ORDINANCE NO. , SERIES 2026
TITLE
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT CODE OF ORDINANCES (“LMCO”) SECTION 42.31 TO PERMIT THE FORAGING OF CERTAIN PLANT MATERIAL IN LOUISVILLE METRO PARKS.
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBER LYNINGER
WHEREAS, currently the Louisville Code of Metro Ordinances prohibits the gathering of plant material from Louisville Metro Parks with no exceptions; and
WHEREAS, it is important to maintain a general prohibition of removing or gathering plant materials to protect the ecosystems in our parks and the environment of our city; and
WHEREAS, many residents of Louisville enjoy foraging for nuts, berries, and other edible plants, some of which may be located within our parks system; and
WHEREAS, a process of exceptions for foraging is found in many local, state, and national parks, with park directors allowed to grant exceptions and set guidelines for limited foraging for personal consumption.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: Section 42.31 of LMCO Chapter 42 is amended in relevant part as follows:
§ 42.31 RESTRICTIONS; PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES.
(C) Other restrictions.
(1) Removal of natural resources.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to remove any natural resource including, but not limited to, plant material, animals, birds, soil, rocks, water, or other natural resources (but excepting fish where fishing is authorized by the Director of Parks) from any park, parkway or playground in Louisville Metro.
(b) The Director of Parks, upon a written determination that the gathering or consumption of certain fruits, nuts, and berries will not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources, may authorize, on a park by park basis, the gathering and possession of identified fruits, nuts, and berries for personal consumption while on park grounds.
SECTION II: This Ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and approval or otherwise becoming law.
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_______________________________ Sonya Harward Metro Council Clerk |
_____________________________ Brent Ackerson President of the Council |
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_______________________________ Craig Greenberg Mayor |
_____________________________ Approval Date |
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
BY: ________________________________
O-108-26