Hello All:
As the Principle Investigator for the West Virginia University
Organic Research Farm, I am interested in the experiences and practices of
others in managing access by the public to the University Farm. We are
located within City Limits and have several dozen neighboring residences
along with a history of use by members of the public for walking dogs,
hiking, biking, and other recreational uses. While the University policy
has not allowed these uses by unauthorized persons, lack of enforcement has
created a tradition of use by members of the public. As research activities
ramp up, some of the faculty have observed problems from people disturbing
research plots, dogs digging up plants, and other concerns. While we want
to maintain good neighbor relations and encourage educational uses, we need
to regulate access to prevent damage to research areas.
I am looking for examples of what works in other similar situations.
We are considering fencing the area to restrict access, and are discussing
ideas such as a "neighborhod watch" group. Some folks want to keep access
to the Farm as part of hiking trails and "greenspace" for the City, while
others want absolutely no unauthorized access because of the loss of
security for research plots, equipment, etc. We agree that a uniform policy
is needed, and would apreciate any suggestions or ideas of how to accomplish
this in the most neighbor-friendly way possible.
*****
Jim Kotcon
304-293-3911 ext. 2230 (office)
304-293-2872 (fax)
304-594-3322 (home)
West Virginia University
Division of Plant and Soil Sciences
401 Brooks Hall, P. O. Box 6057
Morgantown, WV 26506
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