To the Genesee Community:

Responsible stewardship of 1200 acres of open space presents a considerable challenge. It requires an approach that integrates efforts to restore and protect the health of forests, meadows, streams and their unique communities of plant and animal wildlife, while maximizing safety and preserving the aesthetic values we treasure. The complexity of ecosystem management is reflected in the draft of the five-year operating plan developed by the Genesee Foundation staff in consultation with the GEM committee.

Recently you received the Understanding Genesee Ecosystem Stewardship brochure summarizing the plan. Now we encourage you to review the Operating Plan in more detail through this interactive website. Below you will find proposals for thirteen different aspects of Genesee open space management. Each begins with a target goal and then identifies goals for each of the next five years.

Because of time constraints, the overall plan for 2006 has already been approved by the Genesee Board of Directors and included in next year’s budget. While the budget for 2006 will remain firm, implementation of projects in 2006 will be somewhat flexible, depending on changing conditions and community input. Prior to implementation of major projects, the Genesee community will be informed and comments solicited. A small-scale demonstration project is planned for 2006 to provide experience and obtain feedback to help guide future efforts.

Look for further information in the Genescene, explore the information available here on the website www.geneseefoundation.org, and on the Genesee cable channel (8). Also watch for a community wide Open Space Survey in the mail - your responses will help determine the future of Genesee open space as community feedback will be important in formulating specific management plans and budget proposals beyond 2006.

Sincerely,