10.6 – Research Investigation
Standard: The agency shall conduct at least one experimental exploration or research investigation each year related to park and recreation operations. These are demonstration or pilot projects where performance data are collected before and after the test to determine effectiveness.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide a report on a current or recent experimental or demonstration research project designed to improve a product or to test a new process or procedure, including methods used and research findings; provide brief descriptions of other research investigations undertaken over the past five (5) years.
Narrative:
PRC is one of a few Parks and Recreation agencies in the country that has a prominent Conservation Division (Conservation) within it. This allows for collaboration internally and with outside agencies on experimental exploration and research investigation.
Conservation is leading the way on the control of the invasive species the Spotted Lantern Fly, a sap-sucking invasive species from Asia that can cause significant damage to wooded areas. PRC has acquired a fleet of high-powered commercial vacuums to suck up large congregations in facilities. This Program includes a research component of analyzing collection data for location and life cycle stages which will aid in planning future responses. The public has also been asked to input data on the iNaturalist Website. In addition, other municipalities and the Cross Westchester Maintenance/New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) are working with PRC on this effort.
Another example of this would be the Beech Leaf Disease Project as a way to combat the effects of the disease which kills both native and ornamental tree species. The Project began with a training session that included staff from PRC’s Divisions of golf, parks, recreation and general maintenance led by Conservation. Since then, the project has continued with the establishment of new planting plots.
Additionally, Conservation is part of the Climate Adaptive Silviculture Project which brings together practitioners and researchers to experiment with management techniques for adapting to climate change and disturbance in the northeast. Two Conservation employees are co-authors of the research.
Commissioned by the Westchester Parks Foundation, PRC’s not-for-profit organization, the Tibbetts Pond Restoration and Management Plan outlines steps to restore the silted pond inundated with water chestnut and poor water quality. The plan was conducted in a scientific, pro-active manner based on the collection and assessment of consistent water quality and biological data which has been analyzed by Conservation.
PRC has other such projects listed within a description document.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
10.6 – EOC 1 PRC Spotted Lantern Fly Vacuum Efforts – Press Release
10.6 – EOC 2 PRC Spotted Lantern Fly Vacuum Loan to Municipalities – Press Release
10.6 – EOC 3 Spotted Lantern Fly iNaturalist Website
10.6 – EOC 4 Spotted Lantern Fly Report – PRC
10.6 – EOC 5 Spotted Lantern Fly Report – Cross Westchester Maintenance NYSTA
10.6 – EOC 6 Beech Leaf Disease – Training Photo
10.6 – EOC 7 Beech Leaf Disease – Planting Map
10.6 – EOC 8 Climate Adaptive Silviculture – Article
10.6 – EOC 9 Tibbetts Pond – Restoration and Management Plan