CHALLENGES OF NATURAL AREAS IN AN URBAN CONTEXT

The City of Pittsburgh's Four Regional Parks (Frick, Highland. Riverview and Schenley) contain athletic fields, play areas, landscaped areas and natural areas. These natural areas offer inner city residents the opportunity to experience the natural environment of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Riverview and Frick contain the most significant natural areas but Schenley and Highland also offer some undeveloped park lands.

Natural areas in an urban context are subject to issues that do not affect more remote natural areas. Roadways often dissect natural area or are in close proximity to them. Some of these roadways are associated with excavation in areas of Redbeds leading to issues of hillside instability, erosion and sedimentation. Roadways, historic use and proximity to sources introduced by city residents and visitors have made invasive species an issue in these natural areas. Altered hydrology and utility corridors are additional issues as is the sheer number of users these parks experience.

The city completed a study in 2010 that focused on the natural areas in our Regional Parks. The purpose of the study was to provide a baseline condition of the health of the natural areas, identify specific issues, and suggest a course of action to improve the conditions. Biohabitats was the lead consultant on this effort which also included Civil and Environmental Consultants among others.