Ecological Value of Richmond Hill Park Confirmed

Over the last month there have been major changes in the plans for Richmond Hill Park, two public input meeting and a wetland assessment by the Dr. Hauser, a well respect wetland scientist

Below are a few quotes from his report:

In reference to buffer zone, or core habitat around the wetland with marble salamanders, fairy shrimp, and the over all quality of the Richmond Hill Forest :

"Furthermore, he [Dr. Petranka] recommends a 600' wide core habitat area around all of the wetlands. I [Dr. Hauser] and the scientific literature and research supports the validity of this recommendation."

"The establishment and presence of these species [wetland plants and animals], indicates an ecological succession and community development that began and was consummated eons of geologic time ago, certainly before the arrival of non-indigenous humans more than three centuries ago."

"The interrelated and interdependent combination of wetlands and uplands at Richmond Hills Park and biodiversity of known species would generate a score of 10 [0 (poorest quality) to 10 (highest quality)], using any type or derivation of the Swink Index! Thus, it is a unique ecological gem that is most worthy of preservation and protection."

"The Richmond Hills Park contains very high quality upland and wetland ecological communities that support many animal and plant species that are locally endemic to our Southern Appalachian Mountains"


I hope that this helps clarify why this park is so valuable for our city to protect in perpetuity.