JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown City Forester Erik Laber presented the Jamestown Finance & Legal Committee with a possible Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for an ornithological habitat in the city.

Laber informed the committee that the MOU would be between the city, National Audubon Society, and Jamestown Parks & Recreation District to help cut down and eliminate invasive species.

Laber says there would be low cost to the city with the ask of maintaining what’s done for a minimum period of 20 years. He added buckthorn and russian olive are the two species that would be targeted.

Sarah Hewitt, Director of Conservation at Audubon Dakota, says they would do what’s in their power to work on the project during the first five year period and beyond.

Some of the areas that would be targeted include portions of Klaus Park, Nickeus Park, McElroy Park, Golf Course parcel, Peper’s Park, and White Cloud trail.

Hewitt added removal of trees would be phase one of the proposal.

Hewitt says replanting would be phase 2 with bringing back native species.

City Councilmember David Steele asked to have more information on similar projects that have been completed in the state. The committee moved to send the proposal to their September Finance & Legal committee meeting.