1.  That it should be concerned only with areas of unusual biological usefulness, and not with areas primarily used as parks, etc.  If a committee in charge of park-like areas is necessary, it should be a separate committee with people of different interests and aptitudes on it.

2.  That its duties and responsibilities be clearly defined.  My opinion is:

1. To represent the interests of biologists in their use of campus areas for teaching and research             purposes.
   It is realized that any area on the campus proper is going to receive use by persons other than biologists and that even the most undisturbed areas are undisturbed only in a relative sense.
   It is also realized that esthetics cannot be ignored, and that any area on the the campus must be attractive.  However, esthetics is a highly subjective matter, and what is attractive to one person may be quite unattractive to another.  The major area of conflict on this score is Bascom Woods, where some persons feel that the natural condition of the woods, which includes shrubbery, down branches, etc. make the woods unkempt and ugly.  Many other people find these very conditions one of the chief assets of the woods.  In this case the decision as to how to care for the woods must be made on grounds other than esthetic.

2. To give advice about areas other than those whose most important use is for teaching and research, as to how they can be maintained to be of greatest use for biologists.

      It is apparent from the above that I feel that the campus can be divided into two categories from the standpoint of use and importance to biologists.  In one category are those areas of a park-like nature, mostly artificial, that harbor birds and insects.  In the other category are those areas that contain natural vegetation and can be used for the study of biotic communities and ecological processes.  These are much more valuable as teaching tools, and their utility is lost when the areas are severely disturbed.  Since these areas are irreplaceable, they constitute an exceedingly valuable asset.  The biologists feel that their use of these areas should have priority over all other uses and that these areas should be  maintained to preserve the educational values they now possess.  In this category are place the following areas:

                        1.  Bascom Woods

                        2.  University Bay

                        3.  Parts of Picnic Point

                        4.  Eagle Heights Woods

                        5.  The Woods on the shoulder of Second Point.

      Because of their proximity and the ease with which they can be reached, these areas are all capable of being visited with a two-hour laboratory, and consequently receive a different type of use than the Arboretum.  It is my opinion that the biological value of those area in the “natural” category is the most important value, and that these areas should be managed with this use as the paramount consideration.  These areas should be under the control of biologists, either through the Arboretum or through this committee or some other committee set up for the purpose.  The physical labor could be done by either the Arboretum crew or the Buildings and Grounds crew.  In either case, a management plan should be worked out, and all physical operations carried out according to this plan.  Also, the work should be budgeted in either case.

      Areas in the other category should be maintained as they are now, by Buildings and Grounds.  It is my belief that there should be no conflict between the biologists and Buildings and Grounds, and that there is no reason why the Wooded Areas Committee cannot work in harmony with Buildings and Grounds.  Indeed, it is my experience that Buildings and Grounds is anxious to cooperate with this committee and will do whatever is required to maintain any area according to the plan that is worked out for it.

Summary:

The areas of biological interest on the campus can be divided into two categories:

1.  Landscaped areas of interest because of the specimens they contain.

2.  “Natural areas” of interest because of the plant and animal communities they contain.

      It is proposed that the Wooded Areas Committee be responsible for the areas in category 2, that the committee prepare a plan for the maintenance of these areas, and that the plan be carried out by either the Buildings and Grounds crew or the Arboretum crew according to the plan.

      It is further proposed that no plans or procedures not specifically mentioned in the maintenance plan for the areas be carried out without prior consultation with the Wooded Areas Committee.

      The Wooded Areas Committee considers itself to be the “watchdog” over these areas for the Biological Division and would expect the opportunity to present any proposals to alter their condition to the Biological Division for it approval.

                                                                                                            G. Cottam

                                                                                                            February 21, 1963

back to Past Planning

                                                                                                            March 27, 1964

President Fred H. Harrington

158 Bascom Hall                                                                                  Re:  Picnic Point

Dear President Harrington:

      Mr. Ahearn has asked me to write concerning the position of the Arboretum committee on the administration of Picnic Point.  This area has been under Arboretum control for a long time, but I suspect the original decision placing it under the Arboretum was made as a matter of convenience at the time when Mr. Gallistel was both Chairman of the Arboretum committee and Director of the Physical Plant.

      The Arboretum Committee has no desire to run a picnic area, and would be happy to turn administration of the recreational area of Picnic Point over to Physical Plant, including Mr. Fletcher, the caretaker, and his budget.  We are aware that this change in administration is being requested to facilitate development of a public swimming beach along the north shore of the Point, which will include new toilets and probably a beach house.  We are also aware that this development means the end of the little marsh on the Point, but feel that a fight for this marsh is a fight we can’t win.  I know I do not speak for all the biologists on the campus, but it seems clear that the increasing enrollment will necessitate utilization of the entire peninsula of the Point for recreation.

      The Arboretum Committee therefore requests that it be relieved of its administrative responsibilities for Picnic Point.

      It should be clearly understood that in making this request and for all practical purposes relinquishing its interest in the small marsh on Picnic Point, the Arboretum Committee in no way abrogates the interests of campus biologist in the marsh at the west end of University Bay.  Both the Arboretum Committee and the Wooded Areas Committee feel that this larger marsh should be maintained.

                                                                                                            Sincerely yours,

                                                                                                            Grant Cottam, Chairman

                                                                                                            Arboretum Committee

GC:c

cc:  A.W. Peterson

       R.L. Clodius

       A.F. Ahearn

back to Past Planning

                                                                                                            April 8, 1964

Mr. Henry A. Fletcher

Caretaker, Picnic Point

Dear Mr. Fletcher:

      The move that I warned you of a year ago has been made.  At the request of Landscape Architect Tipple, and with the concurrence of Mr. Ahearn, I have requested that the administration of the recreational areas of Picnic Point be transferred to Physical Plant.  This request has been approved and as of now you are responsible to Mr. Ahearn, Director of Physical Plant, rather than to me.  Financial arrangements will be unchanged until July 1^st.  You will continue to be paid through this office, will get your gas from the same account you have been using, and request any supplies or capital equipment through this office until July 1^st.

      This change in administration is made because of increased recreational activity on Picnic Point, and because of the imminence of the construction of new rest room facilities and probably a beach house next year, with the opening of a public beach next to the marsh on the north side of the Point.  These changes will probably result in the destruction of the marsh, and will render even more remote the interest of the Arboretum Committee, which is dedicated to the management and protection of natural areas rather that their destruction, in the management of Picnic Point.  This is, in my opinion, a logical transfer.  Physical Plant is much more adept at managing this kind of an area than is the Arboretum Committee.

      I want to say, as this transfer is made, that the one thing that made it possible for the Arboretum Committee to administer Picnic Point is the quality of its Caretaker.  I can truthfully say that in the years during which I have been responsible for Picnic Point, there has never been a time when its management has caused me any concern.  I have said that it runs itself, and this obviously means that you have been so adept and so conscientious about the performance of your duties, that no direction has been necessary. It has been a real pleasure to have associated with a man of your calibre, and my main regret about this transfer is that I will no longer have any official association with you.

                                                                                                            Sincerely yours,

                                                                                                            Grant Cottam, Chairman

                                                                                                            Arboretum Committee

GC:c

cc:  A. Ahearn