MANSFIELD — Mansfield City Council on Tuesday is scheduled to vote on a proposal to grant a conservation easement to protect old growth trees at John Todd Park.
The non-profit North Central Ohio Land Conservancy, based in Mansfield, has requested the easement “for the purpose of preservation of old growth trees and preservation of native fauna, according to legislation.
The conservancy will pay $1 for the easement over the parcels involved in the park on the city’s southeast side, according to the legislation.
According to NCOLC website, “a conservation easement is a special kind of deed restriction. It permanently restricts certain activities and development on the property that could harm that property’s wildlife and natural resources. If a landowner sells their property, the conservation easement is transferred along with the property. The next landowner will then be responsible for adhering to the terms and restrictions of that conservation easement. This helps permanently protect the land.”
Under the terms of the easement, old growth trees are defined as approximately 100 years or older.
The parcels involved in the four-acre park “possess significant natural, scientific, ecological and aesthetic values,” according to the easement agreement.
“The conservation property contains old growth trees that contribute to the natural heritage of Ohio and provide habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, maintain water quality and serve other important ecological functions,” the easement agreement said.
The easement legislation is one of just four bills scheduled to come before local lawmakers on Tuesday. It will be discussed during a parks and recreation committee meeting at 6:50 p.m.
In other action Tuesday, City Council is scheduled to:
— vote on a resolution honoring Lori Donaldson, who retires Oct. 31 after 35 years of service with the city in a variety of departments, the last two decades as a housing inspector for the permitting and development department.
— vote on the acceptance of a $156.99 donation from Alta Florist and Greenhouse in the form of a dogwood tree. The tree will be planted at the front of the Municipal Building in honor of Kim Hildreth, a project planner for the city.
— vote on the appropriation of $345,000 from the unappropriated safety services fund to transfer it into the fire capital equipment fund, based on “actual and anticipated EMS revenue through Dec. 31.”
Council’s caucus is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. with the legislative session following immediately thereafter.
