Envision Lakewood 2040 Plan Needs Specific Goals to Preserve Habitats and Species

By Eve S, also posted on LakewoodSpeaks

Many residents chose to live in Lakewood because we appreciate the native wildlife and plants that we have found in this area. The Envision Lakewood 2040 plan emphasizes “Sustainability” without seriously considering our natural environment. It does not present a plan to preserve habitats for our native species and for the species that rely on our resources when they are migrating. I believe that “Sustainability” should include a written emphasis – a promise – to prioritize wildlife conservation for us and for future generations. If we lose pollinators, birds and mammals that have sought refuge in the remaining pockets of natural habitat, we have not created a sustainable city.

The outcry over the construction of a large apartment building next to Kountze Lake at Belmar Park points out the need for more protection of our wildlife. A few concessions have been made. The City’s website statement says that the “park, however, doesn’t have any official designation as a bird sanctuary.” Vision 2040 omits any plans to designate ecologically important, but vulnerable areas, as “Preserves”, “refuges” or “sanctuaries”.  Some land should be set aside, or zoned, as “Natural Areas”, to remain as they are. These areas will be distinct from “parks” that are stripped of trees, and then are paved over for playgrounds. If we do not zone for Preserves now, the land and habitats will be gone forever.

It is notable that the City predicts the developer will replace the 69 large trees at 777 S. Yarrow St. with lots of small, new trees, or they will pay a fee in lieu. We all know that replacing older trees with new trees does not preserve the habitat needed by many animals from insects to birds to mammals. Removing all the undergrowth, shrubs and bushes sterilizes the land. Lawns are not good substitutes for natural flora.

The City will accept a small buffer next to the Kaori development. However, we should require professional environmental studies, especially water and air quality studies, to determine the size and placement of buffers which adjoin designated Preserves. Vision 2040 should require environmental impact analyses. Modern developments create a great deal of pollution, including toxic construction waste, trash, pet waste, light, noise and automobile pollution. Pesticides, herbicides and insecticides are applied to the soil and air and, unless restricted, will spread with through the air and through run-off to nearby ponds and creeks.

The City’s proposed zoning ordinances seek to expand the limit on the heights of buildings that are adjacent to parks, as well as residential areas. This change is welcome, especially if Preserves are included in this application and if the height limits are sufficient and not exempted for affordable housing.

 A tall building with clear windows that reflect the sky and clouds that is constructed next to a nesting area is sure to result in many bird strikes which happen when birds unwittingly fly into the windows and are killed. Some cities now require new constructions to use windows that deter birds because they have been designed to appear opaque to birds without decreasing the desirability of the windows. Planning requirements could prevent many unintended deaths.

Vision 2040 zones and funds Arts Districts designed to enhance our communities. Similarly, wildlife lifts our spirits and enhances our lives, and there should be little expense in retaining habitats as they are. Preserves should be recognized as special districts, just as Historic and Art Districts are. We should not have to fight the City to protect the remaining retreats of our wildlife.

Along the Front Range, as well as in most of the world, native species face more potent stress every year due to habitat loss, pollution, climate change, etc. A decade ago, I observed bird species and small animals that are now rarely seen in our city. By protecting small natural pocket parks and larger Preserves, perhaps we will be able to show our children a flock of yellow-headed blackbirds again or a pair of foxes playing at dawn.

For more info, see  Lakewood Speaks – Item 3: PL25-0002 – Envision Lakewood 2040 ; Lakewood Speaks – Item 4: OA25-0001 – Zoning Ordinance Amendments