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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.14.16 meeting packet1685 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 September 14, 2016 Andover City Hall Conference Room A&B 5:30 p.m. 1. Walking Tour of Dalske Woodlands — 400 181st Avenue NW 2. Return to Andover City Hall for regular meeting 7.00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes: July 13, 2016 Regular Meeting 4. Dalske Woodlands Ecological Field Assessment and Vegetation Survey Presentation — Jason Husveth, Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. 5. Dalske Woodlands Management Plan Review 6. Kiosk Signage Update 7. Other Business a. Next meeting: March 8, 2017 8. Adj oumment Note: City Council has been invited to attend the walking tour. There may be a quorum of the Council members present at the tour. No decisions or official actions by the Council will be made. -" ! k F �IILN/ , ' ~r'`� 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 — July 13, 2016 Regular Meeting DATE: September 14, 2016 INTRODUCTION The Open Space Advisory Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the July 13, 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, c 0/, (Ijt� David L. Carlberg Attachment July 13, 2016 meeting minutes REGULARANDOVER OPENSPACEADVISORYCOMMISSIONMEETING JULY 133 2016 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:24 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Prior to the meeting, the Commissioners and staff conducted a walking tour of the Maple View Open Space. Commissioners present: Anna Dirkswager, Joy Faherty, Aaron Jarson, Kim Kovich, Jim Olson, and Suzanne Van Hecke Commissioners absent: None Also present: David Carlberg, Community Development Director Cameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — May 11, 2016 Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Olson, to approve the minutes of May 11, 2016. Motion passed 7-0. MAPLE VIEW MANAGEMENT PLAN Mr. Carlberg displayed an aerial photograph of the Maple View open space area and highlighted the path that the Commission walked through prior to the meeting tonight, noting that while they were not able to cover the entire area tonight they did see a fair amount of the property. He displayed the management plan for the property and reviewed the management tasks summary. Mr. Kytonen provided additional information on the process used to remove reed canary grass. He stated that overall the property is in pretty decent shape. Chairperson Sabel asked and received confirmation that the reed canary grass removal would be in excess of the estimated budget for the management of invasive species and suggested placing that item in its own line item. Mr. Carlberg stated that he simply used estimates from other management plans when he created this draft plan and could work with staff to provide better estimates. He reported that the play equipment in the adjacent park will be installed later this year. He stated that the kiosk and the play, clean, go signage would be installed on the open space property. Chairperson Sabel referenced the task to remove old wildlife foot plot and asked what would be in place of that. Mr. Kytonen replied that it would most likely become a prairie and confirmed that the task could be further specified with the replacement action. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2016 Page 2 Commissioner Van Hecke asked if the trail placement had been discussed. Mr. Carlberg advised of the path the group took and portions that the Commission agreed would be good for trail placement. Commissioner Van Hecke stated that she would want to ensure that the ferns and other natural elements along the trail path be preserved to the measure they can when the trails are cut in. Mr. Carlberg noted that there is still a section of the open space that the Commission would still need to walk that they did not get to tonight. He reviewed the site recommendations description portion of the management plan, noting that he used the assessment of the open space to create this portion of the plan. Commissioner Kovich agreed that the trails should remain as the highest priority. Mr. Carlberg noted that staff will attempt to obtain historical information on the properties. KIOSK SIGNAGE Commissioner Faherty stated that she found a sharable template from the national park website that she was able to use to create the draft. She briefly reviewed the draft document. The Commission agreed that circles with lines through them should be placed over the pictures under the leave no trace section. Commissioner Faherty stated that going forward perhaps the poster section for the kiosks should be made more uniform with vertical placement. Commissioner Jarson noted that people like to see the "you are here" star on maps and that would be helpful. Commissioner Van Hecke stated that perhaps additional information should be placed in the history section and noted that perhaps photographs could be included next to some of the items in the site features section. Commissioner Kovich agreed that it would be helpful to have photographs of the item to help people identify the items within the open space. Commissioner Dirkswager stated that the section would not be lost without photographs as people can use their smartphones to find pictures. The Commission thanked Commissioner Faherty for her assistance in creating this draft. Commissioner Van Hecke noted additional items that could be included in site features, such as the total amount of miles of trails or the location of the picnic areas. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2016 Page 3 Commissioner Faherty stated that perhaps the picnic area should be identified on the trail map. Chairperson Sabel suggested adding the statement to the Martin Meadows kiosk signage "ten acres of restored prairie" to the site features. Commissioner Faherty stated that she asked for input from residents on what they would want to see in the kiosk and used those comments to help her create the draft. She asked if anyone would want to help with the history section of the document. The Commission reviewed the elements that they would like included in the site features section. Mr. Carlberg noted that a similar sign should be created for North Woods Preserve. Commissioner Faherty stated that she could follow a similar process and create a draft that the Commission could review at their next meeting. Mr. Carlberg stated that if there are endangered plant species perhaps those could be listed on the signs. Commissioner Jarson noted that information could be placed on the third side of the kiosk. It was agreed that rare plant and/or animal species could be listed on the third side. Mr. Kytonen stated that perhaps the Subcommittee would like to meet to go over the details for the kiosk signage. Chairperson Sabel stated that perhaps instead of placing a circle with a line through the bike picture there could be a picture of a walker or hiker. PLAY CLEAN GO SIGNAGE UPDATE Mr. Carlberg stated that the two signs and boot brushes were received. He stated that he was under the impression that the City had to provide the posts but noted that the City actually has to supply all the elements including the frame for the sign and the boot brush brackets. Chairperson Sabel stated that the sign could be mounted in the kiosk and the boot brush could be installed near there. Commissioner Van Hecke questioned if the people would use the boot brush if it were not near the entrance of the open space. It was the consensus of the Commission to install the signage in the kiosk and mount the brush near that area. ANDOVER FAMILY FUN FEST RECAP Chairperson Sabel thanked those that attended and assisted at the Andover Family Fun Fest. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — July 13, 2016 Page 4 Commissioner Dirkswager stated that she received a lot of requests for printed maps of the open spaces. Mr. Carlberg stated that there were printed maps in the box under the table and perhaps they did not get put out. He noted that the maps are also available on the City's website. Commissioner Van Hecke stated that most of the resident questions were directed towards the Park and Recreation and Planning and Zoning Commissions. Commissioner Dirkswager stated that she heard comments from residents asking when the next referendum would come forward as they would like more trails connecting to the open space areas and want to see more open space. Mr. Carlberg thanked everyone that volunteered for the event. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting: September 14, 2016 It was the consensus of the Commission to conduct the next tour a bit earlier in the night to allow for more time commencing at 5:30 p.m. at the Dalske Woodlands open space. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Kovich Second by Commissioner Dirkswager to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion passed 7-0. Respectfully submitted, David L. 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: Dalske Woodlands Open Space Ecological Field Assessment and Vegetation Survey DATE: September 14, 2016 INTRODUCTION The Commission is asked to receive a presentation from Jason Husveth of Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. on the Ecological Field Assessment and Vegetation Survey for the Dalske Woodlands Open Space property. ACTION REQUESTED Receive presentation and provide direction as to any changes the Commission deems necessary to the attached Ecological Assessment and Survey. Attachments Ecological Assessment and Survey of Dalske Woodlands Respectfully submitted, �2 Z;� elelt's David L. Carlberg Dalske Woodlands Open Space, Andover, MN Summary Report, Figures, Natural Plant Community Descriptions September 7, 2016 Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. On behalf of the City of Andover's Open Space Advisory Commission, Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. (CCES) completed ecological and botanical surveys of the Dalske Woodlands open space property in June, July, and August of 2016. The 39.5 acre Dalske Woodlands open space is located in the northeast corner of the City of Andover (Figure 1), and is encompassed by large lot residential parcels on three sides, and State Forest land to the north. The site contains several natural plant communities, including: Dry-Mesic Oak Forest, Wet Aspen Forest, Poor Fen, Northern Wet Meadow, and Shrub Carr. The plant communities are of various ecological quality, ranging from good quality (B ranking), to fair quality (ranking of B/C, and C), and low quality (ranking of D; see Figure 2). Stressors on the natural communities include past land use practices and alterations (e.g. past logging, past grazing, ditching, and drainage of wetlands), the presence of invasive species (e.g. non-native earthworms, giant reed, reed canary grass, common buckthorn), mortality of old growth oaks due to oak wilt, and wholesale fire suppression within fire -dependent systems. Native species diversity remains relatively high within the Dalske Woods parcel. Management needs include: addressing and abating the spread of oak wilt within remaining mature oak stands, removal of dead standing hazard trees, winter brushing of dense blackberries and buckthorn, herbicide treatments of reed canary grass, giant reed, and buckthorn, and the reintroduction of prescribed burning within wetlands and oak -dominated upland woodlands and forest to promote natural community recovery (Figure 3). The attached figures depict the spatial distribution, quality, and management needs of the natural communities present within Dalske Woodlands open space. CCES has also attached the MN DNR's natural plant community (NPC) descriptions for the communities present within the Dalske Woodlands open space. These figures, NPC descriptions, species lists, and associated narratives will be expanded upon within CCES's final report for the Dalske Woodlands open space surveys, to be completed at the end of September 2016. Jason Husveth, CCES Principal Ecologist, will lead a tour of Dalske Woodlands for the Open Space Advisory Commission on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 5:30pm. I 10 lLr -r a tis An doyer fI l _ 't sit- a F m N Figure 2. Dalske Woodlands A Critical Connections Native Plant Community Types o ,o0 200 Erologfcal seMce.& Inc. Feet Plant Community Descriptions Northern Poor Fen - Graminoid - APn91b -C Quality Ranking -Area dominated by native graminoids wiregrass sedge and woolgrass with non-native giant reed grass dominated basin edges. A roadway bisects historic basin. Southern Dry - Mesic Oak Woodland - Red Maple Subtype - FDs37a - C/D Quality Ranking Canopy doimated mature sugar maple, red maple, ironwood. Shrub layer with black cherry, white oak, dwarf raspberry, common red raspberry, and buckthorn. Herbs Include Pennsylvania sedge,wild sarsaparilla, braken fern, Interrupted fern, and others. Southern Wet Aspen Forest - Lowland Aspen Subtype WFs55a -C Quality Ranking Canopy dominated by red maple, red oak, black cherry, American elm, paper birch, box elder and green ash. Buckthorn shrubs and seedings also present. Understory with reed canary grass, woolgrass, bluejoint, graceful sedge, sweet cicely, interrupted fern, and others. Northern Wet Meadow/Carr - WMn82 - D -Quality Area dominated by Canada bluejoint, wiregrass sedge, lake sedge, reed canary grass, northern marsh fern, giant goldenrod, beggarticks, Joe pye weed, water dock, red -stemmed aster, slender willow and others. Northern Wet Meadow/Carr- Willow- Dogwood Shrub Swamp Subtype - WMn82a - B Quality - Area dominated by shrubs including slender willow, meadowsweet, and speckled alder. Herbaceous plants Include Canada bluejoint, wiregrass sedge, lake sedge, reed canary grass, northern marsh fern, giant goldenrod, beggarticks, Joe pye weed, water dock, red -stemmed aster, and others. Northern Wet Meadow/Carr - Sedge Meadow Subtype - WMn82b Area dominated by Canada bluejoint, wiregrass sedge, lake sedge, reed canary grass, northern marsh fern, giant goldenrod, beggarticks, Joe pye weed, water dock, red - stemmed aster, slender willow and others. APn91b a a t Oak Wilt i FDs37a WMn82a WMn82b WMn82b Oak Wilt WMn82 WFs55a FDs37a Oak Wilt WMn82a WMn82 N Figure 3. Dalske Woodlands A Fritlrol ronnecHcm Management Recommendations Fcologlcol SeMce; Inc. 0 712.5 7!5 SFW Management Recommendations Per NPC Northern Poor Fen - Graminoid - APn91b Poor fen Impacted by past land uses including road that - bisects the basin. Invasive species present Including giant reed grass and reed canary grass. Herbicide treatments of invasive species and prescribed burning recommended. Southern Dry - Mesic Oak Woodland - Red Maple Subtype - FDs37a Upland remnants of a larger oak forest/oak woodland complex are affected by past land uses (grazing, logging), deer herbivoM earthworm activity, and oak wilt. Large areas of the canopy are lost due to oak wilt, leading to dense shrub layers below. Winter removal of shrubs, replanting of trees, overseeding and prescribed burning are recommended. Southern Wet Aspen Forest - Lowland Aspen Subtype - WFs55a Wet forest is a result of fire suppression and is comprised of fast growing trees such as aspen, birch and maple. Edges dominated by reed canary grass. Recommend thinning of trees herbiciding of Invasive species and reintroduction of prescribed fire. Northern Wet Meadow/Carr- WMn82 This shrub dominated wet meadow is dominated by invasive reed canary grass and giant reed grass with large dense stands of willow. Partially drained with ditches in the past. Recommend hydrologic restoration, herbicide treatments, native seeding, and prescribed burning. Northern Wet Meadow/Carr - Willow - Dogwood LAShrub Swamp Subtype - WMn82a This wet meadow is co -dominated by native shrubs, native grasses and sedges, and invasive reed canary grass. Partially drained with ditches in the past. Recommend hydrologic restoration, herbicide treatments, and prescribed burning. Northern Wet Meadow/Carr - Sedge Meadow Subtype - WMn82b This wet meadow Is dominated by native grasses and sedges with some invasive reed canary grass on the edges. Partially drained with ditches in the past. Recommend hydrologic restoration, herbicide treatments, and prescribed burning. FDs37 FIRE -DEPENDENT FOREST/WOODLAND SYSTEM Southern Floristi Southern Dry-Mesic Oak (Maple) Woodland Dry-mesic hardwood forests on undulating sand flats, hummocky moraines, and river bluffs. Present mostly on fine sand or sand -gravel soils. Often on south- or west -facing slopes but common also on flat to undulating sandy lake plains. Historically, fires were common in this community, and many stands are on sites occupied by brushlands 100-150 years ago. Vegetation Structure & Composition Description is based on summary of vegetation data from 43 plots (relev6s). • Ground -layer cover is patchy to continu- ous (25-100%). Pointed -leaved tick trefoil (Desmodium glutinosum), Clayton's sweet cicely (Osmorhiza claytonii), hog peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata), Canada may- flower (Maianthemum canadense), and wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) are com- monly present. Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is the most abundant grami- noid. Dewey's sedge (Carex deweyana) and starry sedge (Carex rosea) may also be pres- ent. • Shrub -layer cover is patchy to continuous (25-100%). Common species include black cherry, red maple, chokecherry (Prunus Distribution in Minnesota • FDs37a O FDs37b MDocumented LTA i Possible LTA ivECS Section Unknown virgimana), American hazelnut (Corylus americana), gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus spp.), and poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii). • Subcanopy cover is patchy to interrupted (25-75%). The most common species are black cherry, red maple, and bur oak. • Canopy cover is usually interrupted to continuous (50-100%). Bur oak and northern pin oak are the most common species. Northern red oak, white oak, and red maple are occasionally present. Older trees are often open grown, indicating previously more open conditions on the site. • Note: Red maple and white oak are generally absent from occurrences in the CGP. Landscape Setting & Soils • Glacial lake plains—Common. Present on undulating sand flats that were deposited in the shallow waters of Glacial Lake Grantsburg. Parent material is stoneless, well - sorted fine sand. It was initially calcareous, but soils are now leached of carbonates. Subsoil horizons capable of perching snowmelt are lacking, but general fine -sand texture and occasional bands of silt and gravel ran help to retain some soil moisture. Densely cemented layers of sand that may reflect past positions of the water table occur at depth and can help hold water for deeply rooted plants. Soils are excessively drained and the soil -moisture regime is moderately dry. (Anoka Sand Plain in MIM) 0 Stagnation moraines—Occasional. Present on hummocky moraines, often adjacent to fire -prone outwash plains and tunnel valleys that were occupied in the past by brushland or prairie. Parent material is a discontinuous cap of partially sorted gravelly sand over a base of denser till and is often complexly stratified. Parent material can be calcareous or noncalcareous; when calcareous, soils are leached of free carbonates to at least 30in (75cm). Although some clays have accumulated in the subsoil, clays are insufficient to perch snowmelt and rainfall. The complex stratification allows these sites to retain some rainfall, and water is available to deeply rooted plants just above the dense till. Where the sandy cap is thick, the soils are excessively drained, and the soil - moisture regime is moderately dry. Where the cap is thinner, the soils are well drained, and the soil -moisture regime is fresh. (St. Paul -Baldwin Plains and Hardwood Hills in MIM; locally in Pine Moraines and Outwash Plains in MDL; and Minnesota River Prairie in CGP) FDs37 ' FIRE -DEPENDENT FORESTIWOODLAND SY continued - • River bluffs—Common. Present on steep (20-50%) south- or west -facing slopes along the Minnesota River valley and other major streams. Soils are developed on eroded calcareous till or cut -faces of gravelly terraces well above modern alluvium. Free carbonates are present at or close to the surface and topsoil layers are thin because of surface erosion. Soils are somewhat excessively to excessively drained. Soil moisture regime is dry to moderately fresh. (Minnesota River Prairie in CGP) Natural History In the past, fires were very common throughout the range of FDs37. An analysis of Public Land Survey records indicates that the rotation of catastrophic fires was about 110 years, and the rotation of mild surface fires about 10 years' The rotation of all fires combined is estimated to be 9 years. Windthrow was not common, with an estimated rotation exceeding 1,000 years. Based on the historic composition and age structure of these forests, FDs37 had two growth stages. • 0-75 years—Young forests recovering from fire, dominated by bur oak with some northern red oak or white oak. Quaking aspen, northern pin oak, and black cherry are minor components. • > 75 years—Mature forests dominated by a mixture of bur oak, white oak, northern pin oak, and some northern red oak, with minor amounts of American elm. (In the past, sites now occupied by FDs37 typically supported more open communities, including brush -prairie or savanna. Air photos from the 1930s show these sites to have scattered oaks rather than forest canopies. With suppression of wildfires since the mid -1800s, these sites have developed denser tree canopies and herbs typical of mesic forests have become common in the understory. The examples of FDs37 used in this classification are best described by the mature forest growth stage.) Similar Native Plant Community Classes • FDs36 Southern Dry-Mesic Oak -Aspen Forest FDs36 can be similar to FDs37, and the ranges of the two communities overlap in the central part of the Hardwood Hills Subsection in the MIM and adjacent parts of the RRV. FDs36 tends to occur on loamy rather than fine sand or sand -gravel soils. FDs37Indicator S ies �C lacinlata) 2 1 28 aures) 2 28 4 40 7 I 36 (freq") FDs36 Indicator Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) FDs37 FDs36 4 Northam pin oak (C,U) 60 - Canada goldenrod (So Tall blackberries` 53 - Tall coneflower (Rudbeckla Large -leaved aster (Aster macrophyllus) 51 Golden alexanders (T'zia Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) 71 4 Basswood (C) Red maple (C,U) 67 4 American elm (C) Lady fem (Athyrlum filix-femina) 53 8 Large -flowered belhvort Black cherry (C,U) 87 16 NorthNorthernbedstraw Lallum boreale) 40 I 8 'Tall blackberries (Rebus alleghemensis and similar Rebus slop.) • MHc26 Central Dry-Mesic Oak -Aspen Forest MHc26 generally occurs to the north and east of FDs37, although the ranges of the two classes overlap along the border between the EBF and LMF Provinces. The presence of sugar maple, especially in the canopy, differentiates MHc26 from FDs37. FDs37 Indicator Species .A� FDs37°%MHc26 Box elder (U) 42 - i Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) 67 4 Northam pin oak (C,U) 60 4 Black cherry (C) 29 3 (Wularia grandiitora) 20 88 Lindley's aster (Aster ciliolatus) 16 I 64 Bloodroot, (Sangulnaria canadensis) 9 _ _ 82 • MHc26 Central Dry-Mesic Oak -Aspen Forest MHc26 generally occurs to the north and east of FDs37, although the ranges of the two classes overlap along the border between the EBF and LMF Provinces. The presence of sugar maple, especially in the canopy, differentiates MHc26 from FDs37. FDs37 Indicator Species .A� FDs37°%MHc26 Box elder (U) 42 - i Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) 67 4 Northam pin oak (C,U) 60 4 Black cherry (C) 29 3 Wild grape (vtis r/paria) 62 J 7 Giant Solomon's seal (Polygonatum biflomm) 27 4 Lopseed (Phryma ieptostachya) 62 9 I Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) 71 ! 13 d MHc26 Indicator SpeciesT F1393iic24 Fly honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis) - 32 Sugar maple (C,U) 4 71 Large -flowered trillium (Trillium granditlomm) 2 29 Bluebead lily (CNntonla borealis) 2 27 Basswood (C) 4 45 Rose twistedstalk (Streptopus roseus) 7 54 Round -lobed hepatica (Anemone americana) 7 47 Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) 13 61— 'Forested 'Forested communities that extend into the prairie regions of Minnesota tend to have shorter rota- tions of disturbance from fire (and often wind) on the western edge of their range compared with the eastern part. This probably results from drier climate in the west and being surrounded by prairie vegetation that burns frequently. Because estimated rotations of disturbance for forested communi- ties are calculated from PLS bearing -tree records across the range of the community, and records in the prairie regions are often much sparser than those to the east, disturbance rotations may be much shorter for forest stands in the prairie regions than those presented for the class as a whole. FDs37 FIRE -DEPENDENT FORESTlWOODLAND SYSTE Southern Floristic Regiol���. continued - • FDc34 Central Dry-Mesic Pine -Hardwood Forest FDc34 generally occurs north of FDs37; the presence of conifers almost always distinguishes FDc34 from FDs37. FDs37 Indicator Species FDs37gFE Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) 67 Box elder (U) 42 Bluebead lily (Clintonia borealis) Wild grape (Vitis riparia) 62 Rose twistedstalk (Streptopus rossus) Lopseed (Phryma leptostachya) 62 While pine (C,U) Northam pin oak (C,U) 60 Paper birch (U) Wild geranium (Geranium maculaarm) 71 Round -lobed hepatica (Anemone americana) Common enchanter's nightshade (Circaea lutedana) 60 39 Pointed -leaved 0ck trefoil (Desmodium oluenosuml 80 _13. FDc34 Indicator Species FDes�gFoc34 Red pine (C) (Iraq%) 51 Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) - 39 Bluebead lily (Clintonia borealis) 2 46 Rose twistedstalk (Streptopus rossus) 7 68 While pine (C,U) 4 41 Paper birch (U) 7 51 Round -lobed hepatica (Anemone americana) 7 39 Lowbush blueberry (Vacclnium anqustilolium) - _13. j 61 • MHc36 Central Mesic Hardwood Forest (Eastern) MHc36 can be similarto FDs37 when FDs37 is dominated by northern red oak (FDs37a). FDs37, however, generally lacks sugar maple, which is prominent in MHc36. FDs37 Indicator Species (Iraq%) MHc36 Indicator Species --- — -- (Iraq%) Bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) FDs37 MHc36 Red maple (C,U) FDs37 MHr36 Northam pin oak (cg 50 2 Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) - 38 Mddy or Smooth wild rase' 27 2 Zigzag goldenrod (Solldago flexicaulis) 4 79 Nannybeny (Viburnum /antago) 46 4 Long -stalked sedge (Carex pedunculata) 4 53 Black cherry (C) 38 4 i Large -flowered trillium (Trillium grandillorum) 4 52 Gray dogwood (Comus racemose) 62 7 j Sugar maple (C,U) 8 91 Tall blackberries** 73 i 9 I Basswood (C) 8 87 Wild grape (Vitfs riparia) 69 I 10 " Blue beech (U) 4 i 40 American hazelnut (Corylus americana) ___85 12 Bloodroot (Sanguinada canadensis) 8 58 'Prickly or Smooth wild rose [Pose acicularis or R. blanda) "Tall blackberries (Rubus allegheniensis and similar Rubus spp.) • MHs37 Southern Dry-Mesic Oak Forest MHs37 can be similar to FDs37 but is more likely to occur on loamy soils (at least in the upper soil layers) than on fine sand or sand -gravel soils. MHs37 occurs on sites less affected by fire in the recent past and therefore generally lacks the open -grown canopy trees often present in FDs37. FDs37 Indicator Species Fos! Mountain rice grass (Oryzopsls asperitolia) 42 Large -leaved aster (Aster macrophyllus) 51 Bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) 36 Red maple (C,U) 67 Pale bellwort (Uvularia sessilitolie) 62 Quaking aspen (C,U) 29 Spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemitolium) 40 Northam pin oak (C,U) 60 Sugar maple (C,U) 4 51 is37 MHs37 Indicator Species FDsHs. - Maidenhair fem (Adiantum pedatum) - 56 2 i Spreading Jacob's ladder (Polemonium reptans) - 47 2 Gregarious black snakeroot (Sanicula gregaria) 4 56 7 99 Bittemut hickory (C,U) 4 I 56 7 Sugar maple (C,U) 4 51 5 White snakeroot (Eupatodum rugosum) 7 65 7 1 Hackberry (C,U) 9 60 t3 j Hgnew LCn pPfaenia canadensis) 1372 • FDs27 Southern Dry-Mesic Pine -Oak Woodland The range of FDs27 occasionally overlaps with FDs37 in the area around the Twin Cities, where it occurs on deep sands that accumulate along valley walls of tributaries to the Mississippi River. FDs37 Indicator Species Fossi Fos27 FDs27 Indicator Species FDesi .1 FDjd Red maple (C,U) 67 - Flowering spurgi� (Euphorbia ccrollara) - 62 Pale bellworl (Uvula is sesslll/olla) 62 - Heart -leaved aster (Aster coroifollus) - 46 j Large -leaved aster (Aster macrophyllus) 51 - Downy rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens) - 38 Mountain rice grass (Oryzopsls aspentolla) 42 - Bittemut hickory (C,U) 4 62 Beaked hazelnut (Corylus comuta) 24 - Eastern red cedar (C,U) 4 62 Starflower (Trientalls borealis) 22 - White pine (C,U) 4 54 Downy arrowwood (Viburnum rafinesquianum) 49 8 White snakeroot (Eupatorlum rugosum) 7 69 • FDc25 Central Dry Oak -Aspen (Pine) Woodland The range of FDc25 overlaps with FDs37 in east -central Minnesota, where FDc25 occurs on level lake plains and on glacial river terraces. Species more commonly found in prairies are often present in FDc25 while generally absent from FDs37. FDs37 FIRE -DEPENDENT FOREST/WOODLAND SYSTE Southern Flo continued- FDs371ndicator Species FDs37 QFoc25 Box elder (U) 42 ! - Common enchantefs nightshade (Cimaea lutetlana) 60 3 Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum amaricanum) 67 7 Lopseed (Phryma leplostachya) 62 7 Black cherry (C) 29 3 Lady fern (Athydum Hlix-femina) 53 7 Missouri gooseberry (Ribes missouriense) 24 3 _Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) 71 _13 FDc25 Indicator Species FUs37 FDc25 Wintergreen (Gaulthena procumbens) - 47 Wild bergamot (Monarda lfstulosa) - 37 Jack pine (C) - 30 Prairie willow (SaNx humills) 30 Yarrow (Achilles millefolium) 2 43 Big -toothed aspen (U) 4 33 Lowbush blueberry (Vaccinlum angusiilolium) 13 93 Veiny pea (Lathyrus venosus) _ 7 _ _ 47 Native Plant Community Types in Class • FDs37a Oak - (Red Maple) Woodland Canopy is dominated by northern red oak, northern pin oak, and white oak with lesser amounts of bur oak and red maple. Red maple is also common in the subcanopy and shrub layers. Chokecherry, American hazelnut, gray dogwood, and prickly ash are common in the shrub layer. FDs37a is distinguished from FDs37b by the presence of northern red oak or white oak in the canopy or understory. Other species that can help to differentiate FDs37a from FDs37b include red maple, bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana), and starflower (Trientalis borealis). FDs37a has been documented in the MIM and MDL; it is most common in the Anoka Sand Plain Subsection in the MIM. Description is based on summary of vegetation data from 26 plots. • FDs37b Pin Oak - Bur Oak Woodland Canopy has abundant northern pin oak and bur oak. The subcanopy is not well differentiated from the canopy; buroak, black cherry, and green ash are the most common subcanopy species. The shrub layer is often dense, with prickly ash, chokecherry, American hazelnut, gray dogwood, prickly gooseberry (Ribes cynosbati), and downy arrowwood (Viburnum rafinesquianum) all common. FDs37b is distinguished from FDs37a by the greater dominance of northern pin oak and bur oak in the canopy. Other species that help to differentiate FDs37b from FDs37a when present include green ash, wild honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica), snowberry or wolfberry (Symphoricarpos spp.), giant Solomon's seal (Polygonatum biflorum), Lindley's aster (Aster cilio/atus), and side - flowering aster (Asterlateriflorus). FDs37b has been documented in the MIM and CGP, where it is most common in the Hardwood Hills Subsection with occasional occurrences in the Anoka Sand Plain and Minnesota River Prairie Subsections. (Occurrences in the Minnesota River Prairie Subsection and other parts of southwestern Minnesota are included on the basis of field observations; few samples from FD communities are available for this part of the state.) Description is based on summary of vegetation data from 18 plots. 0 A ,.rr11 r L A W .� U G v, Z .i o G LL O � o W IrO U- I - z U.1 Z w IL w W ZZ FDs37 Southern Dry -Mesio Oak (Maple) Woodland — Species Frequency and Cover _freq% cover Ire -% cover r ForbS, Ferns & Fern Allies Clayton's sweet cicely (Osmorhiza claytonfl) Pointed -leaved tick trefoil (Desmodium glutinosum) Hog peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata) Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) Common enchanter's nightshade (Circaea lutetiena) Wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis) I Lopseed (Phryma leptostachya) Common false Solomon's seal (Smilacina racemosa) Pale bellwort (Uvularia sessilitolia) Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) Bracken (Pterfdium aquilinum) Sweet -scented bedstraw (Galium triflorum) Large -leaved aster (Aster macrophyflus) Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) Northern bedstraw (Galium boreale) Wood anemone (Anemone quinquefolia) Spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolfum) Maryland black snakeroot (Sanicula marilandica) Early meadow -rue (Thalictrum dioicum) Giant Solomon's seal (Polygonatum biflorum) Starry false Solomon's seal (Smilacina stellate) Starflower (Trientalis borealis) 1 Interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana) Large -flowered bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora) Elliptic shinleaf (Pyrola elliptica) Tail -leaved aster (Astersagittifolius) jGrasses & Sedges Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) Moutain rice grass (Oryzopsis asperffolfa) Nodding fescue (Festuca subverticillata) Bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix) Woody Vines 76 78 76 73 69 60 60 60 60 60 51 51 51 49 40 40 40 38 36 31 27 22 20 20 20 20 18 84 40 11 11 91 _ o Wild grape (Vitis riparia) 62 • ••, LOW Shrubs ••l' Red raspberry (Rubusidaeus) 64 •• I ; Tall blackberries (Rubus allegheniensis and similar Rubus spp.) 47 • Tall Shrubs •• I Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) 82 • I American hazelnut (Corylus americana) 80 • Gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa) 67 • Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) 67 • Poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) 64 N ! Prickly gooseberry (Ribes cynosbati) 49 • Downy arrowwood (Viburnum rafinesquianum) 49 •• Juneberries (Amelanchfer spp.) 47 • Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) 42 •• ' Bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) 33 • ' Missouri gooseberry (Ribes missouriense) 24 • Beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) 22 • Snowberry or Wolfberry (Symphoricarpos albus or S. occidentalis) 20 C Red -berried elder (Sambucus racemosa) 20 •? Round -leaved dogwood _(Cornus rugosa) 16 • • • Trees Buroak Northern pin oak Northern red oak White oak I Black cherry Quaking aspen Red maple Paper birch Big -toothed aspen Green ash I American elm Canopy freq% cover 67 ••• 60 NN 33 NN 29 ••• 29 • 27 •• 27 •• 20 N 11 N• 9 ••• Subcanopy freq% cover 58 •• 33 ••• 13 ••• 9 •• 58 •• 18 •• 56 a" Shrub Layer , freq% covers 33 • 38 • 22 • 18 • 69 • 18 •I 53 • 36 • 33 • WET MEADOW/CARR SYSTEM WMn82 16 Northern Floristic Region f ( glow Northern Wet MeadowlCarr Open wetlands dominated by dense cover of broad-leaved graminoids or tall shrubs. Present on mineral to sapric peat soils in basins and along streams. Vegetation Structure & Composition Description is based on summary of vegetation data from 293 plots (releves) and moss data from 23 bryophyte plots. • Moss cover most often is < 5% but can range to > 75%. Brown mosses are usually dominant, but Sphagnum can be dominant on some sites. • Graminoid layer consists of dense stands of mostly broad-leaved graminoids, including bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), lake sedge (Carex lacustris), tussock sedge (C. stricta), and beaked sedge (C. utriculata). • Forb cover is variable, with tufted loosestrife (Lysimachia thyrsiflora), marsh bellflower (Campanula aparinoides), marsh skullcap (Scutellaria galericu/ata), and great water dock (Rumex orbicu/atus) common, Ift d G/' Distribution in Minnesota 46 and small or three -c a be straw (a ium tinctorium or G. trifidum), bulb -bearing water hemlock (Cicuta bu/bifera), northern bugleweed (Lycopus uniflorus), linear -leaved, marsh, or downy willow -herb (Epilobium leptophyllum, E. pa/ustre, or E. strictum), water smartweed (Polygonum amphibium), and northern marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris) occasional. 0 Shrub cover is variable. Tall shrubs such as willows (Salix spp.), red -osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), and speckled alder (Alnus incana) can be dense, along with meadowsweet (Spiraea alba). Paper birch, black ash, red maple, American elm, and tamarack saplings are occasionally present in the shrub layer. • Trees taller than 16ft (5m) are rarely present and if so, have low cover (< 25%). Landscape Setting & Soils WMn82 occurs in wetland basins on a variety of landforms. It is also associated with streams and drainageways, drained beaver ponds, shallow bays, and semifloating mats on lakes. Soils range from mineral or muck soil to sapric peat. Organic sediments are typically shallow but can be deep (> 15in [40cm]) in basins filled by sedimentary peat or where WMn82 has succeeded an Open Rich Peatland community following changes to the hydrology of the basin. Natural History WMn82 is subjected to moderate inundation following spring runoff and heavy rains, and periodic drawdowns during summer. Peak water levels are high enough and per- sistent enough to prevent trees (and often shrubs) from becoming established, although there may be little or no standing water much of the growing season. As a result of wa- ter -level fluctuations, the surface substrate alternates between aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Any organic matter that may accumulate over time is usually oxidized during drawdowns following drought or is removed by fire. Where deep peat is present in the community, it likely was formed previously on the site by a peat -producing communi- ty—such as a forested rich peatland—that was flooded by beaver activity and ultimately converted to a wet meadow. Deep peat may also develop from debris settling into ba- sins with standing water, forming sedimentary peat. Because surface water in WMn82 is derived from runoff, stream flow, and groundwater sources, it has circumneutral pH (6.0-8.0) and high mineral and nutrient content. Although mosses are typically sparse in WMn82 because of alternating flooding and drawdown, moss cover can be relatively WMn82 WET MEADOWICARR SYSTEM l - continued - Northern Floristic Region , high in settings where water levels have become stabilized. In these situations, it ap- pears that Sphagnum can quickly invade the community, especially on floating mats that are completely above the water surface. The water chemistry in these sites can be rapidly converted by Sphagnum to rich fen or even poor fen conditions before charac- teristic wet meadow species, especially wide -leaved sedges, have been replaced by plants of rich or poor fens such as narrow -leaved sedges. The process of succession of WMn82 to rich or poor fens is readily reversed by return of higher or more variable water levels, such as from beaver activity or variation in precipitation. Similar Native Plant Community Classes • OPn81 Northern Shrub Shore Fen OPn81 often has abundant broad-leaved graminoids and can appear similar to occurrences of WMn82 with abundant speckled alder (WMn82a). OPn81 typically occurs on deep peat, often along lakeshores, and is more likely to have high cover of leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), bog birch (Betula pumila), or sweet gale (Myrica gale) in addition to speckled alder. WMn82 commonly occurs on mineral soil or shallow peat and is often situated away from lakeshores; WMn82 is more likely to have abundant willows and red -osier dogwood in addition to speckled alder. WMn82 Indicator Species wM lnez!oPna1_ Touch-me-not (Impatiens spin.) 54 2 Labrador bedstraw (Galium labradoricum) 24 2 Cut4eavedbugleweed (Lycopusamedcanus) 20 2 Mad dog skullcap (Scutellarla latedflora) 20 2 Pussy willow (Salix discolor) 56 9 Spotted Joe pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum) 64 9 Babb's willow (Salic bebbiana) 46 9 Bulb-bearingwaterhemlock (qouta bulbilera) 54 16 0Pn81 Indicator Species P 2 0 _ WMn82 OPn81 _ Small cranberry (Vaccinum oxycoccos) - 30 Bog rosemary (Andromeda glaucophylla) - 19 Round -leaved sundew (Drosera rotundtfolia) 1 23 Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) 6 88 Black spruce (C,U) 3 I Three -fruited bog sedge (Carex Idsperma) 1 40 Labrador tea (Ledum groanlandicum) 335 Lowbush or Velvet -leaved blueberry' 1 27 Tamarack (U) 4 ; Labrador tea (Ledum groanlandicum) 3 37 Balsam willow (Salix pyntolia) _ _ 9 I White cedar (C,U) 1 49 0 FPn73 Northern Rich Alder Swamp FPn73 may resemble occurrences of WMn82 that have significant amounts of speckled alder (WMn82a). FPn73 is typically associated with other communities of the Forested Rich Peatland System and is more likely to have trees > 6ft (2m) tall, including paper birch, red maple, and black ash, and shade -tolerant swamp forest species in the ground layer WMn82 Indicator Speciesw nr'9x 79 FPn731ndicator Species wM (keq%) Cut -leaved i�jglsweed (Lycopus americanus) 20 2 Starflower (Tdentalls borealis) 1 50 Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnate) 16 2 Bunchberry.(Comus canadensis) 148 Water smartweed (Polygonum amphibium) 29 5 Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) 1 43 Tussock sedge (Carex sMcta) 47 11 I Three -fruited bog sedge (Carex Idsperma) 1 27 Slender willow (Salix petiolads) 71 18 Lowbush or Velvet -leaved blueberry' 1 27 Beaked sedge (Carex WkitiaM) 27 9 ; Labrador tea (Ledum groanlandicum) 3 56 Rabb's willow (Salix bebbiana) 46 16 I White cedar (C,U) 1 23 Bulb -bearing water hemlock (Cicuta bulbitera) 54 20 Balsamfir (C,�_^ _-_ --_ 4, 45 'Lowbush or Velvet -leaved blueberry (Vaccinum angustlfoliu,m or V. myrtilioides) Native Plant Community Types in Class • WMn82a Willow - Dogwood Shrub Swamp Open wetlands with abundant broad-leaved graminoids, and shrub cover typically > 25%. Shrubs that may be abundant include willows, red -osier dogwood, speckled alder, and occasionally bog birch. Description is based on summary of vegetation data from 69 plots. • WMn82b Sedge Meadow Open wetlands with abundant broad-leaved graminoids, and shrub cover typically < 25%. The invasive species common reed grass (Phragmites australis) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) have become increasingly abundant in this community type over the past several decades, reducing species diversity in many occurrences. WMn82b is divided into four subtypes, based on dominant graminoid species. Description is based on summary of vegetation data from 224 plots. O WMn82bl Bluejoint Subtype O WMn82b2 Tussock Sedge Subtype O WMn82b3 Beaked Sedge Subtype 0 WMn82b4 Lake Sedge Subtype WMn82 continued - WET MEADOW/CARR SYSTEM y Northern Floristic Region t � :w Becker County, W \ L 1. �� ra. .. y�9t�•. Becker County, W }�. 1 WMn82 Northern Wet Meadow/Carr — Species Frequency & Cover �J wp Grasses &Sedges freq% cover Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) freq% 20 cover • F- Bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis) 80 •••• Common mint (Mentha arvensis) 19 • 0) CC Lake Lake sedge (Carexlacustris) 72 *see Red -stemmed aster (Aster puniceus) 19 • tj 'y Tussock sedge (Carex stricta) 41 •••• Marsh vetchiing (Lathyrus palustris) 17 • Beaked sedge (Carex utriculata) 33 ••• Common marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) 17 • Qo ! Fen wiregrass sedge (Carex lasiocarpa) 29 ••e Cut -leaved bugleweed (Lycopus americanus) 17 • U Woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus) 22 •• Long -leaved chickweed (Stellaria longifolia) 13 • j Aquatic sedge (Carex aquatills) 11 ••• Bog aster (Aster borealis) 12 • O1Forbs, Ferns &Fern Allies Mad dog skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) 12 • 0 r ! Tufted loosestrife (Lysimachia thyrsiflora) 59 • Giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) 12 • LU `o Marsh bellflower (Campanula aparinoides) 58 • Big -leaf white violet or Northern white violet" 12 • 2 Z Marsh skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) 53 • Lesser -duckweed (Lamina minor) 12 • 1-- Great water dock (Rumex orbiculatus) 52 • Dwarf raspberry (Rubus pubescens) 11 • LU Three -cleft or small bedstraw (Galium trifidum or G. tinctorium) 46 • Sweet flag (Acorns calamus) 11 •• i Bulb -bearing water hemlock (Cfcuta bulbifera) 46 • Rough cinquefoil (Potentilla norvegica) 11 • I Northern bugleweed (Lycopus uniflorus) 45 • Common boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) 11 • Linear -leaved, Marsh, or Downy willow -herb' 44 • Water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile) 10 • Water smartweed (Polygonum amphibium) 42 • Low Shrubs Northern marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris) 40 •• Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) 13 • Touch-me-not (Impatiens spp.) 39 •• Tall Shrubs Marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris) 38 • Slender willow (Salix petfolaris) 42 ••• Spotted Joe pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum) 34 • Pussy willow (Salix discolor) 29 •• Broad-leaved cattail (Typha /atifolia) 32 •• Red -osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) 24 •• Arrow -leaved tearthumb (Polygonum saglttatum) 28 • Speckled alder (Alnus incana) 24 ••• Crested fern (Dryopteris cristate) 24 • Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba) 23 • Marsh St. John's wort (Triadenum fraseri) 23 • Babb's willow (Salix bebbiana) 20 •• Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incamata) 22 • Bog birch (Betula pumila) 14 •• N Northern blue flag (Iris versicolor) Broad-leaved 22 • Tree Seedlings & Saplings (< 16ft) arrowhead (Sagittaria /atifolia) 22 •• Paper birch g • CO Labrador bedstraw (Galium labradoricum) 21 • Black ash 7 • Bur marigold and Be articks Bidens spp.1 21 •• Red maple 5 • E *Linear -leaved, Marsh, or Downy willow -herb (Epilobium leptophyllum, E. palustre, or E. strictum) "Big -leaf white violet or Northern white violet (Viola blanda or V. macloskeyi) v APn91 ACID PEATLAND SYSTEM Northern Floristic Region ! l Northern Poor Fen Open Sphagnum peatlands with variable development of hummocks and hollows. Dominated either by fine -leaved sedges or low ericaceous shrubs. Present in small basins, on floating mats near lakes and ponds, and in large peatlands on glacial lake plains. Vegetation Structure & Composition Description is based on summary of vascular plant data from 182 plots (relevds) and bryophyte data from 27 plots. • Moss and liverwort cover is nearly always 100% and usually composed mainly of Sphagnum species. Oligotrophic Sphagnum species are dominant, including S. angustifolium and S. papillosum in hollows and carpets and S. magellanicum on hummocks, although minerotrophic species such as S. majus and S. subsecundum are also present and frequently form extensive carpets. Polytrichum strictum, Aulacomnium palustre, and Pleurozium schreberi are the most common brown moss species. The liverwort Cladopodiella fluitans, an indicator species for poor fens, often covers the bottom Distribution in Minnesota • APn91a O APn91b 0 APn91c M Documented LTA i! Possible LTA NECS Section of the deepest hollows and pools and Is also scattered among many of the hummock -forming Sphagnum species. • Forb cover is sparse, typically < 25% and often < 5%. Pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea), scheuchzeria (Scheuchzeria palustris), and round -leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) are frequently present. • Graminolds are abundant, often forming the dominant vegetation. The most abundant graminoids are fine -leaved sedges, including fen wiregrass sedge (Carex lasiocarpa), bog wiregrass sedge (C. oligosperma), and candle-lantem sedge (C. limosa). • Low shrubs have variable cover but are the dominant species on many sites and can have > 50% cover. Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) and bog birch (Betula pumila) are usually the most abundant shrub species, with lesser cover of bog rosemary (Andromeda glaucophylla), bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), and small cranberry (Vaccinum oxycoccos). • Tree cover is < 25% and commonly consists of scattered tamarack and black spruce of various heights but usually < 30ft (10m) tall. • Notes: Species diversity is low in most sites, but minerotrophic species such as bog birch, fen wiregrass sedge (Carex lasiocarpa), creeping sedge (C. chordorrhiza), water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile), buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris), and bog willow (Salix pedicellans) are present and help to distinguish poor fens from bogs. Landscape Setting & Soils APn91 occurs in peat -filled basins on nutrient -poor outwash plains, on scoured bedrock terrain, and on noncalcareous till, or where watersheds are small and surface water inputs are minimal. APn91 often occurs on floating mats adjacent to open water in lakes and ponds, on the periphery of basins dominated by bogs, and in the interiors of large patterned peatlands on glacial lake plains or other level, poorly drained landscapes. In large patterned peatlands, APn91 occurs on lower flanks of raised bog crests, forming distinctive drains and water tracks and gradually grading into rich fens. Soils are typically deep (> 40in [1 m]) peat, although they can be shallower in scoured bedrock landscapes and on nutrient -poor sand plains. Upper peat layer is poorly decomposed (fibric) peat formed from Sphagnum and may be underlain by more decomposed peat of variable APn91 ACID PEATLAND SYSTEM -continued- Northern Floristic Region origin. Surface water is acidic (pH = 4.2-5.5), and mineral concentrations are low, particularly Ca++ (2-13 mg/1). Water table is close to the peat surface most of the time. Natural History APn91 occurs in peatlands where the peat surface is nearly isolated from mineral -rich runoff and is becoming increasingly acidic (pH is 4.2-5.5). In peat development and water chemistry, APn91 is intermediate between bogs and rich fens. Poor fens can develop eitherthrough acidification of rich fens and wet meadows orthrough alkalization of bogs. Acidification of rich fens and meadows can occur in basins and on floating mats where invasion and accumulation of Sphagnum elevates the surface peat, isolating plant roots from underlying minerotrophic water. Alkalization of bogs can occur on the lower flanks of well-developed raised bogs, where the chemistry of bog water runoff is transformed by increased concentrations or fluxes of cations from surface runoff; the exact process by which this occurs is unknown. As this runoff is channeled downslope into drains and water tracks, the less acidic water causes the development of areas of fen in the peatland. (In these circumstances, the fens often develop a characteristic ribbed pattern.) Poor fens are characterized by variation in plant species composition that is related to differences in tolerances of individual species to waterlogged conditions and to variation in bryophyte microtopography. In general, the waterlogged conditions of poor fens prevent or inhibit significant establishment or growth of black spruce and tamarack, although low Sphagnum hummocks in fens provide suitably dry conditions for growth of low ericaceous shrubs and scattered stunted black spruce and tamarack. In wetter areas, extensive carpets of Sphagnum are typical; these wet areas are dominated by graminoids. Similar Native Plant Community Classes a APn90 Northern Open Bog Northern Open Bogs, like APn91, are open Sphagnum -dominated peatlands and can be similar in appearance. APn90, however, is more completely isolated from mineral -rich groundwater or surface runoff and has lower pH (< 4.2). As a result, APn90 lacks the minerotrophic indicator species typically present in APn91 and has vegetation composed mainly of bog species. Where well-developed wet hollows are present in APn90, they are mostly dominated by Sphagnum angustifolium. Because APn91 is not completely isolated from influence by minerotrophic groundwater or surface runoff, surface water in APn91 has higher pH (> 4.2), and one or more minerotrophic indicator species are present, usually in hollows. Minerotrophic vascular plant species include fen wiregrass sedge (Carex lasiocarpa), bog birch, buckbean, candle -lantern sedge (Carex limosa), white beak rush (Rhynchospora alba), and creeping sedge (C. chordorrhiza). The most common minerotrophic bryophyte species are Sphagnum majus, S. papillosum, S. subsecundum, and the liverwort Cladopodielia f/uitans. APn91 Indicator Species White beak rush (Rhynchospora alba) Buckbean (Menyanthes trifollata) Creeping sedge (Carexchordorrhlza) Bog birch (Betula pumila) Candleaamem sedge (Carex limosa) Tawny cottongrass (Eriophomm virginicum) Scheuchzena (Scheuchzeria Qelustns) 32 27 26 44 44 21 51 APn90 indicator Species There are no species restricted to APn90 relative to APn91. Instead, APn90 Is distinguished by being composed of a set of 25 vascular plant species tolerant of ombrotrophlc conditions (see Appendix F). Significant presence of species other than these 25 species usually Indicates the plant community is not a bog. If minerotrophic species are present, but are limited to just a few Individuals that are unlikely to persist at the site, the community would still be classified as APn90 rather than APn91. a APn81 Northern Poor Conifer Swamp When tree canopy cover is sparse in APn81, it can appear similar to APn91, although most often APn81 has > 25% canopy cover. In all cases, APn81 has greater presence of shade -tolerant species such as creeping snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula), stemless lady's slipper (Cypripedium acaule), three -fruited bog sedge (Carex trisperma), and blueberries (Vaccinium myrtilloides or V. angustifolium). Wet hollows in APn81 are usually dominated by brown mosses, such as Calliergon cordifolium, rather than by Sphagnum species. APn91 has tree canopy cover < 25% and is more likely to APn91 ACID PEATLAND SYSTEM Northern Floristic Region continued - have shade-intolerant species such as fen wiregrass sedge (Carex lasiocarpa), scheuchzeria, white beak rush (Rhynchospora alba), and candle-lantern sedge (Carex limosa). Wet hollows in APn91 are usually dominated by Sphagnum species, such as S. subsecundum, S. papillosum, or S. majus, rather than brown mosses. APn91 Indicator Species APn9( 1�APn81 APn811ndicator Species nPn r V White beak rush (Rhynchospora alba) 32 - Indian pipe (Monotmpa unlffora) - 33 Beaked sedge (Carex utriculata) 17 - Ungonberry, (Vaccinum vftis-idaea) - 11 Spatulate-leaved sundew (Drosera lntermedla) 14 - Stemless lady's slipper (Cypdpedfum scauie) 1 39 Intermediate bladderwort (Utdculada intermedia) 9 - Spinulose shield fem (Dryopterts carthuslana) 1 17 Scheuchzerla (Scheuchzeda palustris) 51 6 Creeping snowberry (Gaultheria hispidule) 2 38 Fen wiregrass sedge (Carexlaslocarpa) 49 8 Balsam flr (U) 1 17 Candle-lantern sedge (Carex fimosa) 44 9 Three-frulted bog sedge (Carex tdsperma) 7 so Bog wiregrass sedge _Carex of gsperma) 42 ; 14 1 Velvet-leaved or Lowbush blueberry* _ 9 67 *Velvet-leaved or Lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium myrtifloides or V. angustHollum) Native Plant Community Types in Class e APn91a Low Shrub Poor Fen Open peatlands with cover of leatherleaf and bog birch either > 50% or greater than cover of graminoids, although tussock cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum) and tawny cotttongrass (E. virginicum) can be abundant in the graminoid layer. Stunted black spruce and tamarack are often present. Sphagnum hummocks are moderately well developed. Indicator species characteristic of wet hollows are absent or rare. APn91 a is present in smaller peatland basins, on floating mats adjacent to ponds and lakes, and at margins or in strings in larger peatlands. Description is based on summary of vegetation data from 76 plots. • APn91b Graminoid Poor Fen (Basin) Open peatlands with cover of leatherleaf and bog birch either < 50% or less than cover of graminoids. Dominant graminoids include bog wiregrass sedge (Carex oligosperma), tussock cottongrass, and few -fruited sedge (C. pauciflora). Indicator species characteristic of wet hollows are frequently present, including white beak rush (Rhynchospora alba), scheuchzeria, candle -lantern sedge (C. limosa), and Sphagnum papillosum. APn91 b occurs in smaller peatland basins, on floating mats adjacent to ponds and lakes, and at margins of larger peatlands. Description is based on summary of vegetation data from 55 plots. • APn91c Graminoid Poor Fen (Water Track) Open peatlands with cover of leatherleaf and bog birch either < 50% or less than cover of graminoids. Dominant graminoids typically include fen wiregrass sedge (Carex lasiocarpa) or coastal sedge (C. exilis). Species that help to differentiate APn91 c from the other types in APn91 include bog willow, three -leaved false Solomon's seal (Smilacina trifolia), creeping sedge (C. chordorrhiza), sparse -fruited sedge (C. tenu/flora), and Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum). Species characteristic of wet hollows are often present, including white beak rush (Rhynchospora alba), scheuchzeria, lead -colored sedge (C. livida), and intermediate bladderwort (Utricularia intermedia). APn91c is associated with both patterned ribbed fens and featureless peatland water tracks in large peatlands and is divided into two subtypes on the basis of features of the peat surface. Description is based on summary of vegetation data from 48 plots. o APn9lcl Featureless Water Track Subtype Graminoid-dominated fens in which the peat surface may have shallow Sphagnum -dominated hollows, but distinct pools and aquatic species are absent. Description is based on summary of vegetation data from 19 plots. O APn91c2 Flark Subtype Graminoid-dominated fens characterized by distinct linear peat -bottom pools, or "flarks," that support species such as white beak rush (Rhynchospora alba), spatulate -leaved sundew (Drosera intermedia), lead -colored sedge (Carex livida), bog rush (Juncus stygius), and horned bladderwort (Utricularia cornuta). APn91 c2 is best developed in interiors of well-developed water tracks in large glacial lakebed peatlands (usually in association with rich or poor shrub fens), although subtle pool development can also occur in smaller peatlands in the northeastern part of the state. Description is based on summary of vegetation data from 26 plots. APn91 ACID PEATLAND SYSTEM - continued - Northern Floristic Region St. Louis County, MN APn91 Northern Poor Fen — Species Frequency & Cover freq% cover OO Forbs 98 8996 Low shrubs Pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) 54 • P Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) Round -leaved sundew (Drosers rotundifolia) 52 • Small cranberry (Vaccinum oxycoccos) Scheuchzeria (Scheuchzeria palustris) 51 •• Bog rosemary (Andromeda glaucophylla) Three -leaved false Solomon's seal (Smilacins trifolia) 32 • Bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia) Buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) 28 • Labrador tea (Ledum groeniandicum) Water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatfie) 14 • Bog willow (Salix pedicellarls) Spatulate -leaved sundew (Drosera intermedia) 14 • , Tall Shrubs I Marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris) 11 • Bog birch (Betula pumila) Grasses & Sedges Speckled alder (Alnus incana) Fen wiregrass sedge (Carex lasiocarpa) 50 •••• _ _= g Candle -lantern sedge (Carex limosa) 43 •• Trees Canopy i Bog wiregrass sedge (Carex oligosperma) 42 990 freq% cover 1 White beak rush (Rhynchospora alba) 32 9•e Tamarack 17 • Tussock cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum) 30 6•• Black spruce 14 • Creeping sedge (Carex chordorrhiza) 26 6• Paper birch - Tawny cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum) 21 •• White pine Beaked sedge (Carex utriculata) 18 as Few -fruited sedge (Carex pauciflora) 16 so, Poor sedge (Carex paupercula) 14 •1 freq% cover OO 98 8996 C 79 •• $ f A 71 69 _+�V 65 • 33 699 14 • 44 ••6 14 ••1 Understory ' freq% cover 59 9• 50 •e 16 6j 12 •� WET FOREST SYSTEM Southern Floristic Region Southern Wet Aspen Forest Wet to wet mesic forests on slightly raised "islands" in large open wet meadows and in transition zones between wet meadows and adjacent forested uplands. Present mostly on level to gently rolling outwash plains. Vegetation Structure & Composition Distribution in Minnesota Description is based on field observations. • Ground -layer cover is patchy to continu- ous (25-100%) and composed of a mixture of wet prairie, wet forest and upland forest species. Common species include mountain rice grass (Oryzopsis asperifolia), bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), false melic grass (Schizachne purpurascens), long - stalked sedge (Carex pedunculata), large - leaved aster (Aster macrophyllus), wild sar- saparilla (Aralia nudicaulis), dwarf raspberryV/�%IECSSection sible LTA (Rubus pubescens), common strawberrysown (Fragaria virginiana), Canada mayflownown (Maianthemum canadense), Peck's sedge (Carex peckii), and field horsetail (Equisetum arvense). In wetter parts of the community, lake sedge (Carex lacustris), tussock sedge (C. stricta), Hayden's sedge (C. haydenfi), swamp thistle (Cirsium muticum), spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculata), and bottle gentian (Gentians andrewsii) are common. • Shrub layer cover is patchy to interrupted (25-75%). Common species include downy arrowwood (Viburnum rafinesquianum), Saskatoon juneberry (Amelanchier alnifolla), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), prickly rose (Rosa acicularis), wild honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica), highbush cranberry (Viburnum trilobum), pussy willow (Salix discolor), beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), red raspberry (Rubus idaeus), poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), and nannyberry (Viburnum lentago). • Subcanopy cover is patchy to interrupted (25-75%). The most common species are quaking aspen, bur oak, American elm, and black ash. • Canopy cover is mostly interrupted to continuous (50-100%). The most common species are quaking aspen, black ash, and bur oak. Landscape Setting & Soils WFs55 occurs on level to gently rolling outwash plains. Parent material is deep, circumneutral, sandy glacial outwash. Soil texture is sandy -loam over loose sand. The top 14in (35cm) are very dark to dark. Below this, soils are grayish to light brownish gray. Soils are moderately well drained to poorly drained with moderate to high organic matter. The water table is usually not high enough to affect the ground -layer composition of the community or to cause peat accumulation. Natural History Wet aspen forests develop in the absence of fire on small, slightly raised "islands" in areas of open wet prairie, wet meadow, or shrub swamp. They may also occur in transition areas between wet prairies and upland forests and around the edges of wet meadows. Soil moisture can vary from site to site. In transition areas between uplands and lowlands and also around the edges of raised islands, where broad-leaved sedges are dominant, soils are wet. In the interior of these islands, species with affinity for mesic and dry-mesic soils are common. Similar Native Plant Community Classes • WFs57 Southern Wet Ash Swamp The range of WFs57 overlaps with WFs55 in southern and western Minnesota. WFs57 is WFs55 continued - almost always dominated by black ash and has little if any quaking aspen, while WFs55 is dominated by quaking aspen with only scattered black ash. WFs57 is generally wetter than WFs55 and is more likely to have shallow open pools and wetland plants such as marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), fowl manna grass (Glyceria striata), and brome-like sedge (Carex bromoides) in the ground layer. WFs57 is dependent on groundwater seepage and is often present at the bases of steep slopes in strongly rolling to steeply dissected terrain. WFs55 is more likely to have species characteristic of dry-mesic to mesic woodlands and wet meadows such as gray dogwood, false melic grass, and Hayden's sedge (Carex haydenii). • WFw54 Northwestern Wet Aspen Forest WFw54 is very similar to WFs55 but occurs only in the extreme northwestern part of the state on lacustrine deposits in the Glacial Lake Agassiz plain. WFw54 is more likely to have occasional white spruce or tamarack in the canopy or understory, while WFs55 is more likely to have bur oak. Native Plant Community Types in Class • WFs55a Lowland Aspen Forest WFs55a is the only plant community type recognized in this class. Further sampling and analysis is needed to better describe the community class and may result in alteration of the concept of the community. 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.ANDOVER.MN.US TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: David L. Carlberg, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Dalske Woodlands Management Plan Review DATE: September 14, 2016 REQUEST The Commission is requested to advise staff of any changes needed to the Dalske Woodlands Management Plan. Attached is the most current draft of the plan for Commission review. Attachments Dalske Woodlands Draft Management Plan Respectfully submitted, eelf- David L. Carlberg I • Dalske Woodlands Management Plan Table of Contents SiteHistory .....................................................................................1 Land Cover Types Map.........................................................................2 Management Tasks Summary.............................................................3 Site Recommendations Description...................................................4 VisitorsMap...........................................................................................6 Survey.......................................................................................................7 Dalske Woodlands Management Plan Dalske Woodlands Dalske Wooldands was purchased from Alfred Dalske on August 26, 2015 and consists of 40 acres. The property is located in the northeast part of Andover at 400 181St Avenue NW. The property is traversed by County Ditch No. 71. The property has been in the Dalske Family since 1996. Alfred Dalske purchased the property for hunting opportunities for his family. Document Path: H.lGisdatalPlanninglProjectslOpen SpecelDalske Property_Land_Cover l ypes.mxd) I _ Dalske Woodlands Management Plan Land Cover Types Area of Interest Parcels n -native deciduous forest „y Altered/non-native grassland with sparse deciduous trees - saturated soils Aspen forest Aspen forest - saturated soils •Cattail marsh - seasonally flooded Cattail marsh - semipermanently flooded Lowland hardwood forest KMedium-tall grass altered/non-native dominated grassland - Mixed hardwood swamp Oak forest C3Oak forest dry subtype C3Oak forest mesic subtype EE�Shpianted mixed coniferous/deciduous trees with 11-25% impervious cover .Seasonally flooded altered/non-native dominated emergent vegetation Upland soils - cropland Upland soils with planted, maintained, or cultivated coniferous trees ':._Y__ : Wet meadow - seasonally flooded Willow swamp - saturated soils 0 250 500 1,000 Feet E Map Source: Anoka County GIS City of Andover GIS Map Date: 7/25/2016 Minnesota DNR AN T Y C F 6N Dalske Woodlands Management Tasks Summary Approximate Task Description I Time Frame cost Site Access/Trails Develop and maintain mowed trails through 2017 (On-goin $250 site Boundary Signage Install and maintain boundary signage and add 2017 (On-goin $500 signs as needed Rules Signage Install Open Space Property rules signs at the 2017 $750 main entrances to the site Kiosk Install a three sided kiosk with assistance from 2017 $750 Eagle Scout Floating Boardwalk Install floating boardwalk across County Ditch 2019 $25,000 No. 71 Manage Non-native and a. Clear common buckthorn, prickly ash, Fall 2017 (On - Invasive Plant Species poison Ivy, hoary alysuum, garlic mustard, and going) $2,000 reed canary grass a. Manage wetlands On-going $5,000 b. Manage wooded areas On-going $5,000 Manage Native Species C. On-going d. On-going Dalske Woodlands Management Plan Site Recommendations Description Access The primary or main access to the site will be off of the end of 181st Avenue NW. Current parking is along 181St Avenue NW. Further discussion will be needed on the construction of a designated parking area along 181St Avenue NW. Trails Natural trails will need to be established. These trails will consist of mowed paths from the main access point off of 18155 Avenue NW as indicated on the attached location map. Some small trees and brush will need to be 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. Floating Walkway In order to access the area south of County Ditch No. 71 as depicted on the attached location map, al 00' +/- floating walkway will need to be constructed/installed. This work/approval process will need to be coordinated with the Anoka Soil and Water Conservation District. Signage Entrance signs, boundary signage and an informational kiosk will need to be installed. Boundary signage will be installed in 2016-17 along the perimeter of the property at locations visible to visitors. Entrance signs will need to be installed at the public access point summarizing the regulations for open space properties established by City Code 8-4. An Eagle Scout will need to be sought to do a kiosk project as was done in the Martin's Meadows and North Woods Preserve Open Spaces. 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 Non-native and Invasive Species Non-native and invasive plant species were identified during site visits to the property. The highest priority is removal of the areas of XXX ucktliorri, prickly ash, poison ivy; garlic mustard reed canary grass acid hoaryalyssum. It is anticipated that in house staff and volunteers could complete this task. 4 Dalske Woodlands Management Plan Management of Native Species The highestpriority is to monitor and control the non-native/invasive plant species. The Ecological Assessment and Survey prepared by Critical Connections Ecological Services noted a number of non-native and invasive plant species including xxxx. A second priority is to manage and restore the native plant community types through prescribed burning, mowing, and overseeding. A third priority is to A fourth priority is to 7 .y .,+•14 'h dh V4 Comer of - :., n+�?r.•:5��•a G .. .. •A i -ym «m M �ms�l Nn tM iq �I u,. Nw�/} I Nrx�4 t Y y caZ, w4a. r AB d / a T - assn/rrm __ .•— �'y� �r� IMt< > �.:' � S89'48'1 5'F __Q1_§6L__ 250.0) ]0Opf —yam J}B.fU 1 IIyp •, 1 4rJ x.,+.rto L t Pul r f yi Y_u y - J - • - 3i. .. A­ko "Ay Muvving • N t il+r ` r� .� Tl - l kin l� y 1 a et. AL � xfjgr r may:. w 7, rs-+rK i v .!'.:' .a:- x�f{}{ ♦.� \' _ - 7- r 1 ]<l X I# DESCRIP11ON OF PROPERTY SURVEYED' (PER ANOKA COUNTY TAX RECORDS) PID NO, 1-32-24-12-0001 The Northwest Waiter of the Northeast Warta of Section 1. Township 32, Range 24. Anoka County. Minnesota. NOTES: 1. In providing this survey no attempt has been made to obtain or show data conceming existence, size, depth, condition, capacity or location of any utility existing on the site, whether private, municipal or public owned. 2 The professional surveyor has made no Investigation or Independent search far easements of record, encumbrance, restrictive covenants, ownership title evidence, or any other facts that an accurate and current title ssareh may disclose. 3. Bearings ore based on the Anoka County coordinate system. 4. Property Is vacant 5. Area of property Is 1,718,497 Sq.Ft or 39.451 Acres N 1 100 0 100 200 SCALE IN rEU LEGEND 0 — IRON MONUMENT SET AND MARKED WITH LICENSE NO. 15420. • m DENOTES IRON MONUMENT FOUND a 0 a Sys C� o 2Eoas J Saa�� etr HR a c` u$ ^ rti-1 rO--1 V) r—�•1 W CT5�t § ? d.'_ :a a<m � w``oi U_eG O M W ^, Q l,' •\ 4j ad ai 02 0 Cr Cr 4.1 H 0 m d 0 4 O U 4- d ad 41 z r � O W 2 b O O � w 0 � O U 0 a"' U F -I � TQ) 41 NUMBER 2 of 2 WN T Y O F DOVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.CI.ANQOVER.MN.US TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: David L. Carlberg, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Kiosk Signage Update DATE: September 14, 2016 INTRODUCTION The Open Space Advisory Commission is requested to receive an update from the Kiosk Signage Committee. DISCUSSION At the May 11, 2016 meeting, the Open Space Advisory Commission established a Kiosk Signage Committee consisting of Chairperson Gretchen Sabel, Commissioner Joy Faherty, Commissioner Suzanne Van Hecke and Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resource Technician. The Committee met on June 29, 2016 and August 17, 2016. The Committee will give an update at the meeting. Respectfully submitted, �'4 0� - dj-�Y David L. Carlberg