Preserving Bush’s Pasture Park’s towering white oak trees while maintaining park access for visitors was the big topic of Monday’s Salem City Council meeting , with plans for safer and newly designated picnic areas, and possibly a new playground, under consideration.

The discussion originated in a motion from Council President Linda Nishioka to provide more signs and map updates so visitors know where picnicking is encouraged and where city ecological restoration efforts are ongoing.

The designated picnic areas would be mowed as usual, while restoration areas would go unmowed, the motion said.

The changes would preserve accessibility while protecting the park’s 200-year-old oak trees, young saplings, and assessing whether the same approach to conservation could be applied in other c

See Full Page