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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.11.16 meeting packet'119 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Andover Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Agenda May 11, 2016 Andover City Hall Conference Room A&B 6:00 p.m. 1. Walking Tour of North Woods Preserve 2. Return to Andover City Hall for regular meeting 7.00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes: March 9, 2016 Regular Meeting 4. North Woods Preserve Management Plan 5. Kiosk Signage 6. Play Clean Go Signage 7. Andover Family Fun Fest 8. Other Business a. Next meeting: July 13, 2016 9. Adjournment Note: City Council has been invited to attend the walking tour. There maybe a quorum of the Council members present at the tour. No decisions or official actions by the Council will be made. ILI 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 —March 9, 2016 Regular Meeting DATE: May 11, 2016 INTRODUCTION The Open Space Advisory Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the March 9, 2016 regular 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. Respectfully submitted, David L. Carlberg Attachment March 9, 2016 meeting minutes REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPA CE AD VISORY COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 9, 2016 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Acting Chairperson Kim Kovich at 6:27 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Anna Dirkswager, Joy Faherty, Aaron Jarson, Kim Kovich, Jim Olson and Suzanne Van Hecke Commissioners absent: Gretchen Sabel (participated in meeting via conference call) Also present: David Carlberg, Community Development Director Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician OATH OF OFFICE FOR COMMISSIONERS KIM KOVICH, JOY FAHERTY, AND ANNA DIRKSWAGER Mr. Carlberg asked each Commissioner and staff to introduce themselves to the rest of the Commission. Mr. Carlberg administered the oath of office to Commissioners Kovich, Faherty and Dirkswager. RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES— October 14, 2015 Motion by Commissioner Jarson, Second by Commissioner Olson, to approve the minutes of October 14, 2015. Motion passed 4 -0 ( Dirkswager and Faherty present). MARTIN'S MEADOWS MANAGEMENT PLAN Mr. Carlberg noted that an assessment of Martin's Meadows was completed by Jason Husveth the previous year and advised that language from that activity was included in the management plan. He noted that the final report from Mr. Husveth is attached to the management plan and was included in the packet. He explained that his involvement in the OSAC was in regard to the acquisition of property and noted that since that process has been completed the purpose of the Commission has now changed to management of the areas that have been acquired. He noted that while he would continue in some manner, Mr. Kytonen would be taking more of an active role to work with the Commission on the management of the open space areas. Mr. Kytonen provided background information on the funds that were received for the management of Martin's Meadows. He briefly reviewed the management activities that have been completed and those that are scheduled to be completed this year. Mr. Carlberg noted that one of the challenges with Martin's Meadows is that the public access is through the cul -de -sac on Navajo Street, however, the maintenance activity access is provided through the Luedtke family property to the south and therefore needs to be coordinated with Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — March 9, 2016 Page 2 them. He explained that the City has an agreement with the Luedtke family for access and an easement was purchased with some of the grant funds the City received for the maintenance of .this space. Mr. Kytonen continued to review the activities listed for the open space area in the management plan. Commissioner Dirkswager stated that she would be happy to make suggestions for the kiosks noting that she does have experience with her background with the DNR. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted that perhaps an agenda item can be created for a future meeting relating to kiosks. He stated that the group should also perhaps consider creating five or ten year plans for the open space areas. He asked if staff has thought that far ahead. Mr. Carlberg stated that Mr. Husveth would be reviewing the new Dalske property to complete an assessment for the open space area, which will be used to create a management plan. He noted that there would not be additional funds . for long -term management plans. He stated that Martin's Meadows is the only site with identified funds to run a management plan. Mr. Kytonen stated that the City did receive an extension for use of the funds and will have until June of 2017 to spend the remainder of the funds designated for Martin's Meadows. He stated that if the funds could not all be used within this site within that timeframe the City could possibly request to use some of the funds in another open space area. Mr. Carlberg noted that once the management plans are completed the City could pursue additional grant opportunities in order to obtain additional funds for management. He noted that the tables and dates will be updated in the management plan and advised that additional dates will be added once the activities are completed. He noted that the visitors map would be updated and referenced the trail map, asking if that map seemed to be up to date. He confirmed that the trail map is correct and advised that he will print a large format of the trail map that will be placed in the kiosk. Commissioner Sabel stated that perhaps the signage could be discussed at the May meeting, which would use a photo from each site, a map of all the open space areas, and would also reference positive messages for allowed activities. She thanked the Commission for allowing her to comment and listen via telephone and signed off from the meeting. Commissioner Van Hecke stated that the open space area is accessible by canoe and stated that perhaps some maps be placed near that location. She noted that she had been in the open space when someone pulled up by canoe and she gave them her map as they were not aware of the layout of the open space. Mr. Carlberg stated that it is also important to educate the public about these open space sites to make sure people know about the sites. He stated that blurbs had been placed in the newsletter before but noted that perhaps an article could be placed on the front page rather than in the back. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —March 9, 2016 Page 3 He advised that the City website was also updated as well which will assist in education of the public. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted that it will also help that two of the open space areas are more user friendly and easier to navigate. He noted that Martin's Meadows has a lot of poison ivy and perhaps the areas where people may congregate should be treated. Mr. Kytonen stated that he was unsure that management funds could be used for that purpose but noted that in -house spraying could occur. He noted that a flyer could also be placed in the kiosk, which identified poison ivy plants and warns users to be on the lookout. Mr. Carlberg stated that it would be helpful to remove the poison ivy from the areas where people may congregate. Commissioner Faherty referenced the hill where snowmobilers are still running their machines. She noted that the attempts that have been made thus far have not been successful and stated that perhaps split rail fence could be placed there. Mr. Kytonen stated that staff has discussed placing an earth tone chain link fence at the base, but noted that it would be costly. Mr. Carlberg noted that perhaps additional terracing could be done to detour the activity. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted the item referencing bank stabilization of the Rum River and noted that would be costly and was not sure that would be the purpose of the Commission. Mr. Kytonen confirmed that the Commission would not do much with the river, noting that the intent would be to keep that area natural. He stated that was a mention of Mr. Husveth during his assessment and noted that the item would most likely only entail natural plantings. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Carlberg stated that the group will meet every two months, visiting an open space area prior to each meeting. He stated that the Commission will next meet at North Woods Preserve and noted that area is already pretty established and therefore there will not be much management needed. a. Next Meeting: May 11, 2016 It was confirmed that the Commission will meet at North Woods Preserve at 6:00 p.m. to tour the open space and then the regular meeting will follow at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Commissioner Olson asked if staff is actively looking for funding sources for the management of the other open space areas. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — March 9, 2016 Page 4 Mr. Kytonen stated that staff has been pretty occupied working to spend the funds designated for Martin's Meadows. He noted that he is aware of funding opportunities that staff could attempt to pursue. Mr. Carlberg stated that if there is a good management plan in place to review that will assist in possible grant applications. Acting Chairperson Kovich confirmed that an item will be placed on the next agenda to discuss the signage. He confirmed that the following meetings for the year will occur in May, July and September. Mr. Carlberg noted that also in May the Commission will discuss the plans for the Andover Family Fun Fest event. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Faherty, Second by Commissioner Van Hecke, to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m. Motion passed 6 -0. Respectfully submitted, David Carlberg Community Development Director Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary 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 Review DATE: May 11, 2016 REQUEST The Commission is requested to advise staff of any changes needed in the North Woods Preserve Management Plan. Attached is the most current plan for Commission review. Also attached is the Ecological Assessment and Survey prepared by Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. dated October 6, 2015. Attachments North Woods Preserve Management Plan North Woods Preserve Ecological Assessment and Survey Respectfully submitted, : - -4 0. David L. Carlberg 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 WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV North Woods Preserve Management Plan Table of Contents SiteHistory ..................................................................................... 1 Plantings and Features Map ................................................................ 4 LandCover Types Map ......................................................................... S Management Tasks Summary ............................................................. 6 Site Recommendations Description ................................................... VisitorsMap ............................................................................................ 0 Property Surveys ................................................................................... 11 North Woods Preserve Management Plan North Woods Preserve North Woods Preserve consists of two properties. The Aasness Property purchased in 2014 consisting of 25.73 acres and the Emmerich Property acquired in 2010 consisting of 20.62 acres bringing the total acreage of North Woods Preserve to 4635 acres. Aasness Property Based on information provided by Donna Aasness via email on December 15, 2014. In the mid 1800's it became part of the Minnesota Territories. Orville and Dorothy Aasness purchased the farmstead (est. built in 1902) and land in 1956. It had been a working farm prior to that. During the early 70's there were trails through it for the purpose of training sled dogs by a neighbor and family member. There were a few years in the 80's when the open field was rented to a farmer looking for more land to grow corn. Richard, son of Orville and Dorothy Aasness, and his wife Donna inherited the property in 2001. Since that date, the mass of grassland, oak forest, lowland, and woodland have been left to nature, undisturbed and unaltered, with the exception of Richard using it for hunting and clearing away dead wood periodically throughout the years. The City closed on the property on January 10, 2014. Emmerich Property Based on a discussion with Larry Emmerich on 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. 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. One interesting feature of the White Pine Wilderness plantings is the apple trees on the 1 North Woods Preserve Management Plan 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 half way down the slope to the wetland, Mr. Emmerich planted wild plums. He also planted silver maple and tamarack along the wetland. 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, dog kennels - with little effect. But the disappearance of red oaks has also been hard on 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 poplar trees in three years. He suggested some alternate species such as 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. The borrow area on the north end of the Open Space property is now 2 North Woods Preserve Management Plan growing up with poplars. Something will need to be done with this; one idea would be to plant trees that do well in wetter soils. ° � e A I I II 1 \ll01'L.lt Open Space I I I I I i I White Pine Wilderness Plantings & Features November 3.5, 2010 Aerial photography is composite of 2006 & 2oog Photos - Not to scale i I T Y 0 F North Woods Preserve Management Plan Land Cover Types s w r} t y ay ti Alder swamp Area of Interest oak woodland- brushland 1 Altered /non - native deciduous woodland Parcels _ > . Aspen forest �_ rt Saturated deciduous shrubland M Aspen forest - saturated soils t i� -- Hay Eastern red cedar (woodland) with 26 -50% impervious cover Grassland with sparse conifer or mixed deciduous/coniferous trees - altered /non- native dominated Grassland w sparse�coi feFor mixed tleciduous/conderous trees - --r— -•� altered /non- native dominated - "►Aspen forest Grassland with sparse deciduous trees - altered /non- native dominated vegetation Oak forest dry subtype Hayfield a '0 c 8 sLr Seasonally flooded altered/ non -native dommatedw r` i ? Oak (forest or Woodland) with 11- 25% impervious cover emergent vegetation o�� r aspen forest Oak forest o° r Oak forest dry subtype Oak forest dry subtype - Alder swamp N N _ .± - Oak savanna with 11 -25% impervious cover o Oak wood land- brushland Upland soils with planted, �°in -. rs••iK' mairitamed,ultivated -. -" conirem strees Planted mixed coniferous /deciduous trees with 26 -50% impervious cover Saturated deciduous shrubland Short grasses and mixed trees with,l l -25 %impervious cover , �� Ir` •f. i Seasonally flooded altered /non- native dominated emergent vegetation - •^� -` w- Oak forest dry subtype t --. Short grasses and mixed trees with 11 -25% impervious cover Aspen forest r "`�"� - -l' Upland soils with planted or maintained grasses and sparse tree cover A"a Seasonally flooded altered / • 3 + '`< ° non-native dominated' emergent vegetation Oak forest -_. _. , - -- �= ---�'' 't'`'�' " -,:• �_ �� Upland soils with planted, maintained or cultivated mixed coniferous /deciduous trees Upland soils with planted, maintained, or cultivated coniferous trees air ` : �L� �,���';� • - � iu Flu u N W E 0 250 500 1,000 Map Source: Anoka County GIS Map Date: December 2014 Feet s City of Andover GIS Minnesota DNR Document Path: H: \Gisdata \Planning \Projects \Open Space \North Woods Preserve Land Cover Types.mxd) CITY O F NDOVE Management Tasks Summary North Woods Preserve Task Description Time Frame Approximate I 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 2015 $2,000 Manage Native Species a. Manage wetland central to 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 The primary or main access to the site is a parking lot located off of Hanson Boulevard NW (Address: 16347 Hanson Boulevard NW). This minimum maintenance parking area was constructed in 2014 at an estimated cost of $15,000 and provides up to 14 parking spaces for the property. The lot was constructed using in house labor (City Public Works staff) as well as material items in stock resulting in an actual out of pocket cost of $2,500 which was the cost of the Class V. The apron paving in the right of way of Hanson Boulevard NW (CSAH 78) was donated by a contractor working on a nearby Anoka County Highway project for the use of the lot for the temporary storage of a construction trailer. Access to the site is also provided from a trail off of 161st Lane NW in the White Pine Wilderness development. This access point, which was constructed in 2015, connects with a natural trail that loops through the site. Also, when the northern most phase of the White Pine Wilderness development occurs an access point will also be gained at the end of a permanent cul -de -sac along a permanent watermain easement. The trails in the White Pine Wilderness development will provide access opportunities for the residents that live in the adjoining neighborhoods but are not intended to serve as access points whereby visitors would park their vehicle on the adjacent city streets to access North Woods Preserve. Trails The established natural trails consist of mowed paths from the parking area and main access points indicated on the attached location map. 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 areas may require wood chips if a more natural groundcover cannot be successfully maintained. There may also be the need to place wood chips in some of the trail areas in the low lands to provide access during unusually high water levels. A network of passive trails was also installed in 2014 linking the Aasness property to the property purchased from the Emmerich Family that was originally given the name of "North Woods Preserve ". Signage Entrance signs, an informational kiosk, and boundary signage have been installed. The entrance signs have been installed at each of the public access points summarizing the regulations for open space properties established by City Code 8 -4. The kiosk was installed by an Eagle Scout near the main parking lot off of Hanson Boulevard NW. This three sided 7 North Woods Preserve Management Plan kiosk is utilized to display a map of the open space property as well as other related information and points of interest. Boundary signage was 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 signage. Management of Invasive Species 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 located in the central area of the site. Periodic mowing, herbicide applications, and general maintenance will ensure that the quality and the integrity of this wetland is maintained. 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. A third priority is to establish a prairie area in the open area identified on the attached site map. The prairie establishment in addition to a mix of prairie grasses and flowers should also include and incorporate seed mixes and plantings for pollinators. Management activities that should be considered for the prairie include prescribed burning, mowing, weeding and spot spraying. These all fall under a category of management termed Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Over seeding 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 P North Woods Preserve Management Plan is a prescribed bum. 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. I:] Certificate of Survey fj rj jQlf Larry Emmerich EXISTING PROPERTY DFSI PIN 14- 32 -24 -24 -0009 All that part of the South 16.50 feet of the Northeost Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 14, Township 32, Range 24, and all that part of the South Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 14, Township 32, Range 24, Anoka County, Minnesota which Iles easterly of the following line: Commencing at the Southwest corner of said South Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 14; thence South BB degrees 40 minutes 45 seconds East, assumed bearing along the south line of sold South Half of the Northwest Quarter a distance of 1415.72 feet to the point of beginning of the line to be described; thence North 00 degrees 28 minutes 36 seconds East 231.82 feet; thence northeasterl y 233.02 feet along a tangential curve concave to the southeast having a radius of 213.43 feet and o central angle of 62 degrees 33 minutes 24 seconds; thence North 63 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East tangent with sold curve 50.00 feet; thence northerly 348.45 feet along a tangential curve concave to the west having a radius of 300.22 feet and a central angle of 66 degrees 30 minutes 00 seconds; thence North 03 degrees 30 minutes DO seconds West tang ant with sold curve 501.59 feet to the north line of the South 16.50 feet of the sold Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 14 and there terminating. Except that part platted as ANOKA COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 20 according to the recorded plat thereof. I.ROPOSEn PROPERTY D CRIp110N (OPEN SPACE PAR 1 That part of the South 16.50 feet of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 14, Township 32, Range 24, Anoka County, )Ainnesota, and that part of the Southeast Quarter of said Northwest Quarter, described as follows: Commencing at the Southwest comer of sold Northwest Quarter, thence South 88 degrees 42 minutes 03 seconds East assumed bearing along the South line of sold Northwest Quarter a distance of 1713.58 feet; thence North 07 degrees 16 minutes 31 seconds East a distance of 60.33 feet the to North line of the ANOKA COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 20, also the point of beginning of the land to be desoribed; thence North 07 degrees 16 minutes 31 seconds East a distance of 161.83 feat; thence North 33 degreas 18 minutes 40 seconds West a distance of 104.56 feet; thence South 89 degrees 24 minutes 18 seconds West a distance of 45.59 feet; thence North 31 degrees 22 minutes 11 seconds West a distance of 88.56 feat; thence easterly 53.39 feet along a non- tongentlol curve concave to the North having a radius of 60.00 feet, a central angle of 50 degrees 59 minutes 12 seconds, and a chord which beers South 88 degrees 36 minutes 05 seconds East; thence South 80 degrees 15 minutes 02 seconds East not tangent to lost described curve a distance of 169.64 feet; thence North 74 degrees 02 minutes 53 seconds East a distance of 55.02 feet; thence North 58 degrees 55 minutes 41 seconds East a distance of 86.80 feet; thence North 09 degrees 32 minutes 38 seconds East a dlstonce of 3139 feet; thence North 24 degrees 52 minutes 57 seconds West a distance of 169.27 feet; thence North 01 degrees 19 minutes 49 seconds East a distance of 732.79 feet, to the North line of the South 16.50 feet of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of sold Section 14; thence South 88 degrees 39 minutes 50 seconds East along sold North line a distance of 748.89 feet to the West fine of Block S. COUNTRY OAKS WEST, ale° the East line of sold Northwest Quarter, thence South 00 degrees 18 minutes 42 seconds West along said West and East lines a distance of 184.99 feet to the Northeast comer of Block 1, BIRCH POINT ESTATES; thence South 82 degrees 36 minutes 28 seconds West along the Northerly line of sold Block 1, a distance of 79.75 feet; thence South 38 degrees 23 minutes 22 seconds West along the Northwesterly line of said Block i, a distance of 304.00 feet; thence South 17 degrees 47 minutes 32 seconds East along the Westerly line of sold Block 1, a distance of 238.70 feet; thence South 48 degrees 55 minutes 20 seconds East along the Southwesterly line of said Block 1, a distance of 262.00 feet to the West line of Block 3, COUNTRY OAKS WEST, also the East line of sold Southeast quarter of the Northwest Quarter; thence South 00 degrees 18 minutes 42 seconds West along sold West and East lines a distance of 435.50 feet to the North line of sold ANOKA COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 20; thence North 88 degrees 42 minutes 03 seconds West along sold north line a distance of 910.68 feet to the point of beginning. Nasus'ae'W 516.81 1 N \mp' \ Poe -6- 1 2 ¢yI ' sIsYN IM5413 134'E 4 I Northeast Comer N$ S rw° of OUTLOT A WHITE PINE WILDERNESS \ AVPl 0°o .--0 a m dmo I N - I N y,V ^ .\ 152TH A'1'ENUE �tiF J I Northwest Corner of the Southeast \ \ \ m m W \ 3Q - Quarter of the Northwest Quarter �m o & I Section 14, Township 32, Range 24 -6- 1 2 ¢yI ' sIsYN IM5413 134'E 4 N,° iO e Section 14, Townahlp 32, Rang, 24 Section 14, Township 32, Range 24 S rw° x¢70 ev C,10 I AVPl 0°o .--0 a m dmo a` N - I N y,V ^ .\ 152TH A'1'ENUE �tiF J \ � \ "� , O \ \ \ m m W \ 3Q o LLn p2 V25 IY �m o & T� VZ0 II�w , I u`T+14 E Top pf Pand �i i I ` N ' I LIJ �dSatiQ03 R7 ' MOry� I N n 0. _ ° _ �� _ .'� _o2 o ,A y o 0 minutes 41 seconds East a dlstonce of 86.80 feet; thence North O9 degrees 32 minutes 38 second& East a dlstonce of 33.39 3 e11'•°+L N 1 1 a -6- 1 2 ¢yI ' sIsYN IM5413 134'E 4 - f„ E 1� E PROPOSED PROPERTY DESCRIPTION �MM RI .H PAR Et 1 100 0 100 200 M8''4 ;61ST \•^" � i6 That part of the South 16.51) feat of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 14 Township 32 Range 24 Anoka SCALE IN FEET- _'- -�` Ito r� z '09 ow ms I 1 140RLTIF Ir AST �- t / e r,r rl r' n lr�l'>rl lurr :;-r I/ n IVVI\ I li_rlJ I/ t VI 16L IVVI\ I FI Yr I/ `f _ -_ North line of the South North feet of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter f Section 14, township 32, Ronga 24 I N8839'50 "W T P 934.04 2 m` v�on o O �Umm LLJ Q N p d II W d r ana _ Reekenee 2A. D m m . r 0 � �zzrnln North line of the Southeast Quarter Northeast Corner of the Southeast - of the Northwest Quarter Quarter of the Northwest Ouoeas - -� N,° iO e Section 14, Townahlp 32, Rang, 24 Section 14, Township 32, Range 24 S rw° x¢70 ev C,10 I PARCEL 0°o .--0 _= m�� 060 Northerly line of Block 1 -__\ a` N - I N y,V ^ .\ 152TH A'1'ENUE - f„ E 1� E PROPOSED PROPERTY DESCRIPTION �MM RI .H PAR Et 1 100 0 100 200 M8''4 ;61ST \•^" � i6 That part of the South 16.51) feat of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 14 Township 32 Range 24 Anoka SCALE IN FEET- _'- -�` Ito r� z '09 ow ms I 1 140RLTIF Ir AST �- t / e r,r rl r' n lr�l'>rl lurr :;-r I/ n IVVI\ I li_rlJ I/ t VI 16L IVVI\ I FI Yr I/ `f _ -_ North line of the South North feet of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter f Section 14, township 32, Ronga 24 I N8839'50 "W T P 934.04 2 m` v�on o O �Umm LLJ Q N p d II W d r ana _ Reekenee 2A. D m m . r 0 � �zzrnln North line of the Southeast Quarter Northeast Corner of the Southeast - of the Northwest Quarter Quarter of the Northwest Ouoeas - -� N,° iO e Section 14, Townahlp 32, Rang, 24 Section 14, Township 32, Range 24 T a � m "'ri 1°- _o PARCEL 0°o .--0 _= m�� 060 Northerly line of Block 1 -__\ a` N - I N y,V ^ .\ 152TH A'1'ENUE BIRCH pQINT ESTATES a o i, � \ "� , O 79.75 \ m m W \ 3Q G`> �m o & T� n c[ , I u`T+14 E Top pf Pand �i i I ` N ' I LIJ �dSatiQ03 R7 ' MOry� I N n 0. _ ° _ �� �O 1, - \,Prop .ed Accen N9� County, Minnesota, and that part of the Southeast Quarter of sold Northwest Quarter, described as follows: _ I III -" I 4N.M] ib ?�y� S89'24'18 WWI \ L- OPEN SPACE Commencing at the Southwest comer of said Northwest Quarter, thence South 88 degrees 42 minutes 03 seconds East assumed bearing along the South line of said Northwest quarter a distance 1713.58 feet; thence North 07 degrees i PARCEL 4)/lln I'r\ Area = 898306 sq. ft. a` N - I N y,V ^ .\ 152TH A'1'ENUE 20.622 acres a o i, � \ "� , O 0 - Iron monument eel and marked z.S 1 with license No. 18420. y - Cam_ 57ty,T.rr, \- E+letlns -` os,' y G`> �m o & T� n c[ , I u`T+14 E Top pf Pand �i i I ` N ' South 88 degrees 36 minutes 08 seconds East; thence South 80 degrees 15 minutes 02 seconds East not tangent to lost described I Iwo` S 1 _ E N n 0. _ ° _ �� �O 1, - \,Prop .ed Accen N9� y o 0 minutes 41 seconds East a dlstonce of 86.80 feet; thence North O9 degrees 32 minutes 38 second& East a dlstonce of 33.39 `AJ`r9° I Elf- �R1 Eosemsat .m m Z1_ feet; thence North 24 degrees 52 minutes 57 seconds West a distance of 169.27 feet; thence North 01 degrees 19 minutes 49 seconds East a distance of 732.79 feet, to the North line of the South 16.50 feet the Northeast Quarter the Northwest ayP z i y� my N09'3 39 8•E o m -(;TS z / I / I \,i m^ oo� '8. Point of -- rf Beginning \ County, Minnesota, and that part of the Southeast Quarter of sold Northwest Quarter, described as follows: _ I III -" I 4N.M] ib ?�y� S89'24'18 WWI Commencing at the Southwest comer of said Northwest Quarter, thence South 88 degrees 42 minutes 03 seconds East assumed bearing along the South line of said Northwest quarter a distance 1713.58 feet; thence North 07 degrees LEGEND o j Ir '�' II' - ^• I Q'r�`� �� �T45,69 ��_N55.02'S3'E 55.02 Z 3 o, of 16 minutes 31 seconds East a distance of 60.33 feet the to North line of the ANOKA COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NQ. 20, also the point of beginning of the S from monument fmund v••0 1 s&5 $3 p y� yYE Div Q.0 o land to be described; thence North 07 degrees Ili minutes 31 seconds East a distance of 161.83 feet; thence North 33 degrees 18 40 West 0 - Iron monument eel and marked z.S 1 with license No. 18420. y - Cam_ 57ty,T.rr, \- E+letlns -` os,' y �m o & minutes seconds a diatoms of 104.56 feet; thence South 89 degrees 24 minutes 18 seconds West a distance of 45.69 feet; thence North 31 degrees 22 minutes 11 seconds West a distance of 88.56 feet; thence easterly 53.39 feet along a non - tangential curve concave to the North having a radius of 60.00 feet, a central angle of 50 degrees 59 minutes 12 seconds, and a chord which bears °Anako county Cast Iron Monumnt 0 0 v n r 1 wI 6 ' ° mo _2 , I u`T+14 E Top pf Pand �i i I ` n �o a m e South 88 degrees 36 minutes 08 seconds East; thence South 80 degrees 15 minutes 02 seconds East not tangent to lost described I Iwo` S 1 _ E N n curve a distance of 169.64 feet; thence North 74 degrees 02 minutes 53 seconds East a distance of 55.02 feet; thence North 58 degrees 55 _ ° _ �� �O 1, - \,Prop .ed Accen N9� y o 0 minutes 41 seconds East a dlstonce of 86.80 feet; thence North O9 degrees 32 minutes 38 second& East a dlstonce of 33.39 N °, anti 1 �R1 Eosemsat .m m Z1_ feet; thence North 24 degrees 52 minutes 57 seconds West a distance of 169.27 feet; thence North 01 degrees 19 minutes 49 seconds East a distance of 732.79 feet, to the North line of the South 16.50 feet the Northeast Quarter the Northwest ayP z i y� TO- m N^ o m of of quarter of sold Section 14; thence North 88 degrees 39 minutes 50 seconds West along sold North line a distance of 185.15 feet to the Northeast / I / I \,i m^ oo� '8. Point of -- rf Beginning \ ear =o comer of OUTLOT A. WHITE PINE WILDERNESS; thence South 03 degrees 31 minutes 18 seconds East along the East line of sold OUTLOT A o distance of 601.63 feet; thence continuing along said East line southwesterly 348.45 feet along a tangential curve concave to the m a Np m fr northwest having a radius of 300.22 feet and a central angle of 66 degrees 3D minutes 00 seconds; thence continuing along said East __�__ 61.20 100.00 30505 -- -- -- . line, South 82 degrees 58 minutes 42 seconds West, tangent to lost said curve a distance of 50.00 feet; thence continuing along sold East time southwesterly 233.03 feet - - -- _ _________910.68_ �� -- I S88'42'03 "E I M 1366.93 - -- - -- - -- .- - along o tangential curve concave to the southeast having a radius of 213.43 feet and a central angle of 62 degrees 33 minutes 27 seconds; thence continuing along said East line South DO degrees 25 minutes 18 seconds West a distance _ o-- /L---1713.58 ° If - _ ,,,, N88'42'03 "W ^, "ItA T riiGHWAY RIGHT OF ;,m, of 171.80 feet to the North line of said ANOKA COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT N0. 21); thence South 66 degrees 42 minutes 03 seconds East along said North Ilna a distance of 305.05 feet to the beginning. - -- _ __ \ -�� South Ilene of the Southeast quarter -� -_ North ¶tie oT no a'CounFy '- ------ ��'r' 1415.76 O- C-- ___ point of PROPOSED ACCESS EASEMENT n S.RIPTON V- .A.ri f.,^, 2v .- of the Northwest Quarter Right of Way Plat No. 20 ---- �____- _,-_ -_ Section 14, Township 32_Rango p4 - - -- -_= 151ST A E'::;E i r" m A 15.00 foot Wide easement far Ingress and egress purposes over under and across that port of OUTLOT A, WHITE PINE WILDERNESS. -- Southwest Corner of the ---- "- - -- - -- Anoka County, Minnesota, and port of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 14, Township 32, Range 24, said Anoka ` - Northwest Quarter - County, the centerline of said easement described as follows: NOTES: Section 14, Township 32. Range 24 Commencing of the Northeast comer of Lot 3, Block 4, said WHITE PINE WILDERNESS, thence North 08 degrees 14 minutes 14 seconds 1. In pmoAdIn, this survey no attempt hoe been mode to obtain or Mow dole ooncemina edatm.s. tile.. depth, wnditin, cWoolty or location of any utility ezhiNlg on the one, whether pdwte, municipal or public owned I West assumed bearing along the east line of 161st Lane NW according to the recorded plat of WHITE PINE WILDERNESS a distance of 7.50 feet to the point of beginning of the centerline to be described; thence North B4 degrees 23 minutes 34 seconds East a distance of 7.50 2. The prof .eslonal aurveysr has made no Inwellgotlon a lndepndant search for eoaammts or record, ensumbronca, feet: thence South 06 degrees 14 minutes 14 seconds East o distance of 115.79 feat; thence South 85 degrees 26 minutes 31 seconds restrictive covmante, ownership title eWd.n... or any other facts that an accurate and curtent title nanch may dbeiaee. East a distance of 135.07 feet; thence South 74 degrees 13 minutes 11 seconds East a distance of 223.14 feet: thence North 72 degrees 00 minutes 54 seconds East a dlstonce of 140.00 feet and there terminating. The sidelines of sold easement ore to be prolonged or 3. Wetland° may ednt on the property. No ottampt was made to Identify/depict their location oa pert of this, w,rvey. shortened to Intersect the east line of said 161st Lone NW. 4. Due to existing terrain condition the monuments slang BIRCH POINT ESTATES were not wdfied at the time of the survey. DATE REVISION I hereby cerDfy that fhb survey, pion or report was prepared by me or under my direst supervision one that I day Of W. BRP SCALE 1� Hakanson Anderson Assoc., Inc. Part of the CERTIFICATE OF SURVEY SHEET om a teemed ProfeaelanW to Surveyor undo jjMB4 = 100' Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors Southeast Quarter of th Northwest Quarter FOR 1 the Iawe oft far BRP M. 6w. 3601 Thurston Ave., Anoka, Minnesota 55303 Section 14, Township 32, Range 24 LARRY EMMERICH OF 1 Chadea Hstapherson OAR 763- 427 -5860 FAX 763- 427 -0520 Anoka County, Minnesota Data 13 0 Uc. No. i6'12Q CRC PACE www.haa- inc.com DATE 08/13/10 FILE N0. 3648.01 SHEETS Kpcia_survLLend 0.aktop 2W&\]64 &dlW.o \364Ba,.tiva Q 2010 HAKANSON ANDERSON ASSOCIATES, INC. �D North Woods Preserve Visitor Map C I T Y O 6W F N6 N V'J E S Open Space Boundary Nature Trail • Property Boundary Sign 11 City of Andover Ecological Assessment and Survey North Woods Preserve Township 32 North, Range 24 West, Section 14, Andover, Anoka County, Minnesota October 6, 2015 Prepared For: The City of Andover Mr. Dave Carlberg 1685 Crosstown Blvd. NW Andover. MN 55304 C I T Y O F DOVER Prepared By: Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. 21150 Ozark Trail P.O. Box 184 Scandia, MN 55073 Critical Connections Ecological Services Inc. City of Andover -Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 Introduction Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. (CCES) was retained by the City of Andover (City) to conduct an ecological assessment and vegetative survey of North Woods Preserve, a City owned open space. North Woods Preserve is approximately 46 -acres in size and is located north of 161st Avenue NW and east of Hanson Boulevard NW (see Appendix A, Figure 1). North Woods Preserve is located within the Anoka Sand Plain Subsection of the Minnesota and Northeast Iowa Morainal (MIM) Section, which is part of the Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province of Minnesota. The Anoka Sand Plain Subsection mainly consists of flat, sandy lake plains and terraces. Topography of the area is gently rolling. Soils are derived primary from fine sands and most are excessively drained. There are areas of poorly drained soils which support mesic to wet plant community types. North Woods Preserve exhibits a variety of plant community types including: dry prairie, dry savanna, fire dependent mesic oak woodlands, wet meadows and shrub carrs, tamarack swamp, as well as a non- native pine planting. This variety of plant community types provides habitat for a number of plant and animal species, as well as a variety of unique and rare natural features. The goals and objectives of this project were as follows: 1. Complete early and late season botanical surveys in an effort to classify native plant community types within the City owned open space. 2. Identify, delineate, and map in a GIS -based format all plant community types identified within North Woods Preserve. 3. Detect and document any species listed by the State of Minnesota as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern. 4. Identify any unique or sensitive priority natural features within the open space. 5. Provide management recommendations specific to the site based on the field assessments completed as part of this project. Project Methodology Gathering of Site Specific Information To begin this project, CCES first compiled existing and relevant information associated with the site including GIS -based data layers such as recent aerial photographs (true color and infrared), 10 -foot contours and LiDAR topographic data, soils information, and known rare species locations (if present). Using available desktop information, CCES created GIS -based shapefiles of proposed plant community boundaries which would likely be encountered on site. The draft boundaries were to be field verified and edited during the site visits. Page 1 of 15 City of Andover -Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 Using these available data, CCES generated field maps for North Woods Preserve which were printed at a 1:3,000 scale. These field maps were utilized for note taking as well as for delineating plant community types during the field survey portions of this project. Generated field maps contained the project boundaries, contour lines, draft delineations of proposed plant community boundaries, as well as soil types. Field maps helped to guide the site survey process to ensure all native plant communities and unique areas of the site were evaluated in detail. Field Surveys CCES visited North Woods Preserve on three separate occasions during the 2015 growing season. Field visit dates were scheduled based on plant phenology to ensure any potential rare species could be detected during the visits. Field dates were also scheduled to ensure plant community types could be accurately classified based on dominant vegetation during different times during the growing season. Each visit to the site included a floristic inventory of dominant vegetation which was completed through a targeted meander survey effort. When areas with a higher potential to support rare or unique features were encountered, a more focused and detailed survey effort was completed in order to detect any inconspicuous, rare, or otherwise unique species. Native Plant Community (NPC) classification work was also competed for the entire site using the Minnesota DNR's Field Guide to the Native Plant Communities of Minnesota: The Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province (2005). The classification is hierarchical, with vegetation units described at levels ranging from broad landscape -scale ecological systems to local communities. The classification system is driven by plant species composition and was developed from analysis of extensive field plot data. The classification relates the vegetation units to geography and to important environmental conditions and processes. Plant communities located within North Woods Preserve were classified to the NPC Type level. Additional information on the Minnesota DNR's Native Plant Community Classification System can be found by visiting the following website: http: / /www.dnr. state .mn.us /npc /classification.html. CCES ecologists also assigned a plant community quality ranking and noted the presence of any invasive plant species. Plant community quality rankings range from an A ranking through a D ranking. An "A" rank would indicate an excellent quality plant community with no disturbance and natural processes intact. A "B" rank would indicate a good quality plant community with natural processes intact, and minimal disturbances by humans and exotic species. A "C" rank would indicate a moderate quality plant community with obvious past disturbance, but is still recognizable as a native plant community. A "D" rank indicates a poor quality natural community with some natives present but is highly altered or disturbed. CCES carefully surveyed for the presence of any State - listed, rare species whenever unique habitats with the potential to support rare species were encountered. CCES also noted the occurrence of invasive or aggressive non - native plant species which may be targeted for future management. Page 2of15 City of Andover - Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 During each site visit, CCES also collected high resolution digital photographs of the site for use by land managers. Select photographs are provided in this report. Project Results: Native Plant Community Mapping and Descriptions: CCES ecologists identified and mapped a total of seven (7) native plant community types and subtypes and one (1) non - native plant community type within the North Woods Preserve. A figure depicting the location and extent of each of these plant community types can be found in Appendix A, Figure 2. Plant community quality rankings are also provided in Appendix A, Figure 3. Below, a short description of each plant community type documented within the City open space is provided. Dominant species in each community are listed, a full list of dominant species can be found in Appendix B. Southern Dry -Mesic Oak (Maple) Woodland - FDs37 Approximately seven (7) acres within North Woods Preserve were classified as Southern Dry-Mesic Oak (Maple) Woodland. This native plant community type was documented in upland areas with excessively drained Zimmerman Series soils which formed in glacial outwash sands and typically support mixed oak forest communities. All plant communities classified as FDs37 were assigned a quality ranking of moderate (C- ranking). Dominant species within this plant community type at North Woods Preserve included Quercus rubra (red oak), Quercus morcrocarpo (bur oak), Acre rubrum (red maple), Acre negundo (boxelder), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), Zonthoxylum americanum (prickly ash), Corylus americona (hazelnut), Coryus rocemoso (grey dogwood), Rubus idaeus (red raspberry), Rubus allegheniensis (tall blackberry), Rubus ferrofluvius (iron river blackberry), Rhamnus cathartica (common buckthorn), Juniperus virginiana (eastern red cedar), Eurybia macrophyllo (large - leaved aster), Galium triflorum (sweet- scented bedstraw), Golium boreole (northern bedstraw), Carex gracillima (graceful sedge), Corex pensylvanico (Pennsylvania sedge), Elymus hystrix (bottlebrush grass), Oryzopsis asperifolia (mountain rice grass), Osmunda claytoniona (interrupted fern), Trientalis borealis (starflower), Toxicodendron rodicons (poison ivy), Maianthemum conodense (Canada mayflower), and Vitis riparia (riverbank grape). Southern Dry Prairie - UPs13 Approximately eleven and half (11.5) acres within North Woods Preserve were classified as Southern Dry Prairie (UPs13). This native plant community type was located on Zimmerman fine sand (2 -6% slopes). This plant community was found in two areas, one area was directly adjacent to the parking lot off of Hanson Boulevard NW and the other larger area was located in the northeast corner of the site. The larger area contained two small wetland depressions, which is typical of this plant community type on Zimmerman soils. All plant communities classified as UPs13 were assigned a quality ranking of good Page 3 of 15 City of Andover - Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 to moderate (B/C-ra n king). Dominant species documented within the upland prairie consisted ofStipo spartea (porcupine grass), Koeleria pyromidata (Junegrass), Carex muehlenbergii (Muhlenberg's sedge), Bromus inermis (smooth brume), Solidago ridgida (stiff goldenrod), Solidago speciosa (showy goldenrod), Asclepias tuberoso (butterfly milkweed), Achilleo millefolium (common yarrow), Berteroa incana (hoary alyssum), Artemisia compestris (tall wormwood), Artemisia ludoviciona (prairie sage), Rudbeckia hirto (black -eyed susan), Verbascum thapsus (common mullein), Tradescontio bracteato (long - bracted spiderwort), Lespedezo copitata (round headed bush clover), Juniperus virginiana (eastern red cedar), Rhus glabra (smooth sumac), and Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak - shrubs). Populations of Oenothera rhombipetalo (rhombic evening primrose; MN Special Concern) were detected within the Dry Prairie (UPs13) plant community areas, as well as populations of Aristido tuberculosa (sea -beach needlegrass; MN Threatened). These rare species are dependent on dry, sandy, open habitats (sometimes lacking in cover) such as those exhibited at North Woods Preserve. Southern Dry Savanna - UPs14 Approximately two (2) acres within North Woods Preserve were classified as Southern Dry Savanna (UPs14). This native plant community type was also documented on Zimmerman fine sands (2 -6% slopes). Dry Savanna areas were found in the transition zones between Southern Dry-Mesic Oak (Maple) Woodland FDs37 and Southern Dry Prairie (UPs13) plant community types. All plant communities classified as UPs14 were assigned a quality ranking of moderate (C- ranking). Dominant plant species observed within the Dry Savanna areas included scattered clumps of Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak), with Amorpha canescens (leadplant), Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Rosa arkansana (prairie rose), Rhus glabra (smooth sumac), Hesperostipa spartea (porcupine grass), Sorghastrum nutons (indian grass), Helianthemum bicknellii (hoary frostweed), Lithospermum carolinense (hoary puccoon), Seloginella rupestris (rock spikemoss). Seedlings and shrubs of bur oak were also common within the Dry Savanna areas. Southern Wet Aspen Forest - WFs55 Approximately two and half (2.5) acres within North Woods Preserve have been classified as Southern Wet Aspen Forest (WFs55). This forested plant community type was limited to moist depressions on Isanti fine sandy loam soils. All plant communities classified as WFs55 were assigned a quality ranking of poor (D- ranking). Dominant species included Populus temuloides (quaking aspen), Acer negundo (boxelder), Prunus serotino (black cherry), Cornus racemosa (grey dogwood), Carex intumescens (bladder sedge), Phalaris arundinocea (reed canary grass), Calamagrostis canadensis (Canada bluejoint), Oryzopsis asperifolia (mountain rice grass), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), and Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern). Southern Tamarack Swamp — FPs63 Approximately one half (0.5) acres within North Woods Preserve has been classified as Southern Tamarack Swamp (FPs63). This forested plant community type occurs on permanently saturated organic Page 4 of 15 City of Andover - Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 peat soils. This plant community was uncommon at the North Woods Preserve site, and is currently restricted to the eastern edge of the large wet meadow /carr complex at the eastern end of the property. The Southern Tamarack Swamp was assessed as a moderate quality native plant community remnant (C- ranking), and esstentially currently functions as an extension of the larger wet meadow /carr complex (also C -rank in quality). Dominant species included Larix loricina (tamarack), Populus temuloides (quaking aspen), Cornus racemosa (grey dogwood), Alnus incana (speckled alder), Carex lasiocarpa (wire sedge), Carex disperma (soft - leaved sedge), Calamagrostis canadensis (Canada bluejoint), Glyceria striata (fowl mannagrass), Caltha palustris (marsh marigold), Thelypteris palustris (northern marsh fern), and Moianthemum conadense (Canada mayflower). The tamarack swamp are perched on a slight topographic rise that is perennially saturated. This 'island' of tamarack is surrounded by inundated meadow on three sides and is very difficult to access on foot. Northern Wet Meadow /Carr- Willow - Dogwood Shrub Swamp Subtype - WMn82a Approximately nine (9) acres within North Woods Presence have been classified as Northern Wet Meadow /Carr - Willow - Dogwoo6Shrub Swamp Subtype - (WMn82a). This wetland plant community type was located on the eastern boundary of the site on Rifle mucky peat soils. One of the plant communities classified as WMn82a was assigned a quality ranking of moderate (C- ranking), while a second area of WMn82a received a quality ranking of poor (D- ranking) due to excessive disturbance and invasive species. Dominant species noted within this plant community type included a heavy shrub component of Salix petiolaris (slender willow), Salix discolor (pussy willow), Conrus sericea (red osier dogwood), Alnus incana (speckled alder), Spiraea olba (meadowsweet), and a diverse herbaceous component that included Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed), Scutellario lateriflora (mad dog skullcap), Thelypteris palustris (northern marsh fern), Eutrochium maculatum (spotted joe pye weed), Lycopus americanus (cut - leaved bugleweed), Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass), and Typho angustifolia (narrow leaved cattail). Northern Wet Meadow /Carr - Sedge Meadow Subtype (WMn82b) Approximately ten (10) acres within North Woods Preserve have been classified as Northern Wet Meadow /Carr - Sedge Meadow Subtype (WMn82b). This wetland plant community type is also found on the east side of the property bordering the willow dogwood swamp (WMn82a). Soils are predominantly Rifle mucky peat. The majority of plant communities classified as WMn82B were assigned a quality ranking of moderate (C- ranking), while one area classified as WMn82b received a quality ranking of poor (D- ranking). Dominant plant species in the area included Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass), Calamagrostis canadensis (Canada bluejoint), Carex haydenii (Hayden's sedge), Carex hystericina (porcupine sedge), Carex pellita (woolly sedge), Carex utriculata (beaked sedge), Typha angustifolia (narrow leaved cattail), Lycopus americanus (cut - leaved bugleweed), Thelypteris palustris (northern marsh fern), Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern), Rubus uniformis (bristle berry), and Ascleplas incarnata (swamp milkweed). One population of Liparis loeselii (Loesel's twayblade; a native orchid), was found within a wet meadow plant community type. This wet meadow is located in the central Page 5 of 15 City of Andover -Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 portion of the property, and there is much evidence in the field to support that the wet meadow was excavated from upland soil areas in past decades. All of the other wet meadows within the North Woods Preserve appear to be naturally occurring and not a result of past excavation. Planted or Cultivated Vegetation - Red Pine and Spruce Planting Area Approximately three and a half (3.5) acres within the North Woods Preserve have been classified as planted or cultivated vegetation, or a red pine and spruce planting. This area is located on well drained, sandy Zimmerman Series soils. This area contains rows of red pine and spruce. The herbaceous layer is essentially lacking due to the deep shading of the pine trees and sterile acidic conditions. Since the area is considered to be planted and therefore not a natural community type, it was not given a quality ranking code. Rare Species and Sensitive Features Aristida tuberculosa - Sea -Beach Needlegrass - Minnesota State Threatened Species Two large sub - populations of Aristido tuberculosa (Sea -beach needlegrass) were detected within the North Woods Preserve. These populations were limited to areas classified as Southern Dry Prairie (UPs13) and Southern Dry Savanna (UPs14) in areas of exposed sand, where vegetation was very sparse to lacking. Appendix A, Figure 4 depicts the locations and extents of Aristida tuberculosa sub- populations within the preserve. According to the Minnesota DNR's Rare Species Guide "Aristida tuberculosa is a small, tufted grass averaging about 30 cm (12 in.) tall, with lateral branches arising from the lower portion of the stem. In Minnesota, A. tuberculosa occurs exclusively in dry, loose sand in sand savannas, sand prairies, and dunes where vegetation is sparse. Sandy habitats that are occasionally inundated, such as lakeshores and river floodplains, are not suitable. Aristida tuberculosa sometimes occurs in disturbed habitats such as roadsides, foot trails and old fields, but these unstable habitats generally do not support persistent populations of the species. Sea -beach needlegrass is a wind - pollinated annual grass with a need for open, sparsely vegetated habitats where there is dry, shifting sand. The bent awns seem to be an adaptation for catching in the fur of mammals, thereby dispersing the seeds. However, it also seems likely that wind is involved in the process of dispersion. It has been reported that the awns have hygroscopic (readily taking up and retaining moisture) properties, which allow the seeds to bury themselves; seeds that do not get buried usually do not germinate, or if they do germinate, the resulting seedlings fail to become established (Collins and Wein 1997). The best time to search forA. tuberculosa is when mature reproductive structures are present from early July through October. Page 6 of 15 City of Andover - Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 There are a total of six species of Aristido in Minnesota. All are characterized by an awn with three forks, or barbs, that project from the end of the flower; hence their other common name, "triple -awned grasses ". Aristido tuberculosa is easily distinguished from the five other species because the base of the three forks is twisted into a single column. Furthermore, the seeds and awns of Aristido tuberculosa are relatively much larger than those of the other five species native to Minnesota. Aristida tuberculosa is a Threatened species in Minnesota. Therefore, this species is protected from direct and indirect taking and loss under the Minnesota Endangered and Threatened Species Statutes (Minnesota Rules 6212.1800). Recent open space infrastructure, such as parking lots and trails, have been installed within close proximity to these protected species sub - populations. Future planned infrastructure must avoid direct impacts to this State Threatened plant species, or a taking permit will be required from the Minnesota DNR. Oenothera rhombipetala - Rhombic Evening Primrose - Minnesota State Special Concern Species Multiple small sub - populations of Oenothera rhombipetala were detected within the North Woods Preserve. O. rhombipetala populations were found in areas classified as Southern Dry Prairie (UPs13), in areas with sparse vegetation on very sandy, well drained soils (see Appendix A, Figure 4). According to the Minnesota DNR's Rare Species Guide "Oenothero rhombipetala (Rhombic evening primrose) is a biennial forb which has been listed as a special concern species in the State of Minnesota. It prefers dry, sandy soils and full sun. The natural habitat of O. rhombipetala is dry, sandy prairies and dunes in the east - central and southeast portions of Minnesota. There are some indications that the species can tolerate a certain level of human activity within its habitat. This might include light disturbance to the soil surface caused by vehicles or farm machinery, and possibly light grazing by domestic livestock. It may even find temporary habitat on sandy roadsides and in abandoned fields, although it is unlikely that such habitats can sustain a population of O. rhombipetala for very long. Oenothera rhombipetala is a biennial that lives just two years. The first year it produces only a basal rosette of leaves and a taproot. The second year it produces an erect flowering stem. The flowers open in the evening and are pollinated by a number of night- active insect species including sphinx moths. The flowers are self - incompatible so cross - pollination is required. The dried seed capsules remain on the stem and continue to release seeds for some period of time after the plant has died at the end of its second year. The seeds posses no specialized structure to aid dispersal although they are small enough to be carried short- distances on a strong wind. The best time to search for 0. rhombipetala is when flowers are present between mid -July and September." Oenothera rhombipetala is listed as a Special Concern species in Minnesota. Therefore, this species is not protected under Minnesota Rules 6212.1800, which only affords legal protection to State Endangered and Threatened species. Page 7 of 15 City of Andover - Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 Minnesota Native Orchids: CCES ecologists did detect a single population of one species of a Minnesota native orchid within the North Woods Preserve Open Space (see Appendix A, Figure 4). A single population of Liporis loeseiii ( Loesel's twayblade) was found at one location within the preserve within a Northern Wet Meadow /Carr - Sedge Meadow Subtype (WMn82b) plant community. Loesel's Twayblade is a perennial orchid species that prefers part shade to full sun and moist conditions. It blooms between June and July and grows to a height of about three to ten inches. Loesel's twayblade is one of the most common orchids in the State of Minnesota. However it is small and inconspicuous and is often overlooked. It can occur in a range of habitats, including early successional areas and transitional areas, and can tolerate nutrient extremes (Welby Smith, 1993). Such is the case for the Loesel's twayblade at North Woods Preserve, where the orchid population was found growing in a disturbed wetland with naturally reestablishing native vegetation (stormwater treatment area). While this species is not considered rare and is somewhat common in the State of Minnesota, it is a unique feature worth noting within the City open space. Discussion Management Recommendations: During each field visit CCES ecologist noted areas of the site in need of future land management activities. The following are general; management recommendations for North Woods Preserve: 1. Monitoring and control of aggressive non - native /invasive plant species: while completing the site assessment work, CCES ecologists did note a number of non - native and invasive plant species which should be targeted for treatment in the near future to prevent further spread and displacement of native plant species. Invasive plant species noted within the North Woods Preserve included Rhamnus cathartica (common buckthorn), Zanthoxylum americanum (prickly ash), Pholaris orundinocea (reed canary grass), Alliaria petiolate (garlic mustard), Cirsium arvense (Canada thistle), Typho angustifolia (narrow - leaved cattail), Melilotus alba (white sweet clover), Melilotus officinalis (yellow sweet clover), and Berteroo incana (hoary alyssum). Common buckthorn and prickly ash were common throughout the wooded and forested native plant community types. Prickly ash and buckthorn could be controlled through manual cutting and a targeted application of a woody specific herbicide. Garlic mustard was also.detected in the wet forest areas as well as in the mesic oak woodland. Garlic mustard can be controlled through mechanical means such as repeated cutting, fall or early spring prescribed fires, or through foliar chemical applications in the early spring. Sweet clover and hoary alyssum were found in dry prairie openings. In areas with small numbers, individuals could be hand pulled, bagged- and Page 8 of 15 City of Andover - Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 removed from the site. In areas with more dense infestations, spring mowing followed by herbicide applications would be necessary. Reed canary grass was confined to moist areas with poorly drained soils in wetland plant community types and within the wet forests. Removal of reed canary grass would require a long term plan for its control as well as the implementation of follow -up restoration activities. A long -term commitment (of five to ten years) to this effort would be needed to ensure success. Control of reed canary grass can be achieved through a combination of techniques that may include mowing, herbicide application, prescribed burning, or scraping during frozen conditions to remove accumulated thatch. Canada thistle and narrow leaved cattail were also noted within wetland plant communities both species can be controlled through cutting and herbicide application. Following control of noxious or invasive species, appropriate plant community restoration measures should be implemented to ensure long -term success of the efforts. Poison Ivy, a noxious weed was also documented within the wooded native plant communities. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a native species that is classified as State Prohibited as it can be harmful to humans. Poison ivy populations could be toxic to park users and should be targeted for removal due to this potential threat. 2. In addition to invasive species control, all native plant community types with in North Woods Preserve would benefit from plant community management and restoration activities. A lack of natural disturbance and management has resulted in overgrown plant communities lacking in native plant diversity. Reintroduction of natural processes through prescribed fire, mowing, and overseeding with appropriate native species would be essential to maintain and /or elevate native species diversity and improve the overall ecological health of the City owned open space. Reintroduction of appropriate native species through overseeding or planting of live material would also be beneficial in several areas of the preserve. 3. Oak wilt is caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fogacearum, and may cause a threat to North Wood's Preserve. Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is most susceptible to the fungus within the preserve, but bur oak (Quercus mocrocarpa) and white oak (Quercus albs) are also susceptible to the fungus. If detected early, Oak Wilt can be controlled; making monitoring of the site for future infestation issues an important task to consider. Oak wilt was not detected as a significant problem at North Woods Preserve during the 2015 field assessment. 4. A final management consideration would be to monitor populations of the State listed rare plant species detected within the open space. Two State listed species were detected within the North Woods Preserve including Oenothera rhombipetalo (rhombic evening primrose; MN Special Concern), and Aristido tuberculosa (sea -beach needle grass; MN Threatened). Page 9 of 15 City of Andover - Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 Sea -beach needle grass is dependent on open, sparsely vegetated habitats with dry, shifting sands (dunes) that are relatively sparsely vegetated with native prairie grasses and wildflowers. Under normal conditions, the vegetation in this habitat type is maintained by wildfire and perhaps periodic drought. These processes keep the dunes from being overgrown by woody vegetation or a dense thatch of herbaceous vegetation, which would eliminate habitat for this rare species. The dune habitats observed at North Woods Preserve should be protected from excessive foot traffic and off - highway vehicles (OHVs), which easily damage the fragile soils giving invasive species an opportunity to get a foothold, displacing the rare species (MN DNR Rare Species Guide). These areas should also be kept open and free of dense vegetation through prescribed and permissible management activities. Rhombic evening primrose requires dry prairie habitats to survive and is extremely vulnerable to the invasion of non - native plant species, especially Vicia villosa (hairy vetch), Euphorbio esula (leafy spurge), Centaurea stoebe (spotted knapweed), eromus inermis (smooth brome), and Lotus corniculatus (birdsfoot trefoil) (MN -DNR Rare Species Guide). Several of these invasive species have already been detected within the preserve and could threaten the long- term viability of the rhombic evening primrose. Habitat protection is essential to maintain a viable population. Species listed as Threatened or Endangered are protected under Minnesota's Endangered Species Law and therefore cannot be taken or disturbed without a permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Certain management. activities such as herbicide application, mowing, or other near these populations may require a special permit. The City should consult with its ecologists and the MNDNR prior to beginning any management work that may potentially have any effect on State - listed species. Species listed as Special Concern are rare, but are not afforded these same protections under State law. Page 10 of 15 City of Andover - Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 Summary and Next Steps: The North Woods Preserve contains a variety of native plant community types which support a diversity of native plant species, including two species that are considered rare in the State of Minnesota. There are many opportunities for the implementation of prescribed restoration and management activities which would greatly enhance the ecological integrity of North Woods Preserve, while allowing for continued passive recreational opportunities that are compatible with the site's unique natural resources. As a next step, CCES recommends that the City consider the completion of a more detailed restoration and management plan which would assist the City in planning for future restoration efforts as well as necessary long -term maintenance activities. A restoration and management plan should include a five to ten year implementation schedule, management priorities, and an anticipated budget for completing the tasks. Such a plan is essential to assisting the City to plan and prioritize management of the Martin's Meadows open space and other adjacent City open spaces. A restoration and management plan should also include an evaluation of potential grant programs and cost -share opportunities which are likely available to the City. Additional funding sources from outside of the City can provide financial support for completing initial restoration and management efforts of City owned open spaces. Page 11 of 15 City of Andover - Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 SELECT SITE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM NORTHWOODS PRESERVE Example of Northern Wet Meadow /Carr Sedge Meadow Subtype (WMn82b) Example of Southern Aspen Wet Forest (in background) - VVFsSS Page 12 of 15 City of Andover - Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 Example of overgrown Southern Dry Savanna (UPs14) Example of Southern Dry Mesic Oak (Maple) Woodland (FDs37), in the background. Page 13 of 15 City of Andover - Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 Photograph of Rhombic evening primrose (Oenothera rhombipetala; MN Special Concern) Photograph ofAristida tuberculosa habitat (shifting, open sand dunes). Page 14 of 15 City of Andover -Ecological Assessment of North Woods Preserve Critical Connections Ecological 5ervices, Inc. Final Report October 6, 2015 Photograph of the inconspicuous but abundant Sea-beach needle grass (Aristido tuberculosa; MN Threatened) Page 15 of 15 N11, Photograph of the inconspicuous but abundant Sea-beach needle grass (Aristido tuberculosa; MN Threatened) Page 15 of 15 APPENDIX A FIGURES n I� Appendix A, Figure 2 Native Plant Community Types City of Andover - North Woods Preserve 2015 Ecological Assessment and Survey Native Plant Communities and Cover Types Pine and Spruce Planting Area - Planted Community (NN) - Northern Wet Meadow /Carr, Sedge Meadow Subtype (WMn82b) - Northern Wet Meadow /Carr, Willow - Dogwood Shrub Swamp (WMn82a) Southern Dry Prairie (UPS13) Southern Dry Savanna (UPS14) Southern Dry-Mesic Oak (Maple) Woodland (FDs37) - Southern Tamarack Swamp (FPS63) 0 Southern Wet Aspen Forest (WFs55) Feet A cdtirol cnnne[Nons 100 200 400 N Ecologi[ol semcm Inc. UPs14 UPs14 FDs37O 161st Ps14 N 0R,- FDs37 ,4' i I VilMn82a FDs37 WMn82b NN WMn82b [I ,-- a n I� Appendix A, Figure 2 Native Plant Community Types City of Andover - North Woods Preserve 2015 Ecological Assessment and Survey Native Plant Communities and Cover Types Pine and Spruce Planting Area - Planted Community (NN) - Northern Wet Meadow /Carr, Sedge Meadow Subtype (WMn82b) - Northern Wet Meadow /Carr, Willow - Dogwood Shrub Swamp (WMn82a) Southern Dry Prairie (UPS13) Southern Dry Savanna (UPS14) Southern Dry-Mesic Oak (Maple) Woodland (FDs37) - Southern Tamarack Swamp (FPS63) 0 Southern Wet Aspen Forest (WFs55) Feet A cdtirol cnnne[Nons 100 200 400 N Ecologi[ol semcm Inc. UPs14 UPs14 FDs37O 161st Ps14 N 0R,- FDs37 ,4' i I VilMn82a FDs37 WMn82b NN WMn82b [I M V%z 46 s• ,• ••— R s C 7.� O Appendix A, Figure 4 Unique and Rare Features City of Andover - North Woods Preserve 2015 Ecological Assessment and Survey QNorth Woods Preserve Boundary Native Plant Community Types ® Aristida tuberculosa (Sea -beach needlegrass) Minnesota Threatened Species Oenothera rhombipetal (Rhombic evening primrose) Minnesota Special Concern Species Liparis loeselii (Loesel's twayblade) Native orchid species 0 225 450 900 Feet N�\\ [ Itical Connections s:.: Ecological Services, Inc. nisi UPs14 VJMn82b WMn82b • UPs13 yy. •T' .37 uPs14 FD 37 a it 4; 1 t c v Q C = ■ ■ , , ■ DOMINANT SPECIES LIST North Woods Preserve - City of Andover - Dominant Species List - 2015 column Definition Nomenclature follows that of published volumes of "Flora MN DNR Scientific of NorthAmerico "(FNAI. For those families not yet published by FNA, nomenclature follows that of Gleason & Name Cronquist's "Manual of Vascular Punts cfNartheastern United States and Canada ". Commonname The preferred MNDNRcommon name. B = broadleaf evergreen, D = broadleaf deciduous, E= Physiognomy needlaleofevergreen, G= grominoid, H =farb, L= lichens and mass, C= climber, K =stem succulent, X = epiphyte, F= floating aquatic, S= submerged aquatic N = native to the state of MN, I = Introduced, U= Native Status Undetermined State Rarity Status: E= Endangered, T= Threatened, SC= Rarity Status Special Concern, W =Watch List, H- -Historical FN = Federal noxious weed, SN =State prohibited noxious weed, RN =State restricted noxious weed, PI = DNR Invasive Status prohibited invasive species, PS= State prohibited weed seed, RS= State restricted weed seed MN DNR Scientific Name Common name Phvslo-enomv Native Status Rarity Status Invasive Status Acatypho rhomboideo three-seeded mercury H N Acer negundo box elder D N Acer rubrum red maple D N Achilles millefalium Common yarrow, H U Agostachefneniculum blue giant hyssop H N Agrostis gigontea redtop G I Alliarlo petiolata garlic mustard H I SIN Alnus incono subsp. rugoso speckled alder D N Ambrosia ortemisNiciia common ragweed H N Amorpho canescens leadplant D N Amphicarpoea brocteoto hog peanut H N Andropogon gerardii big bluestem G N Anemone cylir ico long - headed thimbleweed H N Anemone quinquefolia var .quinquefolia wood anemone H N Antennorki cf.. negiecto field pussytoes H N Aquilegio conadensis columbine H N Arobis pycnomrpo var. pycnacarpo hairy rock cress H N Aralio nudicoulis wild sarsaparilla H N Aristida tuberculosis seaside three -awn G N T Artemisio biennas biennial wormwood H I Artemisioludovicionosubsp, ludoviciono white sage H N Asclepias exaltata poke milkweed H N Asclepius incornota var. incornota swamp milkweed H N Asclepius syrioca common milkweed H N Asclepius tuberoso var. interior butterflyweed H N Asclepias viridiflara green milkweed H N Athyrium filix femina vor. ongustum lady fern H N Berteroo incana hoary alyssum H I RS Betula popyrifera paper birch D N Boehmeria cylindrica false nettle H N Bromus inermis smooth brome G I Colomogrostis canodensis biueloint G N Caltha palustiis common marsh marigold H N Carex bebbii Babb's sedge G N Carex brunnescens brownish sedge G N Carex cf. grovido heavysedge G N Carex comoso bristly sedge G N Carex debilis var. rudgei weaksedge G N W Carex deweyono vor. deweyana Dew 's sedge G N Carex dispermo soft - leaved sedge G N Carex gracillima graceful sedge G N Carexhaydenii Fr ri'esedge G N Carex hystericino 1porcupine sedge G N „n£ MN DNR Scientific Name Common name Physio-gnomy Native Status Rarity5tatus Invasive5tatus Carexirmpssubsp. hehophilo sun - loving sedge G N Corexintumescens bladder sedge G N Corex losiocarpo subsp. omerfcano fen wiregrass sedge G N Carex muehlenberglf Muhlen berg's sedge G N Carex pellita woolly sedge G N Carexpensylvanica Pennsylvania sedge G N Carex siccota dry s ike sedge G N Carex stfpata var. stipota awl - frulted sedge G N Corexutriculato beaked sedge G N Cirsium orvense Canada thistle H I SN,P5 Clodonfo rongiferino reindeer lichen L N Canyza canodensis horseweed H N Cornus alternifolia pagoda dogwood D N Corns rocemoso gray dogwood D N Cornus sericea red -osier dogwood D N Corylus americono American hazelnut D N Corylus cornuto subsp. cornuta beaked hazelnut D N Cyperus lupulinus slender nut sedge G N Dryopteris carthusiona spinulose shield fern H N Elymus hystrix bottlebrush grass G N Elymus ttachycoulus subsp. trochycoulus slender wheat ass G N Erigeron strigosus daisyfleabane H N Eupotorium perfoliatum common boneset H N Eurybio macrophylla large - leaved aster H N Euthomia graminifolio grass- leaved goldenrod H N Eutrochium maculotum spotted Joe pye weed H N Frogaria virginiono common strawberry H N Fraxinus pennsylvonica green ash D N Goleopsis tetrahit hemp nettle H I Galfum boreole northern bedstraw H N Geranium macukrtum wild geranium H N Glycena striate fowl manna grass G N Hackelia virginiono Virginia stickseed H N Helianthemum bicknellfi hoary frostweed H N Hesperostipo sporteo porcupine grass G N Heteranthem dubs water stargrass S, H N Ilex verticilloto wr. verticfllota winterberry D N lunfperus communis var. depresso bush juniper E N Junfperus virginiono var. virginiono eastern red cedar E N Koeleria mocrontho junegrass G N Larix laricina tamarack E N Lespedeza capitata round-headed bush clover H N Liatris aspera rough blazing star H N tinaria wlgvra butter-and-eggs H I Lfporis loeselfi Loesel's twayblade H N Lithospermum caroliniense var. croceum hairy puccoon H N Lithospermum latifolium American gromwell H N Lobelia spicoto pale - spiked lobelia H N Lycopodium hickeyi princess pine H N Lycopus americanus cut - leaved bugleweed H N Maianthemum conadense Canada mayflower H N Matteuccia struthiopteris var. pensylvanico ostrich fern H N Melilotus albs white sweet clover H I Melflotus offinnolis yellow sweet clover H I Moehringio loteriflora side - flowering sandwort H N Oenthera rhombipetala rhombic evening primrose H N SC Onocleo sensibills sensitive fern H N Oryzopsls asperifolic moutain rice grass G N Osmunda claytoniano interrupted fern H N Osmunda regolis var. spectabilis royal fern H N Oxalisstricta yellow wood sorrel H N Parthenocissus quinquefolfa Virginia creeper C N Persicaria amphibia water smartweed F, H N Persicaria hydropiper marsh waterpepper H I Phalarfs arundinacea reed canary grass G I Phleum protense subsp. protense timathy G 1 Physolis virginfono Virginia ground cherry H N Piceo gMaco white spruce I N Pilea pumila dwarf ciearweed H N Pinus resinosa red pine E N Pinusstrobus white pine E N iiU MN DNR Scientific Name Common name Phvsio -znomv Native Status Rarity Status Invasive Status Plants o=jor Icommon plantain H Poo protensis subsp. protensis Kentucky bluegrass G I Polygolasonguineo blood milkwort H N Populus tremuloides quaking aspen D N Populus tremuloides quaking aspen D N Potentillasimplex oldfield cinquefoil H N Prunus pensylvanica pin cherry D N Prunus serotina black cherry D N Prunus virginiona chokecherry D N Pterldium aquilinum vac latiusculum bracken H N Quercus albs white oak D N Quercus ellipsoidolis northern pin oak D N Quercus macrocarpo buroak D N Quercus rubra northern red oak D N Rhamnas cothortica common buckthorn D I RN Rhus glabro smooth sumac D N Rosa orkansono prairie rose D N Rubus cfablarus mountain blackberry D N Rubus allegheniensis Allegheny blackberry D N Rubus alumnus old field blackberry D N Rubus cf. dissensus bristly blackberry D N Rubus cf superions superior blackberry D N Rubusfermfluvius Iron River blackberry D N Rubus idoeus vor. strigosus red raspberry D N Rubus uniformis bristle -berry D N Rudbeckia hirta var. pukherrima black -eyed susan H N Rumex ocetosella common sheep sorrel H I Solix amygdoloides peach - leaved willow D N Salixdiscolor pussy willow D N Solix interior sandbar willow D N Salix petiolaris slender wi llow D N Scirpus otrovirens dark green bulrush G N Scirpus ryperinus woolgrass G N Scutellaria laterifloro mad dog skullcap H N Selaginella rupestris rock spikemoss H N Silene latifolio white campion H I Solidogo conodensis Canada goldenrod H N Solidago gigontea giant goldenrod H N Solidogo nemorolis gray goldenrod H N Solidago rigido stiff goldenrod H N Solidogospecioso showygoldenrod H N Sorghostrum nutans Indian grass G N Spiraeo albo white meadowsweet D N Stachys tenuifolia narrow- leaved hedge nettle H N Thelypter6 polustris vor. pubescens northern marsh fern H N Trodescantia bracteato bracted spiderwort H N Trogopogon protensis meadow goat's beard H I Trientolis borealis starnower H N Trifolium repens white clover H I Typho angustifolia narrow - leaved cattail H I Ulmus americona American elm D N Ulmus pumila Siberian elm D I Urtico dlolco subsp gracilis stinging nettle H I Vaccinium ongustifolium lowbush blueberry D N Verbascum thapsus common mullein H I Verbena hastoto blue vervain H N Vicia americona American vetch H N Nola conodensis vor. rugulosa rugulose violet H N Vitis ripario wild grape C N Zonthaxylum americanum 1prickly ash I D I N r C I T Y O F ND OVE. 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CI.AN DOVER. MN. US TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: David L. Carlberg, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Kiosk Signage DATE: May 11, 2016 INTRODUCTION The Open Space Advisory Commission is requested to discuss the types of signage to be placed in the kiosks at Martin's Meadows and North Woods Preserve. DISCUSSION The Open Space Advisory Commission requested an item be added to this meeting agenda to discuss and determine the types of signage to be placed in the three sided kiosks at Martin's Meadows and North Woods Preserve. Attached are examples provided by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel. Attachments Example Signage Respectfully submitted, David L. Carlberg The woods are lovely, And we have prornises- I�X This I a n d I No ogds.rese e' d P.Fevicus owners pvt h t th y , p - -k e.6 't b)J- urres ;Lp, a 'A '`or pa3 r have e- b d*-1 E ft' ff it 9, til cl ami - spec of the; r i e a ndc 1 d'a--ni e ri 1 N . _-,% - -1 iiiaaw Az Alvar OCJIK ar ed here a footsteps" e.,kill p s 4 ff ey are spe, .-IR, tihIg t A a o '4 Mb r 1W. 0V, 4 2 - kt , 4 A TF NIL Ik of .0 4 p IV, WS N The woods are lovely, dark and deep And we have promises to keep... This land, North Woods Preserve, was respected and cared for by its previous owners. Now that the city has purchased this land for preservation, it is our responsibility to keep that promise and continue to respect and care for this land. For the past 15 years, the grassland, oak forest, lowland, and woodland have been left to nature, undisturbed and unaltered and a diverse and very special community of plants and animals have flourished here. Some of the ecosystems are fragile and can be ruined by footsteps. Don't pick plants or flowers or mushrooms or moss. In time, we will post interpretive signs to identify these areas and explain why they are special. As you walk the trails, we ask that you tread lightly, respecting the plants and animals here. Please keep your dogs on leash to avoid undue disruption of wildlife. And explore the trails on foot only, no motorized vehicles, bikes or horses. b Please stay on trails P Don't pick plants or flowers P Keep dogs on leash P No motorized vehicles p No bicycles P No horses P Have fun! Take only pictures, leave only footprints! ation is located in Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood, Valley View and Walton Hills. Bedford Reservation gives the appearnce of a continuous forest of large trees, and challenging terrain, which apparently discouraged early logging operations. The reservation offers trails and picnic areas, and includes Shawnee Hills Golf Course as one of its attractions. Flowing through the reservation is Tinker's Creek, named for a member of Moses Cleaveland's surveying party. The creek drops a dramtic 220 feet over a course of two miles and has cut a steep, walled gorge. The gorge, declared a National Natural Landmark, is a unique area with numerous tree, shrub and flower species. The Great Falls of Tinker's Creek awaits those who walk Viaduct Park. This reservation is listed as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. The Tinker's Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook on Gorge Parkway offers a spectacular vista throughout the changing seasons. W leveland Metroparks was established in 1917 to provide open spaces for the people of Greater Cleveland, as well as to conserve and preserve the natural valleys of the area. Cleveland Metroparks today consists of over 21,000 acres in 16 reservations, their conneoing parkways and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. GRegulations Below Is a partial list of regulations that will help make yourvisit a pleasant one. - • Dispose of all trash in the proper receptacles or pack it home. • Build fires in park grills, fireplace or personal grills only. Cool all hat ashes before disposing of them in the proper receptacles. • Cats and dogs must be on a Lash not more than 8 feet long and are the only pets permitted in the Park District Please clean up after your pet • Ride bikes only an paved all purpose trails or on parkways. • Swim in designated areas only. • Fishing is permitted in all Park District waters with an Ohio fishing license. -Yield to trafficwhen walking on the parkway. For the safety of all, please do not • disturb, destroy, deface, inj ure, or remove any part of the Park District including plants, animals, rocks, buildings, signs, equipment or property. • possess or consume alcohol or drugs. •amp, climb or rappel lexcept in designated areas with a perniM. • distribute handbills or post signs. • feed, trap or hum wildlife.. • release any animal Into the Park District • take motorized vehicles on any trails. A complete set of Cleveland MMroparks regulations may be obtained by contacting the RangerOepartment at MO -331 -5530. 75rail Etiquette While enjoying these trails, please remember: . to respect the fragile nature of the environment by staying on thetrails. -to enjoy the wildlife, but refrain from collecting anything. • to place litter in trash containers, even if it's not your own. to keep your pet on a leash. to remain quiet so that others may enjoy the tra ils. • to keep to the right and signal with a bell or voice when passing with caution on the left. • to control your speed and maintain a safe distance. • to stay out of ski tracks when walking. • that faster trail users yield to slower trail users. ® © V to Bridle Trails *Iwo All Purpose Trails �v of �l.nd Naoopar3cs ' xeu,nwe.n.m.<onlna.woa< -seaa a,.<l,w rm,wrtr aemi,�m,w. one, /101 Ful,on h,b<r ae.elanQ aN N1Klav 216635 -3300 r,V{ll6- n5 -3I8< tlerel<ndnenopnka�an I 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: Play Clean Go Signage DATE: May 11, 2016 INTRODUCTION The Open Space Advisory Commission is requested to discuss the installation of Play Clean Go Signage in the open space properties. DISCUSSION Ms Donna Aasness, owner of property the City purchased as a part of North Woods Preserve Open Space, has been working with Christian Wood, Community Outreach Corps Member at the University of Minnesota Regional Office in Cloquet on securing Play Clean Go signage for Andover open spaces. Attached is some background information on the program. The U of M Extension Service is offering two boot brush signs at no cost to the City. The posts and installation are the City's responsibility. Additional boot brush signs can be purchased at a cost of $50.00 each with the boot brush costing an additional $30.00. Attachments Play Clean Go Signage information Respectfully submitted, � q / a,4-�� David L. Carlberg Play Clean Go: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks ® : Boot Brush Tail and Educationsl S... Page 1 of 2 PIayCleanGo.org. fw� GRAPHICS LIBRARY SIGNAGE ABOUT I CONTACT I JOIN I HOME � y tube i) BOOT BRUSH TRAIL AND EDUCATIONAL SIGN The boots of trail visitors are vectors for the spread of seeds of invasive nonnative plant species like garlic mustard. Visitors travel from site to site and can bring new invasive species with them to a trail. The goals of the sign and boot brush is to encourage hikers to clean their shoes before and /or after they hike, to raise their awareness about invasive species, and to inform them of simple steps they can do to reduce the spread while they brush. Boot brush sign details The brush and sign are mounted on sturdy metal podium. The boot brush clean sides and bottoms of footwear quickly. The signs can contain a simple message and illustrations printed on a weather - resistant surface with a replaceable Plexiglas cover. The PIayCleanGo boot brush sign design is available for your use. Become a PIayCleanGo partner and the sign can be customized with your organization's logo and plants of concern in your a rea. Aluminum Low Profile Traditional T" Exhibit Base with frame for 24 "wide x 18 "high panel and boot brush assembly http : / /playcleango.org /signage.html 5/3/2016 Play Clean Go: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks ® : Boot Brush Tail and Educationsl S... Page 2 of 2 • 24" wide x 18" high x .090 (FE) Digital Fiberglass- Embedded Panel Single- faced; Matte Finish; Square Cut; No Holes • Frames mount at 300 angle Examples (Click on image to download PDF examples.) WON 00 Slow- PIP OIYF IHVASNE SFE9ES THE BRUSH OFF. GNE IWASNE SWES THE BRUSH Off. .t_ Installation Prior to installation, please check the local building and signage codes as well as the applicable ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations for compliance. Recommended tools and materials • Power or manual post -hole digger • Shovel • Wood braces • Hammer • Clamps • Nails • Plastic sheeting • Cement • Gravel • Tamping bar • Level Remember to Call 811 to have underground utilities located before you dig. http : / /playcleango.org /signage.hbW 5/3/2016 X tj Aga -i ), Siberian Peashrub (Caragana arborescens) SI erian peashrub can become problematic in nutrient poor areas and disturbed sites. What's The Problem? Buckthorn's biology allows it to out - compete many native plants for sunlight, nutrients, and moisture. • Originally from Europe, common buckthorn lacks "natural controls" like insects or disease that would keep it in check. A C • Birds and people unknowingly make the problem worse by spreading the blue -black seeds to other areas. Exotic Honeysuckle Amur Maple (Conicera tatarica and tonicera morrowii) (Acerginnaia) Exotic honeysuckles are invasive because they have the ability to grow in a wide variety of habitats, even dense shade and wet soils. r� , A prolific seed producer, Amur maple quickly spreads into open woods where it competes with native plants. M. ; STOP INVASIVE SPECIES IN YOUR TRACKS. PIayCleanGo.org Clean Your Gear Before Entering And Before Leaving The Recreation Site THE STATE OF MINNESOTA rr •-Y -t.LNDOVErviv�:IJ TU 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: Fun Fest Preparation DATE: May 11, 2016 INTRODUCTION Staff has updated various handouts (attached) and maps to be used at the booth for the Andover Family Fun Fest to be held July 90' and 10f. DISCUSSION The Open Space Advisory Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission will be sharing the booth which will be located adjacent to the City Council booth just south of the City Hall Building (same location as last year). The Planning and Zoning Commission will be sharing the City Council booth. Attached is a sign -up sheet for the event. Attachments Open Space Program Overview Name That Open Space Fun Fest Sign -up Sheet Respectfully submitted, 44 ;( oot_11� David L. Carlberg Open Space Program Overview Open Space in Andover Andover is blessed by the abundance of natural open space. More than 40% of the city remains undeveloped. This is a true community asset, since access to natural areas is becoming less available in our society. Additionally, local and national research has shown that natural areas positively affect home values and consistently rank high on lists of homebuyer preferences. The Open Space Advisory Commission In 2006, the residents of Andover passed a levy to establish a $2 million dollar fund to purchase land specifically to set aside as open space. The Open Space Advisory Commission was formed to evaluate opportunities to preserve open space and make recommendations to the City Council on land purchases. Since forming, the Commission has evaluated undeveloped areas owned by people looking to sell land to the city, defining criteria to evaluate potential acquisitions, and recommending land for purchase. This group also investigates grant opportunities to maximize the limited funds available. The Commission meets on an as needed basis typically on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Andover City Hall. Members of the public are welcome! Agendas are posted on the City's webpage. In August of 2015, the last open space property was purchased. In total, 168 acres of land were purchased with the $2 million dollar funds. The properties purchased are listed below. Open Space Properties Martin's Meadows A 38 acre site in the northwest corner of the city purchased in 2009 from the Luedtke Family. Martin's Meadows is located on the Rum River, a designated "Scenic and Wild River ". Access is gained to the site from Navajo Street NW. The City obtained an $117,000 grant from Great River Greening ( http : / /www.greatrivergreening.oro for buckthorn removal, prairie restoration, and plantings. This work will be completed by June 30, 2016. North Woods Preserve This 20 acre site located north of 161" Avenue NW and east of Hanson Boulevard NW was purchased from Larry Emmerich in 2010. When visiting North Woods Preserve, look to the right of the entrance sign for boundary markers and follow them along to the south and east into the larger preservation area. Look for the blossoming apple trees and don't forget to try an apple when you're out there later this summer! In January of 2014, an additional 26 acres was purchased from Donna and Richard Aasness. The property is located immediately north of North Woods Preserve bringing the total acreage of North Woods Preserve to 46 acres. The City constructed a vehicle access and small parking area at 16347 Hanson Boulevard NW to provide public access. Maple View In November 2014, the City closed on a 30 acre purchase of land from James Selmer and Hazel Blanchette. This property is located about a 1/3 of a mile north of North Woods Preserve and currently does not have public access. A future road construction planned with a new residential housing development will likely provide public access by the end of 2016. In March 2015, the City closed on the purchase of 14 acres from Dennis Kuiken located immediately north of the Selmer/Blanchette property bringing the total acreage of this open space to 44 acres. Dalske Woodlands In August 2015, the City closed on the purchase of 40 acres of land from Alfred Dalske. This property is located at 400 1815 Avenue NW. Current access to the site is off the end of 1815 Avenue NW. A future parking area is being considered along with passive walking trails. Do you have questions on the open space prozram7 Contact: David L. Carlberg Community Development Director 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW Andover, MN 55304 Phone: 763 - 767 -5140 E -mail: d.carlberg @andovermn.gov Name That Open Space Do you recognize the natural communities in the pictures below? Each type is found somewhere in Andover. Upland Forest Northern red, white, or bur oak dominate mesic* stands of oak forest. They have tall, straight, single- stemmed trees that lack spreading lower branches. The understory typically includes fire - sensitive species like basswood, green ash, bitternut hickory, bigtoothed aspen and butternut. Dry oak forest tends to have pin oak,bur oak, and white oak more common as canopy trees. Tamarack Swamps Tamarack swamps are a kind of lowland forest. They occur on muck and shallow peat along rivers and in shallow lake basins, and on nutrient poor peat in basins or large peatland systems. Tamarack is either the only canopy species or is mixed with other species like black spruce, birch, white ash or American elm. Mesic Oak Savanna The characteristic trees of mesic* oak savanna are bur oaks and northern pin oaks, with a shrub layer of chokecherries, low juneberries, and dogwoods. Prairie grasses dominate between the tree groupings. Spacing of the trees range from evenly spaced to strongly clumped. The land is gently undulating or mildly sloped. Floodplain Forests Floodplain forest is a seasonally wet forest that occurs on the flood plains of major rivers and their tributary streams. The canopy is dominated by flood - tolerant deciduous trees. The trees can be either a single tree species or a mixture. Silver maples, black willows and cottonwood are most common. RJI� Open Space Advisory Commission, City of Andover, MN 763.755.5100 Oak Woodland /Brushland Oak wood land- brushland occurs on dry to mesic* sites. The principal species in the tree canopy are various kinds of oak, but aspens may form up to 70% of the tree canopy cover. The brush layer ranges from sparse to an impenetrable thicket. It is most commonly composed of various berries, dogwoods, cherries, hazelnuts, ashes, and oak or quaking aspen sprouts. This type of community is maintained by fire — in the absence of periodic fires, it develops into oak forest. Dry Oak Savanna Dry oak savanna consists of small, gnarly, open -grown bur or northern pin oaks that are widely but evenly spaced or perhaps clumped. The shrub layer is usually spase and consists of grub oaks, chokecherry, American hazel, smooth sumac, and prairie willow. Cattail Marsh Cattail marsh is an emergent marsh dominated by cattails. They occur most commonly along lake margins and in shallow basins, although they are sometimes present in river backwaters. The highest quality cattail marshes contain a variety of species including broad leaved cattail and a native variety of narrowleaved cattail. Wet Meadow Wet meadow is composed of dense, closed stands of wide - leaved sedges (lake, tussock, water, beaked and Hayden's sedge) or grasses like Canada blue joint or northern reed grass. Wet meadow occurs on wet mineral soil, muck, or shallow peat. Standing water is present in the spring and after heavy rains, but the water table is generally below the ground surface. * "Mesic" is a type of habitat with a moderate or well - balanced supply of moisture. h� More Information For more detail on these plant communities, check out the City of Andover website, http: / /www.ci.andover.mn.us. Click on "Boards & Commissions," then "Open Space Advisory Commission," then "Andover Plant Communities." \D6VLR Open Space Advisory Commission, City of Andover, MN 763.755.5100 Time Open Space Commissioner Park and Rec. Cnmmi«innPr Planning rnmmieeinnnr Friday (7/8/16);¢ �{ 5:00 -6:30 6:30 -8:00 Saturday,(? /9/16J,� Noon - 2:00 2:00 -4:00 4:00 -6:00