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Committee discusses native‑planting and meadow replanting; considers separate ordinances and pilot projects
Summary
Members discussed two related proposals — a native‑planting guideline and a meadow/basin replanting or mowing policy — agreeing they should be separate items, and suggested piloting examples and using DCNR guidance when preparing materials for the board.
The committee discussed two distinct but related items: a native‑planting (landscape) guideline and a separate meadow/basin replanting and township mowing policy. The Chair said landscape requirements are already guided by DCNR lists and suggested codifying guidance for homeowners and developers while keeping the two topics as separate actions.
Members debated whether a native‑planting ordinance would look like a codified planting list versus homeowner guidance, and agreed meadow/basin replanting (where storm basins are converted from frequent mowing to native vegetation or pollinator plantings) should be handled as a separate policy. Committee member (S3) recommended demonstration projects and education for homeowners, and the Chair suggested identifying a pilot site such as Anderson Farm Park to showcase planting examples and to support grant applications.
Members noted some constraints — mowing near roadways may be limited by PennDOT requirements — and discussed producing a township mowing policy to present to the board. No ordinance was adopted; members asked for short written proposals outlining intent and likely first steps at the next meeting.
