The forest at Stacy Ridge Park is currently being thinned and pruned and is expected to be finished the week of June 17.
The operation will “open” the wooded area to increase visibility through the forest, similar to the forest work that has been done at Celebration Park.
The purpose of this maintenance is to 1) reduce the likelihood of Cattle Egrets establishing rookeries, which can cause substantial environmental damage and 2) create greater visibility and security in the wooded area for trail users, especially after dusk.
The process includes high-powered and dangerous equipment, so the forest and hike-and-bike trails in the immediate area are temporarily closed for public safety. Signs and barricades are posted to temporarily redirect trail users around the work site.
Selected trees will be replanted in certain areas throughout the park.
For questions and more information, please contact Jesse Simmons, City Forester, at 214.509.3330.