Monroe City Council establishes permanent forest preserve

Contributed graphics from City of Monroe’s social media

More than 40 acres of city-owned property has been established as a permanent forest preserve in a unanimous vote by the Monroe City Council at their Oct. 14 meeting. The acreage is located behind the Chick-fil-A and Paradise Shoppes areas, and stretches north to Mayfield Drive and the U.S. Highway 78 on-ramp.

Establishing the preserve was “definitely needed,” Mayor John Howard said at the meeting, as Councilwoman Lee Malcom called the move “an excellent idea.”

Under terms of the council-approved resolution establishing the preserve, the land won’t be developed — with the possible exception of a road that might one day link Mayfield Drive with Georgia Highway 138 “should the City determine it necessary for transportation infrastructure,” according to a city news release announcing the council action.

The tract includes the Mountain Creek corridor, which the city describes in the news release as “a locally significant waterway that supports local wildlife and provides important stormwater management benefits.

Also according to the release, the acreage – much of which had, in the past, been a Boy Scout camp – “features mature and old-growth trees that contribute to Monroe’s environmental, cultural and historical landscape.”

In terms of plans for the acreage, the news release indicates it will be treated as both an educational and recreational resource, with eventual plans including installation of “interpretive signage highlighting the area’s natural features and historical significance.”

Also in the news release, Howard said establishing the preserve “reflects Monroe’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and greenspacempreservation.”

Councilman DavidDickinson said in the release that the decision is “honoring our city’s heritage while ensuring that future generations can enjoy its natural beauty and ecological benefits.”

Similarly in the news release, Councilman Tyler Gregory recognized the decision as meeting the city’s “ongoing goals to enhance sustainability, protect natural resources and expand greenspace for the community while also mitigating some impacts of citywide land development.”