The West River Homeowners Association called for action against the New York State Parks “no mow” policy to prevent ticks from latching onto children and dogs along the West River Greenway Trail.
Chris Russell, a member of the West River Homeowners Association, wants the grass along the trail in Grand Island to be completely cut down.
He and others are calling for action against the policy that was established by the state parks in 2019.
“I take my three-year-old and four-year-old granddaughter down there and I already pulled a tick off of my grandaughter this early in the season,” Russell says.
Other members of the association say the state isn't making an effort to hear their concerns about the high rise of grass.
“We’ve been trying to work with parks since 2019 they insist that they’re going to have the utmost actions in these residential areas,” says Joe Short, a government affairs director of West River Homeowners Association. “So what we’re going to do is have these meetings and get people to write letters.”
7 News reporter Yoselin Person reached out to the New York State Parks, they provided the following statement:
“New York State Parks “no mow” policy is 80% high mow/ 20% low mow. In partnership with the Town, the region flipped the policy resulting in a plan where 80% of the area is mowed weekly from 6” to a 4” height.”
Neighbors who disagree with the policy say it comes down to safety.
“The grass is 15 inches taller already so I’m concerned about my grandkids bringing home a tick and let’s say I don’t find it,” says Russell. “I have to find them and they get bitten and maybe they’re the ones that have Lyme disease.”
But the parks system says it takes ticks into account.
“Consistent with state park tick safety practices, an 8’-10’ buffer along the paved trail is mowed regularly,” the NYS Parks says.
Meanwhile, Russell hopes the state and his organization can work together.
“We need to find a place where both sides can come together and work together,” he says.
Below is the full statement from the New York State Parks:
"Since creating this popular 8-mile-long greenspace by removal of the West River Parkway four years ago, New York State Parks has worked closely with the Town of Grand Island to create a world class trail.
Over the past four years, Parks has invested nearly $3 million in dead tree and invasive species in order to open up views to the river and have removed deteriorated structures, invested in shoreline habitat restoration, planted trees, provided toilet facilities and built stairs for fishing access.
New York State Parks “no mow” policy is 80% high mow/ 20% low mow. In partnership with the Town, the region flipped the policy resulting in a plan where 80% of the area is mowed weekly from 6” to a 4” height. The remaining 20% high mow areas are mowed monthly or when the height reaches 24”, and it is taken down to 8”. Consistent with state park tick safety practices, an 8’-10’ buffer along the paved trail is mowed regularly.
From the environmental standpoint, this area is a critical component for migratory birds, butterflies and other pollinators, as well as amphibians and other near-shore habitat dependent plants and animals.
State Parks policy is to reduce high intensity mowing in areas that are not programmed for any recreational or interpretive activity (ballfields, court areas, disc golf, picnic areas, environmental, historical, cultural programming etc.) to save taxpayer money, reduce fossil foil usage, decrease noise impacts and be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources."
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