Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.12.14 meeting packetCN T Y O F D OV 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CI.AN DOVER. MN. US Andover Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Agenda March 12, 2014 Andover City Hall Conference Room A &B 7.00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes — February 12, 2014 4. Open Space Acquisition Update 5. Martin's Meadows Management Plan 6. North Woods Preserve Management Plan 7. Other Business a. Next meeting: April 9, 2014 8. Adjournment 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: David L. Carlberg, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes — February 12, 2014 DATE: March 12, 2014 INTRODUCTION The Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the February 12, 2014 meeting. DISCUSSION Please share any changes to the minutes at the meeting. ACTION REQUESTED A motion, second and vote are necessary to approve the minutes. Attachment February 12, 2014 Minutes Respectfully submitted, 4 4c r David L. Carlberg REGULAR ANDOVER OPENSPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARYI2, 2014 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Aaron Jarson, Kim Kovich, Jim Myers, Jim Olson, Bruce Perry and Suzanne Van Hecke (left at 7:57 p.m.) Commissioners absent: None Also present: David Carlberg, Community Development Director Lyle Bradley RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. SWEARING IN OF NEW AND RE APPOINTED COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Myers introduced himself to the other members of the Commission including his residency, education, and career. Chairperson Sabel noted that Commissioner Myers is also a beekeeper and he will be giving a presentation to the League of Women Voters on Monday, March 10, 2014, a local organization to which she belongs. Commissioner Myers provided additional information on raising bees, mentioning that there are things they could do within the open spaces to increase habitat for pollinators. Mr. Carlberg noted that the knowledge of Commissioner Meyers will be useful in the management plans being development with Great River Greening. Mr. Carlberg administered the oath of office to Chairperson Sabel and Commissioners Myers, and Van Hecke. SELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR Chairperson Sabel opened the floor for nominations for the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson positions for 2014. Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Olson, to appoint Gretchen Sabel as Chairperson for 2014. Motion passed 7 -0. Motion by Commissioner Sabel, Second by Commissioner Olson, to appoint Kim Kovich as Vice Chairperson for 2014. Motion passed 7 -0. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —February 12, 2014 Page 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES — January 8, 2014 Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Perry, to approve the minutes of January 8, 2014. Motion passed 6 -0 -1 (Myers present). OPEN SPA CE ACQUISITION UPDATE Mr. Carlberg reported that the Aasness purchase has closed and advised of the next steps, which would be taken this spring to survey and mark the open space area. He noted that this would clearly identify the boundaries of the open space area and also deter visitors from traveling onto the Aasness' property. He discussed access options and noted that Larry Emerich is proposing the White Pines 2ad Addition, which would provide additional access points from the south. He noted that the Commission had discussed the option of sending a mailer to appeal to interested sellers but at the last meeting had decided to postpone that option. He referenced the Selmer property and noted that City staff has met with the developer that has already purchased the Putnam property to obtain his plans for development. He stated that staff also believes that the developer has a purchase agreement on the Ganter property. He advised that Richard Kuiken, owner of the land where the motocross race track is located, seems to have changed his opinion on development and may also be included in this development plan. He noted that the proposed plan for development does not include urban development on the Selmer property. He advised that the Metropolitan Council considered the amendment to include the proposed area in the urban service area as a consent agenda item tonight and noted that once approved the City Council would consider the item to complete the process at their next meeting. He noted that the development plan will move through the process and believed that the Selmer purchase agreement may not remain because of the limited amount of urban service lots. He suggested that the Commission let this move along in the public process and noted that Selmer may come back around to the Commission as an interested seller. Commissioner Van Hecke questioned if the new open space area would stay with the name of North Woods Preserve. Mr. Carlberg stated that he believed that should remain the same because the two open space areas run contiguous and separate names could be confusing. He noted that residents are recognizing the current name. Commissioner Van Hecke stated that she would be interested in exploring plants and flowers that could attract bees, as suggested by Commissioner Myers, noting that North Woods Preserve is a large space now with the Aasness property being added. Mr. Carlberg displayed a slide show of pictures that were taken by Chairperson Sabel and Commissioner Myers snowshoeing at North Woods Preserve recently. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — February 12, 2014 Page 3 COMMUNITY SUR VEY UPDATE Mr. Carlberg stated that included in the Commission packet were the three questions regarding open space that were approved by the City Council to include in the community survey. He believed that these questions will provide the information desired by the Commission, noting that the last version of the survey was conducted in 2006. He noted that the survey will be conducted in March with the results available this spring. MARTIN'S MEADOWS — METRO BIG RIVERS PHASE 4 GRANT UPDATE Mr. Carlberg stated that the City will receive $117,000 from Great Rivers Greening, which is a part of the Metro Big Rivers Phase 4 Project. He noted that an excerpt from the Metro Big Rivers Phase 4 Project that mentions the activity for the Martin's Meadows area was included in the staff report for Commission information. He discussed some of the restoration work, which will occur at the site, which could include plantings to attract pollinators. He noted that while it would be nice to have a floating walkway to access the site, he did not believe the grant funds could be used for that purpose. Chairperson Sabel confirmed that the Commission could review the management plan for the area at the March meeting. The consensus of the Commission was not to pursue the idea of a floating walkway as they prefer the more natural meandering walkway that exists. Commissioner Myers noted that there is a wide variety of plantings available other than simply prairie plantings. Commissioner Kovich questioned the length of time the City would have to spend the grant funds. Mr. Carlberg noted that the City would have until June 30, 2016. Chairperson Sabel stated that perhaps an observation platform could be created on the site. It was noted that could be a great opportunity for an Eagle Scout project. She noted that the Commission will have to review and update the management plan for North Woods Preserve. Mr: Carlberg noted that the representative working with the City on the grant funds is checking into the possibility of using some of the funds on the North Woods Preserve area but was uncertain. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — February 12, 2014 Page 4 OTHER BUSINESS a. Publicizing of Open Space Properties Chairperson Sabel noted that she is able to post pictures on the Anoka County Facebook page of activity within the parks. She stated that she was interested in adding pictures from the open space on the Andover Facebook page but was unable. Mr. Carlberg noted that he would follow up with staff to determine if that would be possible. He also presented the article for the Commission that will appear in the next edition of the City newsletter. Chairperson Sabel questioned if the website needs updating. Mr. Carlberg accessed the website for open space, within the City website, and it was determined that the website does need updating. Chairperson Sabel suggested that the Commissioners think of activities, which could occur during the summer in the open space areas. Commissioner Van Hecke left the meeting. b. Next Meeting. March 12, 2014 Noted. Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Olson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion passed 6 -0. Respectfully submitted, David Carlberg Community Development Director Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary c T r O F 7685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: David L. Carlberg, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Open Space Acquisition of Property Update DATE: March 12, 2014 INTRODUCTION Staff has continued to work with property owners to pursue acquisition of open space property east of Hanson Boulevard NW and north of 1615` Avenue NW. DISCUSSION An update will be provided at the meeting. ACTION REQUESTED A discussion will be held at the meeting. Respectfully submitt d, : a j David L. Carlberg u 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: David L. Carlberg, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Martin's Meadows Management Plan DATE: March 12, 2014 INTRODUCTION The Open Space Advisory Commission at the February 12, 2014 meeting requested staff bring the Martin's Meadows Management Plan to the Commission for review and updating. ACTION REQUESTED Provide direction to staff on needed revisions to the plan. Respectfully submitted, aij 0 dsej.,� David L. Carlberg Attachments Martin's Meadows Management Plan e� Floodplain koreat Silver Maple Subtype RE y� Y ! 1 p� s. i Tr •'' � �a F,1f Ron ' kI rassfan WBL �' Wet Meadow Aspen Forest , Shrub Subtype Black Ash Swamp NOp native grasslan Wet Meadow, Oak Mnted Shrub ubtype Forest Nardvrbo,' `' f Oak Forest, Dry Subtype Dry Swampt x Subtype � S lleaddxr Oak Forest, Dry Subtype .� �'�`� �. edge � Non - native Grassland Uplan� <�' with Planted or Maintained Grasses 4 Tf i <�rsy Oak ' c MSi�ed Hill 'irdv�ood Swam pL t O: Dry ', Oa . �"� a ' `Seasonally Flooded, x t Subtype , ��le ,t.� • Martin's Meadows Management Plan Table of Contents Land Cover Types Map ........ ............................... Land Cover Types Description ........................... ............................... 2 Management Tasks Summary ........................... ............................... 4 Site Recommendations Description .................. ............................... 5 VisitorsMap ............................................ ............................... TopographicMap ................................................. ............................... 10 PropertySurvey .................................................... ............................... 11 4*411� Floodplain Forest, Silver Maple Subtype l Non - native Gras) Wet Meadow !h stand 0 Wet Meadow, - Aspen Forest h-. Shrub Subtype - Black Ash Swamp KOn*native Grass /and Wet Meadow Oak Shrub Subtype Forest .« "}fardwood`" Oak Forest, Dry Subtype Dry `.. SWempt. ", Subtype , •^ 3 ° dow / Oak Forest.. Dry Subtype , I Sadge y. '� • ,. ' N °Non-native Grassland IINtt > J? a "IrPtanted ,t« or Maintained Grasses Martin's Meadows Management Plan Land Cover Types Description Aspen Forest This aspen forest is of recent origin and characterized by a nearly uniform stand of quaking aspen, with generally dense amounts of brush. Interestingly, the landowner notes that the area was historically a prairie hay meadow up until the last 30 or 40 years, after which it was no longer hayed and quickly grew up to brush and trees. As evidence, where there are still some gaps in tree and shrub cover there is a good representation of mesic prairie grasses and forbs including Indian grass, big bluestem, switch grass, bottle gentian, ironweed, Canada anemone, and others. Black Ash Swamp This small forest area has a canopy dominated by black and green ash. It lies along the bluff, south of the electrical line that traverses the north end of the site in an east -west fashion. This area has a spring/seep area at the base of the bluff that is reported to flow in most years, with exception to instances of severe drought. In the past several years there have been minor amounts of water being discharged from the seep, a reflection of the below average annual precipitation in 2008 and 2009 and perhaps an indication of recharge area and residence time of groundwater prior to discharge. Floodplain Forest, Silver Maple Subtype The floodplain forest and associated wetlands along the Rum River represent the best quality natural community on the northwest side of this site. Although there are some areas with moderately young trees, many of the silver maple canopy trees are over 15 -20 inches in diameter and in places form a cathedral -like canopy. The subcanopy and shrub layer include boxelder, silver maple where canopy gaps occur, as well as black ash, green ash, and elm in slightly higher elevations of the floodplain. The ground layer here is generally diverse for the community type and exhibits overall good quality with only minor amounts of nonnative species. Common native grasses encountered here include wood reed, prairie cordgrass, giant manna grass, white grass, and Virginia wildrye, as well as several species of sedges. Observed native forb species richness was very good and includes spotted touch -me -not, toothed sage, water pepper, veiny pea, blue flag iris, sneezeweed, ironweed, several species of aster, and others. Mixed Hardwood Swamp This area of Grow Oak View Park and the adjacent residential properties is a shallow wetland that is densely populated by a canopy of paper birches, tamaracks, red maples, and black ash trees. The understory plants include a combination of grasses sedges and shrubs also found in the adjacent wet meadow. 2 Martin's Meadows Management Plan Non - native Grassland Areas of non - native grassland are located in the southeasterly portion of the site which was cleared for farming many years ago as well as along the transmission line corridors and in Grow Oak View Park. Several groups of aspen trees are located along northerly and easterly side of this area bordered by oak forest. Oak Forest, Dry Subtype These two oak - dominated community types occur on somewhat rolling upland areas at this site and are characterized by having relatively closed to fully closed canopies. In oak woodland areas larger bur and pin oak trees are scattered, or occur in groups: These older trees have moderately dense to very dense growth of younger trees and shrubs. Common among these second growth woody species are black cherry, quaking aspen, eastern red cedar, pin oak and to a lesser extent bur oak, green ash, basswood, and white birch, in decreasing order. The shrub layer is moderately thick to very thick with the most common shrub species including common elder and to a lesser extent species that are tolerant of grazing (thorny, e.g. prickly ash, raspberry and gooseberry), spread by runners and are vigorous resprouters (e.g. chokecherry), are unpalatable to most cattle (eastern red cedar), and/or demonstrate the ability to colonize sites following moderate to severe disturbance. Sedge Meadow Sedges and grasses dominate the south end of the large wetland where the ground remains saturated throughout the year and restricts the growth of trees. Wet Meadow The floodplain wet meadow is nice quality with several species of sedges, giant manna grass, white grass, wool grass and common sweet flag. Wet Meadow, Shrub Subtype The larger wet meadow is dominated by lakebank sedge, tussock sedge, water dock, marsh fem, spotted joe -pye weed, sensitive fern, arrowleaf tearthumb, water hemlock and many others characteristic for wet meadows. Past attempts to drain the south wet meadow through ditching appear to still be affecting the hydrology and plant community composition of this wetland. This is evidenced in part by the large amount of red raspberry in some areas as well as some other shrubs that appear to be on the increase. NDOVE Management Tasks Summary Martin's Meadows Management Plan Task Description Time Frame I Approximate cost Site Access/Trails 1. Clear path through shrubs to facilitate entrance Winter 2010 -11 $250 2. Maintain existing trails On -going $1,000 3. Boardwalk access future Option a. Six foot wide by 485 feet on helical piers with handrail $160,000 Option b. Six foot wide by 550 feet with steel frame on poles with mud feet $50,000 c. Develop new trails future $3,000 Signage 1. Maintain signage and add signs as needed On -goin $500 Manage invasive species 1. Clear buckthorn, prickly ash, and honeysuckle from wooded areas Fall 2011 $5,000 2. Continued removal of invasive shrubs Every 5 years $2,500 3. Manage reed canary grass within floodplain Future $5,000 4. Manage reed canary grass and purple loosestrife within wetland Future $3,000 Manage Native Species 1. Establish prairie within grassland. Remove invasive species (red cedar) Future $20,000 2. Manage wooded areas Future $5,000 Erosion control 11. Prevent erosion of soils I On-going L $500 Martin's Meadows Management Plan Site Recommendations Description Access The highest priority for this site is making it accessible to the public. At present, the best access is from the Rum River. Over land, the only access to the property is from the cul -de- sac at the end of Navajo Street NW. There is a relatively steep slope leading into the site that descends approximately twenty feet into a wetland. A direct route across the wetland is approximately 520 feet. There is a dense cover of understory vegetation and saturated soils in this area, which makes navigation by foot challenging. In the Winter of 2010 -11 a route through the wetland will be created by thinning the vegetation through higher areas of the wetland. In the short term, this route will provide access via land to the site. Light trimming of vegetation will be needed periodically to maintain the access. The success of this method of access will be evaluated as the general public makes more use of the site to determine if it can continue to provide sufficient access to the site. Should this natural trail access become problematic due to intermittent areas of surface water or saturated soils, a second option is to construct sections of boardwalk to bridge any gaps. If it is determined that the natural trail access and boardwalk sections will not provide sufficient access a more extensive boardwalk will need to be constructed through the wetland. Two options for a continuous boardwalk through the wetland have been identified. The first option is a permanent structure that would be constructed with wood sections secured to a steel frame that would be mounted on helical piers that would be anchored into the ground. This method of construction would require a permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Trails A second option is to construct a six foot wide boardwalk with wood sections set into a steel frame that would be supported by steel posts with wide mud feet that would sit on the surface of the ground. Based on the city's experience with a similar structure in Kelsey Round Lake Park, adjustment to the boardwalk would be necessary in the first few years as the supports settle into the ground. A series of natural trails within the site were created and maintained by the Luedtke family over many years. The highest priority is to continue to maintain these trails to provide a variety of routes through the site and to keep foot traffic from having a negative effect on the plant communities. Maintenance of these trails will involve occasional mowing and trimming of brush and tree branches. The trail routes will be evaluated periodically to determine if additional trail connections through the site are desirable. Martin's Meadows Management Plan Signage Entrance and boundary signage installation began in the Fall of 2010 and will be completed in the Spring of 2011 as weather permits. An entrance sign is located at the end of the Navajo Street NW cul -de -sac as well as along the river at a point where the site is accessible by watercraft. The entrance sign summarize the regulations established for open space properties by City Code 8 -4. Boundary signage was installed along the perimeter of the property at locations where they would be visible to visitors. Trimming of vegetation around the signs will be necessary to ensure that they remain visible. The signs will be evaluated periodically to ensure they remain in good condition as well as to determine if the use of the site requires additional signs to be installed. One potential issue is at the southern boundary of the site along the access road that continues onto the Luedtke property to the south. Boundary signs have been placed on either side of the road at the property line to clearly delineate the property boundary. This area will be monitored to ensure that visitors respect the property boundary. In the event that this becomes an issue, a gate may need to be constructed at this location. Additionally, snowmobile traffic from the river and transmission line corridors has been an issue in the past and continued to be an issue in the winter of 2010 -11. Snowmobiles traversing the slopes of the site can disturb the ground cover and leave areas of bare ground susceptible to erosion. No motorized vehicle signs will be provided at these entrance points and additional measures such as temporary snow fence will be considered where necessary. Management of Invasive Species The highest priority is to remove invasive species from the wooded areas of the site to allow the native plant communities to continue to prosper. Areas of Buckthorn, Prickly Ash and Honeysuckle have been identified and several approaches for removal have been discussed. The first option is to utilize in house staff and volunteers to periodically remove areas of invasive species. If events can be scheduled on an ongoing basis, this will be a cost effective way to control the invasive species on the site. Should these efforts not prevent expansion of invasive species, the city will need to consider contracting a professional service to remove invasive species based on available funds. A second priority is to manage Reed Canary Grass within the floodplain along the river. While total eradication may be very difficult, the goal is to prevent these grasses from hindering the natural growth of the floodplain forest species, which includes trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses. A third priority is to mange reed canary grasses and purple loosestrife within the wetland along the western boundary of the site. Due to the dense vegetation within the wetland and the overall difficulty of controlling these species, eradication will be a great challenge. The goal is to reduce the amount of invasive species to allow native wetland plant species to continue to be successful. 6 Martin's Meadows Management Plan Management of Native Species The overall site has a solid foundation of indigenous plant material and maintaining its integrity is the most important goal. This will primarily be attained by the activities mentioned above. If funding or other resources can be identified, there are areas that can actually be enhanced. In general, this means a combination of management of unwanted species and introduction of native plant material. If successful, benefits include but are not limited to improved aesthetics, improved wildlife habitat, improved diversity and greater long -teen sustainability. All of the different plant communities, including the prairie, woodland and floodplain have an opportunities for enhancement. The design and implementation of enhancement projects will be based on available resources. Prairie The prairie area contains a significant amount of Eastern Red Cedar trees. Despite being a native tree, it is not a preferred species in a native prairie. In addition, there are several non- native grass and flower species that make up the prairie. Thus, a large scale cedar removal and eradication of the invasive grasses and flowers should be considered. Management activities that should be considered include prescribed burning, mowing, weeding and spot spraying. These all fall under a category of management termed Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Overseeding the site with a pre - determined mix of native grasses and flowers would also greatly benefit the site. Prairie restoration is a long -term commitment. In order to get the prairie to be fully functional and self sustaining, it could be a 5 to 7 year process. Once it's started, it's very important to continue, as stopping efforts could cause a major setback and end up being more costly in the long run. A full- fledged effort for this site could cost between $7,000 to $15,000. Project staff will do a thorough site analysis in the Spring of 2011 to evaluate the potential for prairie restoration. It can then be determined if restoration is feasible given the budget situation. A low- budget, short-term management plan for the prairie that should be strongly considered is the cedar removal and a prescribed burn. Both of these activities could be done inexpensively, but still give the prairie a significant boost. Removing the Cedars could be'done by City staff or contracted out. In either case, the Cedar could be utilized, which would keep the price down. In addition, the trees are small and easy to remove. This could be done at any time. A prescribed burn would most likely be contracted out. It would knock back the unwanted vegetation and give the natives (warm season grasses) an advantage. The best time to perform this is in late April or early May. The highest priority is to establish native prairie within the non - native grassland areas of the site. 7 Martin's Meadows Management Plan Wooded Areas Along with controlling invasive buckthorn and other species, some planting of native trees and shrubs can be accomplished in select areas. An analysis will be performed by project staff to determine areas that are short or lacking of quality, native material. These areas would then be prospects for planting projects. Volunteers could be recruited by staff, and bare root stock could be purchased at a discount rate. This can be an inexpensive way to immediately improve a woodland area. Floodplain Areas Due to access challenges, the complex nature of such projects and varying conditions of these areas, improvements to the floodplain areas are the lowest priority for management. This isn't to say things can't be done, but enhancing the other areas would most likely take precedent. With adequate resources, many types of projects could be done. A few examples include, tree and shrub planting projects and bank stabilization projects involving biologs and native seed blankets. Erosion Control An ongoing concern will be the potential for erosion and its effect on the river and the site as a whole. This is a secondary concern, however, as the site is well vegetated and currently does not have any major issues with respect to this. 8 t io River Overlook Bluff ► Overlook ,mss +i { '' 4. j4C r m Certificate of Survey r r City of Andover PIR i�Y��ayyOw06 YY. Y�� Yew Y NOM Y� YYN wY tab �wYV ��YYM �Y YM� r✓��tiw �w �YI�� wiisYiYN�YN� �y r�r.vwrrn.ww wnwa M ♦wb NYti��innw w+MY)ww w ♦ )Y�i Y I.IITir.f�;)R �� Y��II �w ♦ GYM �w Y�nm ♦N M1YY�9lwN I ♦ OwwY)� �w4�_ nY r'�wnr wow L Y�IYIY.tiww..N �YY1M) w w.I Mf.Y �..nYnnr. • rti ��Ynr�W awYYYwEW +YWItl�) • �Yd w r H�� �^''S,w,r.., m I ■t■ Hakanson Assoo., Inc. PAW as we wn esuns vsx ley 2a 0°'A FORY C14 a Nam. i � c � ew •� xams.so.a e 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: David L. Carlberg, Community Development Director SUBJECT: North Woods Preserve Management Plan DATE: March 12, 2014 INTRODUCTION The Open Space Advisory Commission at the February 12, 2014 meeting requested staff bring the North Woods Preserve Management Plan to the Commission for review and updating. ACTION REQUESTED Provide direction to staff on needed revisions to the plan. Respectfully submitted David L. Carlberg Attachments North Woods Preserve Management Plan ANLb ' U F OVE North Woods Preserve Open Space Management Plan CITY OF ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD NW ANDOVER, MINNESOTA, 55304 (763) 755 -5100 MAIN (763) 755 -8923 FAx W W W.CI.AN DOVER.M N.US North Woods Preserve Management Plan Table of Contents SiteHistory .................................................... ............................... 1 Plantings and Features Map .................................. ..............................3 LandCover Types Map ........................................ ............................... 4 Management Tasks Summary ............................ ............................... 5 Site Recommendations Description .................. ............................... 6 VisitorsMap ............................................................ ............................... 8 Potential Future City Park ..................................... ............................... 9 PropertySurvey ....................................................... .............................10 North Woods Preserve Management Plan North Woods Preserve Tree and Planting History Based on discussion with Larry Emmerich September 28, 2010 Recorded by Gretchen Sabel and Jody Keppers Larry Emmerich purchased this 80 acre parcel in 1991. At that time, the parcel was farmed with the majority of the land in corn. The existing home was toward the west end of the parcel, this was subsequently removed. Mr. Emmerich built his home on the property in 1993 and raised his family here. He planted many trees on the property since that time. Mr. Emmerich's home will remain when the remaining property is developed. Just south of Mr. Emmerich's driveway he planted a line of balsams. Some have grown considerably while others remain quite small. South of the balsams are hybrid poplars. The woods surrounding the pond include oak trees that were there when the land was farmed; these now are dying or dead from oak wilt, The silver maples and river birch were planted in 1994. Mr. Emmerich offered his services in helping to remove the dead oaks if the city decides to include this In the management plan. He would use his front end loader to fell the trees in a way that avoids damaging the smaller silver maples and river birch that he planted among the oaks a few years ago. He suggested the work should be done in the winter to minimize damage to the ground. He also discussed the trails on the property and suggested a loop trail through the area that he sketched on the 2009 aerial photo. He has been maintaining existing trails by mowing and said he would still be around to help with this if they were in the city's maintenance plan. Compensation for Mr. Emmerich's work was not discussed. One interesting feature of the White Pine Wilderness plantings is the apple trees on the upland west of the wetland. Mr. Emmerich planted these trees in 1993; deer predation has taken its toll and he's replanted several of the trees since that time. Beginning at the north end of this line of trees and working to the south end; trees 1 -7 are Haralsons, trees 8 -12 are Macintosh and trees 13 -14 are State Fair. Mr. Emmerich fertilizes the apple trees every year in March with fertilizer spikes to boost yields. The sandy soil of Andover isn't rich enough for apple trees to thrive without this help. At the north end of the apple tree line are some crabapple trees, the native kind with maroon blossoms, Along the east edge of apple trees 11 -12, about'' /: way down the slope to the wetland, Mr. Emmerich planted wild plums. He also planted silver maple and tamarack along the wetland, He noted that bucks took some of the tamaracks, but he took some of the bucks. Deer are a significant factor on this property. When Mr. Emmerich first acquired the property, there was a herd of about 25 living on his 80 acres. He tried to keep them away from his young trees with fences, blood trails, dogs kennels —with little effect. But the disappearance of red oaks has also been hard on 1 White Pine Wilderness Tree and Planting History the deer. Acorns from the oaks have been a prime source of food to fatten themselves for winter survival. West of the row of apple trees there is a planting of pines —Mr. Emmerich put In a planting of Scotch pines in 1995. However, he removed many of them after learning that they were not native to Anoka County and were susceptible to mold. He also planted white pines in this area in 1995 and white spruce in 2000, and red pines in 1995. In 1997 he put in blue spruce in this area. He observed that the blue spruce are now planted too close to one another and suggested that the city could raise money for maintenance of the property by thinning the trees and selling them. After some trees are removed, the remaining trees will be fuller, prettier, and more effective windbreaks. Mr. Emmerich also had some recommendations for the open area toward the north of the site. If left as it is, he said, it will be full of 6 -foot high popple trees in three years. He suggested some alternate species: white pine, white spruce, tamarack, or white cedar. River birch or jack pine would be other options. He said that red squirrels love the seeds produced by jack pines. He noted that the wetland is much wetter this fall than it has been since he purchased the property. The wetland area is typically quite dry except right up front near the road, but recently there was two inches of water in some of the normally dry areas. The borrow area on the north end of the Open Space property is now growing up with popple. Something will need to be done with this; one idea would be to plant trees that do well in wetter soils. Perhaps there are some trees that could be moved into this area from other places on the site to help with this. We talked about stormwater management and how it affects new development. Grade changes required to manage runoff from homes and streets often results in destruction of trees and habitat. It's possible that employing some concepts of low impact development might help minimize some of this. y s. =36' Approx.B ndary Line Low Area ShrubTrees (Borrow Pit) (Poplar) , r 1 � s ,"ate= ;- .-°�•�: z, Z j High Area Red Pine "'t, Tamarack 2001„ & Silver Maple °t Pines 1995 White Cedar White Pine 1995 -96 Plum Blue Spruce I, 1997 F`Apple Trees 1993 Woho'IOtOyruce ��` Haralson F Crabapples Macintosh biC State Fair A r ` Scotch Pl ! I Blue Spru`99 Trail Loop liams OakWilt Raw pax •� _Access . Pl meted Ma F'gpprox. Future Park Location +611verMeple Normal Water Location In Wetland s Y t :1 M 'x � • iJt. "�, t .ss der swamp JI MF §a A IT Oak forest dry Subtype''. �..a sonally flooded ;redfnon- native �' f inated emergent _ vegetation ! Aspen forest Upland solls with f 'planted, maintained, or cultivate t= E. '4 coniferous Was hart gra s trees r jtt; o i'_r �- Oak forest dry subtype ' Aspen forest Seasonally flooded,alteredlnon•native dominated emergent vegetation Oak forest 4f„' ewT- °fie 4 �y� Ya.A�..._ ysn ..5�iu �.- a_ --•1 -r�A • , , � :"ice Management Tasks Summary North Woods Preserve Task Description Time Frame Approximate cost Site Access/Trails a. Maintain trail through site On -going $250 Signage a. Maintain signage and add signs as needed On -going $500 Manage invasive species a. Clear buckthorn, prickly ash, and honeysuckle from wooded areas Fall 2011 $2,000 Manage Native Species a. Manage wetland on north side of property On -going $5,000 b. Manage wooded areas On -going $5,000 c. Establish prairie on open upland areas On -going $5,000 d. Manage adjacent wetlands On -going $2,500 North Woods Preserve Management Plan Site Recommendations Description Access Access to the site is presently provided from 161" Avenue NW to the south as well as from a trail easement at the end of 161" Lane NW. These access points connect with a natural trail that loops through the site. Trails The established natural trail consists of a mowed path from the end of 161" Avenue NW into the wooded area south of the Emmerich Home. Some small trees and brush were removed in the wooded area to allow a mower to navigate through this area of the site. The heavily shaded portions of the wooded area may require wood chips if a more natural groundcover cannot be successfully maintained. The mowed path continues through an open upland area between the easterly wetland and the planted coniferous trees to the west. A route around the northerly wetland was selected during site visits and will be mowed periodically to extend the trail back to the wooded area in the central portion of the site where multiple options exist for walking paths to connect with the established route along the easterly wetland. Additional trail connections will be evaluated as the site becomes more frequently visited by residents . Signage Entrance and boundary signage will be installed in the Spring of 2011. An entrance sign will be at the end of 161" Lane NW. The entrance sign summarizes the regulations for open space properties established by City Code 8 -4. Boundary signage will be installed along the perimeter of the property at locations visible to visitors. Trimming of vegetation around the signs will be necessary to ensure that they remain visible. The signs will be evaluated periodically to ensure they remain in good condition as well as to determine if the use of the site requires additional signs to be Installed. Management of Invasive Species For the most part the site contains plant communities that were established by the Emmerich family. A small amount of invasive species were Identified during site visits to the property. The highest priority Is removal of the few areas of buckthorn, prickly ash and honeysuckle from wooded areas. It is anticipated that in house staff and volunteers could complete this task. Management of Native Species The highest priority is to maintain the high quality man made wetland along the north side of the site. Periodic mowing, herbicide applications, and general maintenance will ensure that the quality of the integrity of this wetland is maintained. North Woods Preserve Management Plan A second priority is to manage the wooded areas of the site. Management techniques will include ongoing monitoring and removal of invasive species and oak wilt as well as occasional removal of dead branches, particularly on the smaller fruit trees. The planted coniferous areas will also need to be managed for their health, which may include selective removal to Improve their overall health. Management activities that should be considered for the prairie include prescribed burning, mowing, weeding and spat spraying. These all fall under a category of management termed Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Overseeding the site with a pre- determined mix of native grasses and flowers would also greatly benefit the site. Prairie restoration is a long -term commitment. In order to get the prairie to be fully functional and self sustaining, it could be a 5 to 7 year process. Once it's started, it's very important to continue, as stopping efforts could cause a major setback and end up being more costly in the long run. A full - fledged effort for this site could cost between $7,000 to $15,000. A low- budget, short -term management plan for the prairie that should be strongly considered is a prescribed burn. This management technique could be done Inexpensively, but still give the prairie a significant boost. A prescribed burn would most likely be contracted out. It would remove the unwanted vegetation and give the natives (warm season grasses) an advantage. The best time to perform this is In late April or early May. Staff would have to work closely with the Fire Department and DNR to secure the necessary permits prior to burning. Approximate cost of doing a burn is $1,000. Before this step is taken, project staff must do a thorough site analysis. This will determine the extent of work that would be needed to reestablish a native prairie. It can be determined if such an effort is feasible with the available resources. ` sII.. � t• (,♦ {l {W 'rat � � � � i� hio' �ii1 !'�•• '. ..'�d.n I � I I I I I I I { I I / � x'13 l � _ _• .aY _ r{{ IL � � 1 � t � i North Woods Preserve Management Plan T vD61- Potential Future City Park The green highlighted area shown above is a potential location for a future city park. This area was discussed in 2010 by the property owner, Open Space Advisory Commission, Park and Recreation Commission and City Council during the time the open space purchase was being considered. N WE s Certificate of Survey w � a al„ I aft. Po1N 61 a � I.vwyn J A szi,r W p Larry Emmerich 1� 5- e tea ? 1 , mrcmm IPNaGx MSCU.M ImT 4 I\� 111� a rw x+� - xx- 2s -aoop sa. a � �\ � .� 9.uN te.3G Y.l .I U• Nrin.ul UruW N N. xuM.•.t pwlr N 6•eN.n H. l..Mb R PMn ua Uol part el IM SwU N.H of W NNN.nf N�slr N SuXm 16 Te.n.nb ]; Psq. 34 M.L. IONIp NPn..nO NIM IW MMW / lflA of W ngmLN IUC CunmMrnq N N. SwN..•l maw .f nb PwU Hdl al Nw fbU.rt Owls N 3utW 1k XuW lauN tl agnY .p eW W _ d Tenn KaSl al . afLxemx aW. N teNWSw tl q i5 1 M M]F 1 wua.mx wi4 M . mf Jt�,i _� i w IMN. y Fmw x W wW n M v C mMIW\ 11N w u.u1 1 1n r.im =7 = = 7=n. n=la W le •1 I R � "•.� ]w.M br e a .x mlm n p mm Wt' NMw .Mn.b J.a.s wl NoN . IsyrI1W wn. wMew b W wN n.wy . rNb. a.Ipnn"lirf .N . WNN mpM N m .qW tl mMl.. w LN.bp Yd b W N. N W SNY +n / `°Mf xqP NYM NsN W ]p mFUlw m wun4 W.1 ygM1 MN •da tul. uM f0.'A 1 N el W wb NvN.wl wTr a W x.rgml Owbr a14slFn la ea qW bMYelYp �/^blj. I ' � `� Gpapl NN pM Pbll.tl r /.WYA COYNTY NWIIWAY bfM [F WAY PIAT xn 3O acmaL9 b U. Irvaae {bl WY4 b F C fvl. nrtM>TM f6FN mP[f rA? I�! S.N Tnaf al N N. Twin Is.Y 1W .f N. XNNMI wY1r N W xrew•l push .1 Twee 14 raM.nlr u veq. N. Amble cenW. uLm.ul4 ^ea IMl pvl el N. S.uN.M NNn•r al wb NYNwI wvYr. x.vO.a w INe.x \L30 � fsmmuexp .f N. Swgvrl eem.r N xm NsMNII OuYln Nxu. SwU m lv.x A mnulw m ..eeM. G.1 wMw WYMN .I IH>5/ fuk qw x>U pl yp 1e NWIM ` ��` / fj e WF Nvq W SauU N. el .d1 NMxw•l . • G•P a Nlmu N ep]] Iwf W le NMI1 F. N Y ANNN CNMTY MNWAY RI411IZ WAY HAYM0. LI• dw q. nbl N S /a.. 4 a of >ryLU4q a Nu lutl fe W 4p0•a; Inure. NrN a] 4pYU 1s mHN.. Jt bfup. N IeIs O.0 . xevn Y aq.0 le minuW w ••em4 W.1 . aulw N IN% l..t qxx. FepN Y eYnn 3+ mYYlw 1[ wmia• W-1. 31 a•yW 92 mMW 11 WMtl WYl Y d.IMw N ebm l..l InM.. w•ISl) SSJp Wl / � b eY1.lx. a1 .1100 1•N: Nine• XMn .� a nerfMnnlW ew• erua b W xsN nNna . YW .1 enD21.6 ..MI..I ud. sl Sp aq.w fp rMW 12 Wuh NW NiXn 4w SeiN m a.pr.w M mLUlw m x.MY WC Nuw SwN Wp 4p.0 IS mFN.• p5 Meu4 G.1 M � 3 P p i 1up•nl le pN ar[Ibf uev.. el.lue. N ImN NM: NNH HYN ]+ Nx p2 M1uW v .•amY LA1 O dNOr. N 1102 J2 mYVlw ]4 wnN. N.ne. XMn SP aryW SS mYUtu N ueuY FmL . 4NMr N mOt IMt Nat 3 i..L . 4T N.ne. IWIn 01 atI N ]SV Y.l Ww xuN a 40x. 3a mNUlr 51 Mmne. Wrl a 41wn er Iev.i] aprr. Y mYrvlr w ••cmY (ml • 41am pl )R]9 Wp Y W Nvq W a q. SwN 1[Sp U•L q W MvIMn puerl.r .l W xellxrl welt' el m Srllee 1r SwU m 4WM ]p MMN. Sx r.MW. GN Wnp .df NwN Ow . axlerc. .l NsN.ul nwlr. N.e. TMn w a•y 10 _. l iPP Bp luZ I. W W n w N eYY 4 CYNIPI pN45 YF>L tlw W Cxf IM e! MN .tle -1 sN F.N IM.. eblM.. el H+.YL nN Y W MNM.•1 maw N WIa4 1. PNCI .plxT IS IArfS N TwN 01 4pnw N mMlr y WM4 WN eWp W xsgM) M N .W Bld 1.. ilm. sl H.]3 Wl� � Wee. swN ao 4 x] NW I.. 3x .wMe. WN Noy w UNIInwWY IM a .de eaa. P, . a.lr.. a ]N.m wt Smin I"/ ayreY 1] xeu1N J1 .MM4 4.l yqq W W..1M/ M N Ma WYL 4. N.1vo d 3IW: Nue. SwN e0 a.N.w 53 mLW l4 3N MNb. 6Yt deM W S.uNw.1.rI11M N wN BWL 1.. N.WO. al MI. p. 1 -1W b W WW M• .f N.N ]• cawrm o.NS wcsr. d.e N. [ 1 N..r We w.N...l NM• 1 N. IbrYxwf wv1.G q.nu Swm W a4. le mNNx n - � J - _ � � 1 i � P i 1 =4-z M aeb WW eM Wl M.. a Ytue. N eTY'p 4.t N W xaN InNn .N . W Eb Ne e 1*1 2'e" 1 (NAY YYIT aF wAf IW Y W nFL N ewmnln I 1 x.)yNt t d \ NW42W W �•y` _FvIFFTaTT'didSlnf H.tT HC. JC i H 1wN Y N M 3.wL.pN wuY Y - vAH :."u. _i _ti11N 1M XYILUN Nw1r .Ppnl N'M FNl Na ID iSu ^. L:9:S T4 H � a- -^rj`1I Twl pel N W Yrq 10.b Iwl ! W Wr1AC.1 Owlr .1 W XarNw.l Pxnv N Aexr, fe• Te.mLN ]L Mn 3p. MYa Cwnfx. MFx•nl4 eN NaL pvl a N. lrvgaxl 0.wl.r a rN Xyx..rl Nunn. 4•aeN r IYe.x _ L } I 12iY Cwrvmrw''iM al N. SaaN.wl lwrw .I rtl NvNwl ws1s: Xriu Souln m NW.x +2 mYNln m .waMr Wl Ps.wa LMq dMp Ne N IM el W4 MrU.rl 6vIN a Enim el l]1LP NM 1r/N xMn p) y 16 mNP.r T MGPee CYI . LEGEND pj PIiPF% W ti �� ya ¢ I SW q•Ime. el b.>T IW W b xvU M1. a W Alltl.'1 NWWiY NC1pWY m0ff OF NAY 1YT N6 R6 tlw N. I.M N N[w1Ly .I W N b.N NMY HNN A NN... 1W p - W sM.px. W wp Ay j�- �d�j� '-" 'R` I.M U M 4.vIL•C W W NsU T dq. Ip .Af.W ]f WxI. Fsl . IYWa ln.m mMw M rou4 Wnl a Mlmu e1 13e_W� Nua�. SaUw ua iw.x�...fur•W��a• Ywl . O.INS. N 9Ye[ Wt w. 4yw 41nfg -�a 111- JA �• t'4 ft' W lyrnnl ® 'H ,.^RTi1�A ,.. .,c THE ':ORTF;::EST m• eYWYI Nw1f N W NMMxI Nrlr NvNw{� -_ 1 =.nW 14 TwNIW ]S pMF. N WpR rplC ma[H�5 _`x 1 N!S]H'SH'M SMwI It l.uMy R R . 11 S.NW 11. I.-" R Pun N Sm b 1J. temYly R Ilmq. t1 w � a al„ I aft. Po1N 61 a PPC J A szi,r W p gp re dl� �ikVil I ui 5- e tea ? 1 -T_ al /r1 1 x 'En OPEN SPACE P..1'•T� Im I PARCEL 6� l� F_i v �'Et:S -L_ wd Yx Mp men pcpmR 'Q P51 i : ' / ESrATESI I ` iil 16 ' �•� s 'a _� I . p 5 r, IF ey,)J Ygl� 1♦ � 1 Y PWn N Nb iEYj 1'i S d \ NW42W W �•y` _FvIFFTaTT'didSlnf H.tT HC. JC i H 1wN Y N M 3.wL.pN wuY Y vAH :."u. _i _ti11N 1M XYILUN Nw1r .Ppnl N'M FNl Na ID iSu ^. L:9:S T4 H _ - _ -_ A 1�W +p.N N.rnw .wr W.. ON Yn. nN pl N N)MT A. HWa rNC MMPNST. 1 6rYM CNYr N N. M wanly. Yr.ur.16 .IW =11 W WIMYt NM✓ N W NYUYwI @wl.. al L.W.11t lwnxap N. lsy. 14 Wa Mu. " ywy li'�0. wMN INIIN wun,y,W .IWr lenaO.I p.IWR Wb 3]. bluNN I.Yn.MnY YprNIS1WLw YY..YY.r W. Y.rw.W .YLw.+.Ir .YO...m1. C.mm.MM N W NMPM.I ..Inr N W 5. P.P +..MI Iwrz rINC WFppP.Cil. 1lMe. IIFe1 m 4P.r If. mW1Y H ..eeeY wdl W. a1Pr.YwL Y .+.ly.e.l.. N.•1. •wLn .I•M..r NPI eNNn.[ CweY Net' W wl Ww N H1N LoX NN Y.wPq H W rwsba N.1 N WI[ PH[ Ylml6> a MMr N ].fp 2 W N.I.Pxe xePw w Y.. w W.NNIw r.NN.r.....M W .....r N..r4 +dwM IM H W e.Nl N.pNnW N M. wlgrlb. M h awvOM, qww Mwln N 4yw D nlvW ]L .WiN. GN . N.lu.. N >.Y u.yYW x.wwy . Y..L.. s y NV O.Y WI r .e.Y w u,N m. x.M Yl MYx PA Nw. mNN CCe.M+.HmWW 11 wM1.Wl. WWrNN3>p Wt NUU 3wq WS 1pnr'AmWW >I rwb >wxnYMNMYNeIY.tl IN NYYIw+YMYNWONYM4ewwnlNYrq w.1 . 41N4..! IaW w Mr MLMwN ,. . b N F lxvmud lY W CM wN n H u 1N4 141A [ Wluu N 111H b.G Ym Y.XI >x aW .Y y[ R 1 Y.MIr WL Y m•.v, rY xwe m.•,n Port of the CERTIFICATE OF SURVEY -+ -.- �'M s him Hakanson Anderson Assoc. Inc. I4r1 .w•YU ue Y+11 w • M HRP Southeast Ouorter of the Northw et Quarter FOR 1 n LY.x•. M�IVM Sr•v.r Mr sN R 1' - tOC CnrY Frpben Y.a mM Survgyre s5m 1N.MM Aw, MNL4 lersY sswl Section 14. TorrinhlP 32, Range 24 LARRY EMMERICH 1 H.oe m >m- +n->etl rAx ]m- [n-lem mioka CounV. Waves, ..... pm m u la NL IC JaeAI oclx IY Nam CRC OAHNYNmW.WM A aak Na