Wausau parks staff install trail speed and 'no swimming' signs; committee discusses pollinator-sensitive mowing

Parks department staff told the committee they have installed 15-mph speed signs on the east side of the River's Edge Trail and placed pictograph 'no swimming' signs at established water-access points, including boat landings and the ADA kayak launch.

Polly and Jackie explained the department’s approach to one-time annual mowing of steep banks, drainage areas and other natural sites: the work is typically done with a side-arm mower over a three-day span late in the growing season to avoid damaging functional drainage and to limit harm to wildlife. The department said it does not routinely inspect these natural mowing sites for volunteer plantings before cutting unless staff are alerted.

Committee members revisited a public upset at Schofield Park after a mowing removed milkweed used by local monarch-raising volunteers. Several members asked whether the Schofield mowing could be moved later in the season to avoid disrupting monarchs, and staff said they could prioritize that location later in their schedule. Polly said the department can post notices in advance when possible to avoid surprising regular trail users.

Members recommended exploring small-scale prairie or pollinator planting in less controversial locations and coordinating more public notice for mowing events. No policy changes were adopted at the meeting; staff were asked to consult with horticulture (Jackie) and operations staff about site timing and possible pilot projects.