Ripon’s riparian habitat corridors along the Stanislaus River are a beloved part of the city’s park system.

Unfortunately, some aren’t giving it the loving care it needs.

It is why the Ripon City Council when they meet tonight at 6 p.m. are considering establishing regulations for open space areas controlled or operated by the city for park, recreation, or open space purposes.

They are part of proposed changes to the city’s municipal code relating to general park use.

To protect the habitat, the following activities are being prohibited within city parks and will be classified as a public nuisance:

* Excavation, digging, trenching, grading, removing soil, or filling any area within a park.

* Removing, cutting, burning, or damaging any native vegetation within a park.

*Constructing or placing structures, fences, trails or road.

*Altering any natural stream channels or banks.

*Introducing any pollutants, debris, or materials that may harm wildlife, plants, or degrade water quality.

*Operating a motor vehicle within the park boundaries except in specifically designated areas within the park such as paved roadways and parking lots.

*Killing, chasing, wounding, harassing or capturing wild or domestic animals.

*Any other activity that may result in wildlife habitat degradation, disturbance, destruction, or erosion.

Proposed changes also make it clear that other behavior can lead to citing for committing an infraction or a misdemeanor as well as possibly being immediate grounds for expulsion for the park.

That includes:

*Engaging in threatening, abusive or disorderly conduct or behavior.

*Refusing to leave a city park at the order of any authorized city representative.

*Littering, soiling or defacing restrooms, or other facilities, including landscape and fixtures.

 *Broadcasting amplified music or amplified sound unless permitted under the terms of 1t a park use permit issued by the city.

 *Those found in possession of drugs, alcohol, or gang related materials, or performing any gang related activity, shall be cited with a misdemeanor. Alcoholic beverages shall only be permitted within city parks when a special permit allowing the consumption of alcoholic beverages has been issued by the Chief of Police.

 The council meets at city hall, 259 North Wilma Ave.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com