Natural Resource Management
The Board of Park Commissioners of Great Parks of Hamilton County recognizes that as plant and animal diversity has been impacted through land use changes in the region, there is need to preserve habitats which serve as reserves of the region’s natural heritage, as well as wild places for public enjoyment.
The highest priority of the park district will be in preserving land in its natural state. For this purpose, no less than 80% of all park land will be kept in its natural state and managed for the conservation of habitats and species native to our region. Examples include forest, wetland, prairie, meadow, brushland and water resources.
Development can comprise no more than 20% of all park land. Examples include recreational facilities and amenities, roads, buildings, paved trails, built infrastructure, turfgrass, and agriculture.
Great Parks of Hamilton County is the steward with ultimate responsibility for some of the most significant remnants of habitat in southwest Ohio. Given the scarcity of these habitats, proposed development in parks and preserves that impact natural areas requires study of the impacts and approval of the Chief Executive Officer, or inclusion in an approved comprehensive master plan.
Collection and/or removal of natural materials or wildlife from parks or preserves is prohibited, except in the cases of approved scientific research, vegetation management or wildlife management by staff or contractors of Great Parks of Hamilton County. Collection of plants or animals as part of a research project by an outside entity may be requested, and will be evaluated as part of a permit issued by the Chief Executive Officer, or designate.
The principal of sustainability is a guiding value of Great Parks of Hamilton County. It creates and maintains conditions under which people and nature can exist in productive harmony. Great Parks will evaluate, test and implement proven methods and technologies to produce measurable ecological benefits. Areas of continuous improvement include, but are not limited, to reducing energy use, reducing waste and maximizing the ecological benefits of park land.