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Board authorizes RFP for invasive removal at Abolition Hall; neighbors urge phased approach to planting
Summary
The supervisors authorized advertisement of a bid package for invasive species removal and woodland restoration at Abolition Hall, but residents and open‑space advocates urged separating clearing from large‑scale planting because of site soils and species suitability.
The board authorized advertisement for bids for phase 2 of restoration at Abolition Hall and adjacent open space to remove invasive species and perform woodland restoration. Staff said phase 1 (removal of hazardous trees) has been completed and phase 2 includes invasive removal and planting of approximately 550 whips as part of the scope.
Public commenters including Sydel Zoe and Steve Kaufman urged caution: Zoe reported feedback from a local planting group that several species on the proposed plant list (swamp white oak, willow oak, black gum, river birch, flowering dogwood) have performed poorly on the site’s limestone‑derived soils and can show chlorosis. She recommended separating the invasive removal from mass planting and developing a site‑specific plan to ensure long‑term planting success. Staff said the RFP is structured with separate bid items and that the board could award the invasive removal first and defer the planting alternate if desired.
The board approved advertising the RFP with the expectation that the bids will include separate line items (base bid/alternates) to preserve flexibility for phasing and species selection.
