brick sidewalk.

8. Logan Pond Update. The viewing structure will be constructed. Brenda moved, Nikki seconded that $90 will go to netting for bank stabilization. Passed. A rezoning proposal, to name the pond an area of special natural area, will go to council. Work will proceed to designate the other properties for zoning purposes. Blackwell Wildlife Refuge has been designated to fall within an Environmentally Sensitive Area.

9. American Chestnuts. Potting will be done at DeGroots with help from students when appropriate.

10. New Business. Brenda will compile a list of small woodland areas in Sarnia. Members are asked to keep an eye out for such areas to add to this list.

11. Brenda is now the representative for Carolinian West for FON. She presented FON info.

12. Next meeting May 21

13. Adjournment.