|
It is unlikely that sufficient initial funding for a project of the proposed size will be available to permit a single construction phase. Therefore, in the design process, care was taken to ensure that the construction could be phased; perhaps with each phase being individually sponsored by appropriate grants or donations over a period of time. The probable phasing of the proposed development of the Gardens is as follows:
Phase 1: Utilities and Grading with Minimal Construction
Completion of the detailed planning for the site construction and installation activities is a key early element of Phase 1. With planning completed, emphasis will be placed on extension of city utilities into the site, gravel entry road, grading for the lake and amphitheater, and planting of native species that do not need irrigation, construction of a single greenhouse/administration building, and possibly a small structure at the site entrance.
Phase 2: Formal Gardens
The anticipated follow-on to Phase 1 will be the finish-grading of the overall project, installation of irrigation systems prior to planting of formal gardens, expansion of greenhouse, establishment of gravel trails and pathways, fencing, completion of the amphitheater, and construction of a decorative water fountain.
Phase 3: Interpretive Center
The final Phase of the project will include the construction of the interpretive center and conference facilities, paving of the entry road and parking areas, completion of the entry building, extension of trails, and the possible development of additional stream channels.
Current Activity: (4/2011)
Initial supportive funding was received by the WWR&BG from Vulcan Power Company (www.volcanopower.com) in 2007 in the amount of $10,000, to fund the drill-core sampling of the proposed lake site, and to begin the purchase of appropriate native plants for the Gardens. Vulcan Power has subsequently ceased operations in the Siskiyou area, and no additional funding is expected to be provided from this source.
Emphasis is now being placed on obtaining Phase 1 grant funding from the several organizations which have an interest in Wildlife Conservation, Botanical Gardens, and/or employment opportunities. The IRS has informed the Board that the Gardens are currently classified as a private foundation, rather than the 501(c)(3) status that had previously been assumed. Appropriate actions are being taken to reestablish the previous 501(c)(3) status that is usually more desirable from a donor's point of view.
Investigation of the permitting and approval requirements for the lake is in the planning phase. The Board has agreed to eliminate all consideration of the implementation of a wetland mitigation bank on this property due to the extensive permitting requirements, long time to final establishment, high up-front expenses, and the need for a substantial endowment to assure maintenance of the wetland in perpetuity.
Early establishment of the lake has been identified as the current first priority by the Board. The approximate desired location of the lake has been determined and flagged to allow for the proper positioning of the core samples mentioned above. When the weather allows (probably in late spring), the sampling will proceed. It is expected that the final lake boundaries will be established from the core results, and then the necessary approval cycle will be started.
The Weed City Attorney (Robert Winston) has prepared a long-term lease agreement between the City and WWR&BG for use of the land, and it has been approved by all parties.
Initial planting of native plants has begun this spring using a portion of the funding provided by Vulcan power for this purpose. This activity will continue as the locations for future plantings are determined from the planning efforts.
|
|
