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9 <br /> 2007 Application: <br /> Project Description <br /> Describe the project you are proposing. What do you want to do? Why do you want to <br /> carry out this project? <br /> PGNA would like to build a 350-foot trail segment to complete the Forgotten <br /> Creek Trail. This will finally give the community full access through the Forgotten <br /> Creek Natural Area to Bond Street and onto the Shoreline Access Trail. With a good <br /> plan, modest amount of money, and a huge outpouring of volunteer effort, we are <br /> showing that ordinary people can make a huge impact on their environment. <br /> In the spring of 2002,the Port Gardner Neighborhood Association(PGNA) <br /> assumed responsibility for the steep wooded ravine along Forgotten Creek west of <br /> Providence Hospital. This three-acre property owned by the Public Works Department <br /> had become completely trashed and unusable due to decades of abuse and neglect. <br /> PGNA cleaned out the trash and began to replace invasive weeds with native trees and <br /> shrubs. In 2004 funds were raised and work began on a total restoration of this urban <br /> forest including building a public access trail through the property. Now that trail is one <br /> step from completion. We would like to finish it. <br /> The Forgotten Creek Natural Area has been transformed. What was once an ivy- <br /> covered, dying watershed used by drunks and addicts, is now a place of beauty. As more <br /> and more people have come into this green belt, the abuse has mostly disappeared. The <br /> trail now leads to a green oasis of bird, water, and wind sounds in the heart of the natural <br /> area. It starts south of the old Amtrak station on Bond St. and temporarily ends seventy <br /> feet below street level at Kromer Av. Though they are eager to walk all the way through <br /> the site, most people choose to turn around at this point and go back out the way they <br /> came in. A few climb up the steep, slippery slope to Kromer Av. We want to carry out <br /> this last step of the project so all trail users will have a better alternative. The proposed <br /> trail segment will gradually gain elevation with three gently sloping gravel stretches <br /> connected by switchbacking sections of box steps. This will take the trail user to an <br /> entrance in the wooded 3100 block of Kromer Av. When that happens, the Forgotten <br /> Creek Natural Area will truly be open to the public. <br /> Neighborhood Participation <br /> Demonstrate how neighborhood residents will be involved in this project. How will you <br /> achieve broad participation? What sectors of the community are represented in the <br /> project? Give examples of how they were involved in selecting and planning this project. <br /> Outline how participants will be involved in carrying the project. <br /> Since the Forgotten Creek Project began in 2002, hundreds of neighborhood <br /> residents have been involved in 23 work parties, four community-wide planning <br /> meetings, numerous committee meetings, mailing parties, and field trips. They have <br /> donated their time to create posters and brochures, do wetland studies and legal work, <br /> solicit donations of food and money, write grants, and create a video. Local businesses <br /> 72 <br /> I <br />