Mon 12 May 2008
Mon 12 May 2008
We continue to defer to and count on our mentors to educate and inform us.
A question is asked about whether it is okay to trap fox in the neighborhood (for safety–to protect young children and cats from fox) and the procedure. A neighbor reports a coyote chasing a fox through their backyard and a question of concern about young children being safe is raised. As many of you know, fox and coyote live in the ravine. I’ve had reports of sightings since 2002 (when our group began). It is important to learn and become knowledgeable about the wildlife living in Adena Brook so that we can live peacefully and safely together. I have confidence in Donna Daniel’s expertise to listen and recommend advice when help is needed.
Donna Daniel, ODNR, Div of Wildlife, writes:
“A private landowner would need a permit from the ODNR, Div. of Wildlife to utilize lethal control for fox ON THEIR LAND. If the fox are on city property or on a neighbor’s property then a private landowner cannot act (nor can they hire a nuisance trapper to do the work) without the property owner’s permission. A nuisance trapping company (like Varment Guard) should know to deal with the proper and actual owner of the land and what permits are necessary and how to attain them.
I would urge the person(s) who views the foxes as a nuisance to call the Wildlife District One office (614/644-3925) so that we could find out the entire story, educate them about foxes and what to expect with a den. In many cases the best solution is to just leave them alone and within a few weeks they will disperse. But, again, the specific recommendation would depend on the details of this situation.”
Donna M. Daniel
ODNR, Division of Wildlife
1500 Dublin Rd.
Columbus, OH 43215
614/644-3925
614/644-3931 FAX
Sun 11 May 2008
The rain garden grows. Greg Schneider, Botanist, ODNR, Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, visits weekly to check the progress and add more native plants. Most of them are native wet prairies species.
He also planted a small red oak and a small walnut on the woodland edge.
Fri 9 May 2008
HELP KEEP ADENA BROOK CLEAN
A neighbor reported seeing bubbles in the brook last weekend. I reported this to the City and Jeff Cox responds: ”It is important that instances of sanitary sewerage overflow be reported immediately to a Sewer Operation and Maintenance Center Dispatcher at 645-7102.
If the overflow is caused by a blockage then maintenance activities can be immediately performed to restore flow. If it is a capacity issue, then the overflow can be documented and future consideration can be given to implementing a CIP to correct the problem. A Dispatcher is always available at the number above 24/7/365.
Please report any suspicious discharges, such as bubbles, to the brook or area storm sewers to Jeff Vesco at 645-0362. Jeff oversees our illicit discharge program and is available Monday thru Friday, between 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Jeff will immediately dispatch an investigator to the scene. For suspicious discharges occurring outside these hours, please use the 645-7102 number to report the discharge. Personnel from our sewer maintenance center will investigate after hours. Keep in mind that it is always easier for us to identify the source and responsible party for illicit discharges as the discharge is occurring. For this reason, immediate reporting and response is critical to eliminating the discharge in the future.”
Jeff Cox, P.E., City of Columbus, Dept. of Public Utilities, Stormwater and Regulatory Management Section
Wed 7 May 2008
Today Adena Brook Community was recognized with a SWACO Emerald Award at their annual luncheon held at the Easton Hilton. Each year SWACO honors an individual, a business, and an organization or community for an Emerald Award. SWACO’s program is the premier recognition event in Central Ohio focusing on waste reduction and environmental stewardship. Robert Seed from Keep Columbus Beautiful nominated Adena Brook Community and the committee awarded our group “for six years of environmental leadership, litter clean-ups, invasive plant removal, native tree planting, and installing the first City/Community rain garden at High and Overbrook.” Neighbors Bill and Nan Platt accepted the award on behalf of all Adena Brook Community volunteers. Keynote speaker Ed Begley, Jr., actor and Los Angeles environmental steward, inspired the group of approximately 1000 attendees with stories about living a green life and operating a green business. Joining Bill and Nan at the event were Georgia and Steve Blum-Herminghausen, Ann Florentine and Derek Hansford, Diana Jung Stacey, Wan Jung, and Susan Michael Barrett. Neighbor Greg Cunningham attended representing The Limited.