A proposal to rejuvinate the duck pond!

Daniel Gehrig recently was a guest on the radio show and later filled us in on the details of a potentially beneficial project for our city. Here's his post:

Recent news stories have describe the extent to which the ecological condition of the duck pond has degraded. Although these pieces highlight the current condition of the duck pond, further assessment reveals an even more troubling picture. The duck pond’s water level is not only low, but it seems that we are in the middle of an increasingly severe drought. Whether the severity of the current situation is due to anthropogenic forces or natural cycles, the latest drought illustrates how drastically some vulnerable ecosystems can change. Moreover, the duck pond also suffers from an increasingly dominant cluster of invasive flora and fauna. The City of Shreveport is aware of these problems and is working with Louisiana Environmental Solutions, a subsidiary of Phillips Energy Partners, to develop a plan that will restore the duck pond to a healthier, more natural state.

The “duck pond” is a very vague term, but it is generally thought of as the body of water located to the east of East Kings Highway between Shreveport Barksdale Highway and East 70^th Street.

The duck pond and other such bodies of water in the area were formed by hundreds of years of erosion and weathering during which natural forces gradually shaped the area. Once a filled flood plain, this area’s potential was unlocked when Captain Henry Miller Shreve cleared the Great Raft of deadwood from the Red River. Using his personally designed steamboat named the Heliopolis, Captain Shreve cleared the 150 mile logjam that caused the river to flood this area, draining what is now eastern Shreveport. Because of Cpt. Shreve’s actions, many bodies of water, like the ones on the map, were disconnected from the river. Since 1839 when Cpt. Shreve’s completed his work, the only way the water in these basins have been able to be recharged is through precipitation; the effects of a lack of precipitation can be seen today.

In addition to the extremely low water level, another significant issue the duck pond is facing is the relentless encroachment of invasive flora and fauna. Among the most damaging are the nutria (Myocastor coypus), Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebifera), and mimosa (Albizia julibrissin). Invasive species of plants and animals are harmful to native ecosystems because they disrupt the natural balance needed to promote biodiversity. Invasive species can also have a significantly negative economic impact. As an example, the nutria, which is native to South America, has very few predators in Shreveport. It is well adapted to eat the vegetation that grows here and has even been seen eating bread. These rodents not only fill a niche otherwise occupied by native animals, but they also exhibit destructive feeding and burrowing habits. Overall, many would agree that their existence in our area is more harmful than beneficial.

The last significant problem we will try to address is one of litter. The Bayou Chapter of the Ozark Society will provide a number of volunteers to help with the project; they clean the Duck Pond quarterly so should be able to offer a good amount of experience.

Their quarterly cleanup focuses on removing as much litter as possible. Litter impacts water quality, harms wildlife habitat, and wastes resources. In addition to the aesthetic problems that litter causes, there is the more serious issue of the effects on wildlife. In this case, the animals most adversely affected by the litter are the ducks that live in the area. Litter comes in many forms, ranging from small cigarette butts to large shopping carts and abandoned crawfish traps. Plastic bags, glass, metal, Styrofoam, tires, and derelict fishing gear are all examples of trash that often ends up in our rivers, lakes and in our duck pond. Sharp glass, strangling plastic, and cigarettes that animals mistake for food harm the local wildlife.

Compounding the problem, studies show that approximately 1 in 5 people are intentional litterers. They feel no sense of responsibility and expect that someone else will pick up after them, an “it’s someone else’s job” attitude that is typically not the case. Also, liter begets liter. Once an environment is littered, people are more likely to continue the behavior. Hopefully this project will raise people’s awareness of the harmful effects of littering; litter abatement and educational projects are crucial to the upkeep of our natural areas and the reputation of our city.

The City of Shreveport understands these problems that face this popular park and is determined to solve them. Because of the large area that the park covers, Louisiana Environmental Solutions will focus on the main portion located between East Preston Avenue and Shreveport Barksdale Highway. The plan being developed will have three main stages to address the three main problems we have identified:

1. Remove all of the trash from in the pond and the surrounding area.

2. Eliminate as many invasive species of plants and animals as possible and reintroduce native plant and animal species. We will also develop a long-term plan to keep the ecosystem healthy.

3. Refill the Duck Pond to the normal water level.

If other details can be worked out, we might also remove a significant portion of sediment that has settled at the bottom of the Duck Pond, make a few minor architectural changes, and install an aeration fountain. In addition to the Bayou Chapter of the Ozark Society, we are closely working with The US Fish and Wildlife Service to identify what plants and animals should be removed and the correct plants and animals to reintroduce.

We know that this is a big project and will take much effort, that’s why we are reaching out to a host of organizations. Although we have a strong team, we need to have as much community support as possible. The volunteer portion of the project will start November 5^th at 8:30 am. There is much work to do. The work is also labor intensive so come ready to get dirty. If you have ever enjoyed the Duck Pond, are concerned about the environmental quality of our city, or are simply looking for a way to give back we would appreciate any help.

If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at Daniel.Gehrig@H2Operation.com. Thanks you for your help and hopefully we can work together to make Shreveport a better Shreveport!

Thank you Daniel! Sounds like a great idea!

Hot Off the Press! Organizational Capacity Building and Recommendations for A Better Shreveport!

Leadership, Accessibility, and Communications..click here for the read!

Shreveport's beloved Duck Park needs a rehab, says environmentalist Daniel Gehrig; on-air chat on KSCL, 91.3 fm, 5 pm, on Mon, Oct 3

Daniel Gehrig, Shreveport , a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Shreveport's beloved Duck Park needs a rehab, says environmentalist Daniel Gehrig. Tune in Mon at 5 pm, kscl, for an on-air chat with Gehrig, an employee of Louisiana Environmental Solutions and a consensus builder.

Also, Centenary College prof Annie Blazer offers background on filmmaker Naimah Fuller. Her movie about the migration of Black Americans, entitled "Home," airs at RFC in Shreveport, Wed, 10-5-11, 7:30 pm.

Stream the show at http://kscl.fm/.
Questions or remarks during the show: 869 5297.

The program is Time for A Better Shreveport; hosts are Robert Trudeau, Carolyn Manning & Loren Demerath.

Visit the ABS open meeting at 6 pm every Mon at Centenary Square, across King's Hwy from George's Grill.

http://abettershreveport.blogspot.com/

Duck Pond Rehabilitation, Bicycle Tree Tour, City Infrastructure and More Discussed at Last Meeting

In attendance: Brian Salvatore, Robert Trudeau, Katherine Brandl, Steph Pedro, Maurice Loridans, Cynthia Keith, Daniel Gehrig, Garrett Johnson, Susan Fontaine, Loren Demerath (Loren actually forgot to take attendance; if I missed someone, please comment!)

ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES DISCUSSED

Susan Fontaine, our Chief Administrative Officer, updated us on several fronts:

Susan has set up four separate categories for tracking funds: dues, donations to ABS, funds raised for the dog park, and funds raised for the Coates Bluff nature and history trail.

Susan asked about how to approve expenditures. It was agreed that any expenditures under $200 should be at the discretion of the executive director. Otherwise, it should be a vote of approval by the board members present at the meeting when either an individual expenditure or a budget is proposed. Alternatively, if a proposal is more pressing, it can be approved as soon as there is a majority total board members that have voted approval via email. It was noted that we should post those procedures and vote them into the by-laws.

Steph noted that we should have a working session one meeting for sugarsynch and mailchimp, and we also need to have Jennette's workshop on capacity building. She's turned it in and just needs to add some edits. {Since the meeting Jennette has sent her report to Loren, who forwarded it to all board members. Monday's meeting will focus on the report and its recommendations. Anyone's welcome, as always.}

“VELO DENDRO” CITY TREE TOUR: ROUTE PREVIEW, DONATIONS

Thursday afternoon at 6:00 will be a trial ride with Hallie Dozier, starting at Columbia Restaurant.

Organizational notes:

• Volunteers for corkers will be solicited from bike shops.

• Donna Curtis will be on board perhaps for supplying us with something we can plant. (It's been a tough year for trees because of the drought. Downtown it's been hard on trees, though it appears they don't mulch them with anything but rocks. We'll ask Hallie about that when she's in town.)

• Marion Marks of Marks Forensics has pledged to donate 100 posters.

• Matthew Linn has pledged to donate snacks, and a sag wagon for the ride, and even a light lunch after the ride.

CITY INTRASTRUCTURE NEEDS NOTED

It was noted that there appear to be water mains that need repair, and those costs weren't included in the bond. At the Woodlawn dead end south of Kings water pours into the drainage ditch from what seems to be a water main.

Steph noted that engineers at Louisiana Tech recently presented on a new technology they've developed where you can spray the inside of a pipe and it seals up like PVC. They're trying it out in Singapore and other faraway places but not Shreveport. Perhaps our city needs to ask them to try it here—we seem to be in a desperate state.

Robert mentioned that there a number of sink holes that have appeared. Brian noted one on Kings by Lex Nursery, and Susan noted on Line. Steph said there's a way you can note a pot hole that needs to be fixed on “click fix” which has been sponsored by Mayor Glover.

DUCK POND REHABILITATION NEEDED AND POSSIBLE

Daniel Gehrig talked about the potential of the company he works for (Louisiana Environmental Solutions [LES]) to help improve the duck pond along East Kings Highway. The pond is now four feet down and in that state one can see a need for an environmental rehabilitation. Such rehabilitation would take place particularly between Preston and Shreveport-Barksdale where there's more public land than further south. A task would be the removal of invasive plant and animal species and introduction of more native species. He's already communicated a bit with the Bayou Chapter of the Ozark Society and the Red River Wildlife Refuge. He's also communicated with Dr. Ed Leuck about perhaps using students as part of a service-learning project. {Daniel is a Centenary and Magnet allumn, and former student of both Loren and Robert; they beamed with pride as Danial spoke.}

Artificial fertilizers cause problems at such sites. Steph mentioned there are fines against people using chemicals on their lawns that cause problems for adjacent wetlands, but it's difficult to enforce.

The city wants it taken care of, and, coincidentally, LES has wanted to start an environmental consulting division, and this could serve both interests. A good plan for it should lead to funding, and they can eventually do some of the things necessary, perhaps even dredging. Steph noted they periodically dredge the lakes at LSU Baton Rouge. They did the last on in 04 or 06; she noted it could be a good source for research.

Robert noted there should be support for it since the city is so attached to the duck pond. Loren said he's walked with his kids from Shreveport-Barksdale to the library and was struck by how beautiful it is, but that there was no path; few people have probably had the pleasure of that walk, and yet it's right in the heart of the city, and with a range of desirable destinations on either end. It would seem to be a small task to create a gravel path.

BICYCLE COOPERATIVE UPDATE

Garrett has talked to Jason Brown (TACA member and local prosecuting attorney) about a bike coop, or, what might be at minimum a used bikes and bike parts depository. Jason has a shed next to his place that is lockable and he's open to using it as such. There was concern about security; it was noted junkies will still old bikes just for the scrap metal. We want to be able to store lots of bikes—50 or more—from people who'd donate them and which we'd use as a resource pool.

DOG WASH BENEFIT FOR THE DOG PARK A SUCCESS

Dog Park benefit raised $832 from the dog wash. It was about 60 to 70 dogs that they washed. Dogs get frisky after they get bathed, so there were a lot of dogs playing afterwards; really it was a great example of how a happy dog park functions.

They're still looking for silent auction donations (e.g., lessons for this or that, house concerts, etc.) to pair with the beer- and wine-tasting fund raiser.

MISCELANEOUS:

PRAIRE HOME COMPANION HOPES

Brian noted that we'll hear this week from Prairie Home Companion and weather they'll be coming next year—Garrison Keilor's last before retiring; Kermit Poling is handling the negotiations. If we get it, it was hoped assumed there'd be some of Leadbelly's music, and it was noted that some Saturday in October is Ledbetter's birthday when there's annually a jam at his grave site.

CENTENARY WORK STUDY TO YIELD MAPS

Steph announced that Trevor Stine will be working with us to make demographic maps, industry and commuting patterns; and it will be yet another example of service-learning project done with ABS. Steph even told Trevor that if he does well we'd write a grant to hire him as our demographic GIS mapper on staff. It was noted that there are opportunities to create an information-based culture here and that would create a need for data collectors, analysts and communicators.

TALK TO BIRD GROUP IMPETUS FOR CREATING TEMPLATE

Loren updated the group about his coming talk to the Shreveport birding group, and how he hopes to develop a talk that will describe how the Coates Bluff trail provides a model for how other trails can be developed in the city. Such trails would increase access to beautiful pieces of natural wildlife habitat scattered throughout the city. Loren will be using notes from the blog found on the Coates Bluff tab, the slide show with pictures we've developed, and, hopefully, add an abstract step by step guide, along with information on legal concerns.

EDUCATING PARISH COMMISSIONERS ON CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

Steph talked to Caddo Parish Commissioner Matthew Linn about the grant we've applied for fund the costs with setting up a conservation easement. Matthew mentioned that he wasn't familiar with conservation easements and it's likely most of the other commissioners aren't either; they could read the blog entry that Steph wrote explaining what they are; alternatively, Steph would gladly speak at a commission meeting to the same effect. {Later in the week, Loren obtained some easement templates from a contact of his at the D.C. office of Rails-to-Trails, Lindsay Martin, who happens to have family in Shreveport.}

MEETING MONDAY ON ABS CAPACITY BUILDING

As noted above, Monday's meeting on the 3^rd will feature a discussion of Jennette Ginsburg's analysis of ABS needs and recommendations for capacity building. As always, all are welcome!

Velo Dendro 2011 Poster Out, Route Preview Ride Thursday at 6:00

Thanks to great design work and the donation of labor and materials by ABS member Marion Marks here's this year's poster for the tree tour, which happens to feature ABS member Garrett Johnson and Susan Fontaine.

Anyone who'd like to preview the route on bicycle is welcome to tag along with our annual tree expert and ride leader, Shreveport native and LSU-Baton Rouge Professor, Hallie Dozzier, and organizers Robert Trudeau and Garrett Johnson. They'll be meeting at Columbia Cafe, Thursday, September 29th (tomorrow!) at 6:00.

KTBS on Coates Bluff, Demerath to speak on Coates Bluff as a model for increasing urban nature appreciation, Pedro and Lewis put ABS on LANO's map

Some developments over the week:

Robert Trudeau was interviewed by KTAL television news on the Coates Bluff trail (pictured below) and how it's grown and become a tool for teachers as well as a recreational resource for city residents.

Loren Demerath has been invited to speak to the local Bird Study Group headed by retired professor Mac Hardy at LSUS on how Coates Bluff has developed, and how ABS hopes it will serve as a template for developing other such trails in other parts of the city. (And Loren will be inviting other members to join him, if not in speaking [people can be shy or busy], in crafting the talking points.)

Steph Pedro, with the help of formative ABS member and Director of Sankofa, Leia Lewis, has put ABS on the Louisiana Association of Non-Profit Organizations (LANO) map of social service providers. As our mission is to provide a public forum for discussing ideas for improving the quality of life in our city, we belong on that map!

Dog Park Fundraising, Adjudicated Properties and Property Standards Discussed at Last Meeting

In attendance: Kathryn Brandle, Susan Fontaine, Garrett Johnson, Carolyn Manning, Cynthia Keith, John Gilliland, Maurice Loridans, Steph Pedro, Bryan Michael, Susan Keith, Ken Hawkins, Loren Demerath

The group welcomed newcomers John Gilliland is a Lieutenant Colonel at Barksdale, and is interested in a walkable-bikeable Shreveport and planning. Bryan Michael is a paddler and has met others of the group before, and has worked with Cynthia on the police force. Kathryn Brandle knows Loren from being on the faculty at Centenary (Math), but has also met some of the dogpark committee members previously, and is a dog owner.

PAYPAL FOR DUES AND DONATIONS
Susan reported that she would establish the ability to pay dues and donate online with paypal soon. (And she did! Format and use to be discussed at next meeting.)

DOGPARK DOG WASH SATURDAY
The group discussed the dog park and the need to meet. They’ll be approaching some potential donors and talked about how the checks should made out and the categories the CFO Fontaine has for that fund.

The next fundraiser approaches: the dog wash is this Saturday 11-2 at 1845 Line Avenue. The fundraiser is still in need of towels for people to donate or have lended to them. We have one hundred and fifty and estimate we need one hundred more. A dollar store was noted as a resource.

November 5th is the beer and wine tasting fundraiser and Carolyn is looking for volunteers to help cook for it (at her house over wine!). One distributor has donated some cases and they are talking to others.

ADJUDICATED PROPERTY, PROPERTY STANDARDS, TITLE CLEARANCE DISCUSSED
The group discussed the issue of state law dealing with clearing adjudicated property titles as described by Councilperson Jeff Everson on the radio show a few moments earlier. (“Time for ABetterShreveport” on KSCL at 5:00). The Napoleanic law issue has to do with the length of time it takes to clear title. Waiting years for a clear title is a problem here.

On another topic, the issue of environmental courts being used to maintain standards has been advocated in ABS before, but Maurice pointed out that a number of environmental web sites have objected to how community gardeners can be hassled over those issues. Other folks, who may not open their mail promptly, or have certain difficulties. It was noted that we don’t want to be dispossessing elderly people or people who are somehow weren’t getting notice. There can be advantages to living in area that has lax property standards, particularly compared to some highly regulated developments.

However, downtown, Loren noted, is a more public, communal resource that awaits development which would help the city as a whole. Such buildings as the temple can be neglected by out-of-town owners. We have standards but we don’t enforce them. It was mentioned that there are ways of reaching those people, via facebook, etc. Carolyn gets more questions on adjudicated property than anything else in her job as a downtown realtor. If you’re buying rights to an adjudicated property you can work on it. But it’s more likely to be low-end rental properties because they can afford to wait longer. There were a set of very low rent houses here in Shreveport that were built by a family that eventually moved to New Orleans.

The process of gaining access to adjudicated properties is not user friendly for lay people now, but with change of law it could make more so.

VELO DENDRO TREE TOUR PLANNING PROGRESSES
Robert Trudeau had reported that Pratt Industries had not been responsive but he would approach them again. (And later, success! They donated a substantial amount that would allow us to provide t-shirts with registration! Thanks Pratt, and thanks Robert!) Garrett reported that the posters are done and he’ll be working on finalizing t-shirt designs. The marketing will be posters, facebook, and email lists. John mentioned that an ad in the Barksdale base newspaper might be useful. The person who has the list from the original ride two years ago is Mike somebody (Leflett?) and is a friend of Carolyn Mills. (Any info from blog readers would be much appreciated!)

There’ll have a pre-ride sware the night before at Columbia Cafe among urban cyclists.

MISCELLANEOUS
It was noted that we need to check on board member and officer term limits in the by-laws and folks can consider if they’d like to continue and/or nominate others.

Anderson Bayou Cleanup

Anderson Bayou Cleanup

Friday, September 16, 1 - 3pm. We will meet at The Montessori's School for Shreveport --  come around to the parking lot adjacent to the bayou. We will take advantage of the water level being well below normal and get the remaining trash. Play clothes that can get muddy are recommended.

Coates Bluff Nature Trail moving forward; soon you will see hardy benches along the path

Lisa Shook, Mike Renfro, Jon Soul, Shreveport , a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Coates Bluff Nature Trail development is being aided by an alliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service represented by Lisa Shook and Mike Renfro in recent meetings.

Renfro is funding the materials for trail-side benches. Volunteers will be needed for assembly.

Please see Jon Soul or Stephanie Pedro for more info.

Evidence that bicycle riding is peaking in both NYC and Shreveport

A Better Shreveport Candidates Bike Ride, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Bike riding is reaching a new peak in frequency and in style in NYC, notes NYTimes columnist Bill Cunningham. Here's a link to the video version of the article.

See evidence of Shreveport's riding corps on Sat, Oct 22, the day of the tour known as Velo Dendro.