From Today’s KCCR, it sounds like the torches and pitchforks may have to go back into the shed, as the State Bureau of Administration announced that it is changing it’s plan for Hilger’s Gulch:
Based on input from the public, the South Dakota Bureau of Administration is revising its plan for Hilger’s Gulch.
The Bureau of Administration will retain Kentucky Bluegrass in the most visible and highly-used areas of the Gulch, including Governor’s Grove and the “sled hill” area along Church Street. These areas will not be changed and will continue to be a mowed and watered bluegrass area.
and…
The main concern of Pierre residents all along has been that they want to keep the Kentucky bluegrass. Holden says lower-lying areas of bluegrass, which are too wet to be usable much of the year due to drainage and watering, will be replaced with warm season grasses, bushes, trees and wildflowers…
I’m failing to see where the revisions meet the concerns in a square fashion.
The story, quotes and facts don’t support the headline. This will really make people mad.
“Oh yes we heard you.’
Except they didn’t.
The headline is completely misleading. There is no change in the plan to address the concerns voiced by now hundreds of Pierre residents. These include former BOA employees, one city commissioner, a few former first ladies and current members of the Capitol Beautification Commission, which by law should vote on this plan, but never got a chance.
Just to clarify, the sledding hill and Governor’s Grove were never part of the planned changes. We are thankful these areas are currently left alone. The main concern is the grass in the bowl area of the gulch. BOA and the Governor want to replace the current grass with buffalo grass, blue gramma grass, trees and wildflowers. On paper, it looks like a nice plan. In reality, those familiar with the soil in the gulch say the trees and wildflowers will not grow. Even if they do, the wildflowers will quickly lose their color and look more like weeds (see the State Library for an example).
The numbers the state is throwing out there to irrigate will not result in an equal cost savings to tax payers. The estimated $30,000 of irrigation includes the sledding hill, Governor’s Grove AND the soccer field. Those areas will also continue to be mowed and have herbicide applied. Throw in the cost to weed and keep the new area looking nice and you will not end up with much cost savings.
We understand there is a need to compromise. All we are asking for is to take some time to get feedback from the hundreds of people who are speaking out. Then, give those comments serious consideration – not just lip service. No one was asking for more wildflowers, benches, bird houses and dog waste stations – which are all in the “new” plan. That is NOT a compromise.
If this is a good plan, great. Give it time and don’t rush into it. Get feedback from people who understand the soil and what will/won’t grow and then test it on smaller areas. If it grows and flourishes, by all means, expand through the rest of the gulch. But in the meantime, don’t piss on us and tell us it’s raining.
Dog waste bags – that’s actually a brilliant idea. I like it. A few more garbage cans and a working drinking fountain would be nice as well.
Does the Pierre mayor support the revisions? Or is this as Bob Mercer just tweeted not really much of a change at all?
Tear out the concrete and make these people walk in the rough dirt. That’s what they should do.