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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.18.17 meeting packet1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Andover Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Agenda January 18, 2017 Andover City Hall Conference Room A&B 6.00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes: November 16, 2016 Regular Meeting 4. Continue discussion of overall comprehensive priority list for all open spaces a. Review updated "Management Task Summary" table for each open space b. Review updated comprehensive list table c. Draft final, updated table 5. Discussion of grant opportunities 6. Website discussion: a. What's on there currently? b. Management Plans c. Pictures d. Other 7. Kiosk Signage Update 8. Other Business a. Next meeting: March 8, 2017 at 6:00 pm 9. Adjournment 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes —November 16, 2016 Regular Meeting DATE: January 18, 2017 INTRODUCTION The Open Space Advisory Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the November 16, 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, ameron Kytonen Attachment November 16, 2016 meeting minutes REGULARANDOVER OPENSPACEADVISORYCOMMISSIONMEETING NOVEMBER 16, 2016 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 6:06 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Anna Dirkswager, Joy Faherty, Aaron Jarson, Kim Kovich, and Suzanne Van Hecke Commissioner absent: Jim Olson Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OFMINUTES— September 14, 2016 Motion by Commissioner Dirkswager, Second by Commissioner Van Hecke, to approve the minutes of September 14, 2016. Motion passed 4-0. ACCEPT DALSKE WOODLANDS ECOLOGICAL FIELD ASSESSMENT AND VEGETATION SURVEY PREPARED BY CRITICAL CONNECTIONS ECOLOGICAL SERVICES, INC. Chairperson Sabel stated that through previous discussion with Mr. Kytonen, that it was at least important to acknowledge the receipt of the plan. Mr. Kytonen opened the plan on the smartboard. He indicated that this is pretty much the same plan that was submitted at the September meeting, but with a little more detail. FINAL MANAGEMENT PLAN DISCUSSIONAND APPROVAL a. Martin's Meadows Mr. Kytonen opened up the plan on the smartboard. The Commission reviewed the plan. Commissioner Dirkswager suggested that on the Management Tasks Summary table that a column be added for "status", so it would be clear which tasks were completed or still needed to be completed. Chairperson Sabel suggested the prairie areas need to be differentiated by east and west areas. It was further suggested a column be added for "funding source". The Commission felt that the boardwalk item should be deleted as well. Commissioner Kovich asked how much money was left in the grant for management of Martin's Meadows. Mr. Kytonen indicated the original grant was $117K and that around $40K was left. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — November 16, 2016 Page 2 Commissioner Kovich commented on the Floodplain task, and that it's difficult to manage a floodplain because of the nature of how they fluctuate. Mr. Kytonen agreed and indicated that the $20K slated for management in that area could be used for other activities. Commissioner Jarson arrived to the meeting. b. Northwoods Preserve Mr. Kytonen opened up the plan on the smartboard. Commissioner Kovich indicated that poison ivy is a problem in this site and in Martin's Meadows. Commissioner Faherty recommended putting a brochure in the kiosks at both sites. The commission reviewed the Management Tasks Summary table. Commissioner Dirkswager thought that the pine trees should be added into the table and that a management task should be called Timber Stand Improvement of the pine stand. Chairperson Sabel recommended more detail for the description column under the manage native species task. Commissioner Kovich indicated the park is already in pretty good shape and felt it didn't need any immediate management. Commissioner Jarson stated he's seen debris that needs to be picked up out there, including old fencing. Commissioner Dirkswager added that to the comprehensive spreadsheet she was assembling. Commissioner Van Hecke arrived to the meeting. Discussion on whether management to the prairie area was needed. Mr. Kytonen indicated a prescribed burn and over -seeding could benefit the prairie, especially for pollinators. Chairperson Sabel asked if the endangered species, including the sea -beach needlegrass would be compromised. Mr. Kytonen said that it wouldn't be. Commissioner Van Hecke suggested leaving the prairie alone and that it's a good example of a prairie after human activity. She indicated that it's okay for a few non -natives to be in there as long as they're not invasive. C. Maple View Mr. Kytonen opened up the plan on the smartboard. Mr. Kytonen stated this plan had a lot less detail in the site history portion compared to Martin's Meadows and Northwoods Preserve. As more information is attained, that can be added in later. The Commission reviewed the Management Tasks Summary table. The group agreed that the trail system is the highest priority. Mr. Kytonen indicated he'd be getting quotes on clearing a trail in the open space with a forestry mower. A GPS system was utilized in the summer to mark off the approximate location of the trail. Commissioner Faherty asked whether or not a kiosk was in the works. Mr. Kytonen indicated that he hadn't heard from any Eagle Scouts looking for projects. Commissioner Faherty Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — November 16, 2016 Page 3 mentioned she'd do some checking on this. Commissioner Dirkswager suggested putting a teaser on our Facebook page about the group looking for volunteers to do a kiosk. Chairperson Sabel asked about the invasive species on the site. Commissioner Jarson opened the Ecological Assessement and indicated Critical Connections stated buckthorn and prickly ash were present in the site. Commissioner Kovich asked about oak wilt. Mr. Kytonen stated he wasn't aware of any active oak wilt. Commissioner Jarson asked about the description portion of the manage native species task, and whether or not there was a central wetland and adjacent wetlands. Commissioner Kovich indicated there was a central wetland. Mr. Kytonen mentioned that some of those items were inadvertently left in there as a "placeholder" from the Northwoods Preserve Plan and it needed a little tweaking. For example, there were no adjacent wetlands in Maple View and no prairie to speak of. The last two items should have been maintain open upland areas and remove old wildlife food plot in the north central part of the open space. The Commission recommended deleting these sections and letting the food plot grow back naturally. d. Dalske Woodlands Mr. Kytonen opened up the plan on the smartboard. Commissioner Dirkswager acknowledged that the Management Tasks Summary had been broken down into high priority and low priority tasks. The Commission reviewed the table. Chairperson Sabel suggested the signage needs to be updated and positioned correctly. She also stated that a larger sign needs to be placed off of the main road (Palm Street), so folks know exactly where the open space is. The group discussed where a kiosk could be placed in the future. Mr. Kytonen said right east of the wetland, a landing could be created so folks would know where to enter the open space. The thought would be to create a trail to the "open" woodland areas. Signage would be needed to direct users to an area hoped to be the boardwalk over the ditch. The boardwalk was discussed in detail. Commissioner Kovich suggested it be moved from a low priority to a high priority task. Chairperson Sable asked if $25K would be enough to fund it. Mr. Kytonen indicated it's about right for a 30-40 foot boardwalk over a ditch. Commissioner Kovich asked about a bridge instead of a boardwalk. Mr. Kytonen stated something has to be done to allow users to access the entire open space. Chairperson Sabel thought this could be put in the 2018 CIP plan. Mr. Kytonen indicated the City could potentially apply for a grant to help fund the improvement over the ditch. Commissioner Van Hecke asked about approval from watershed for this. Mr. Kytonen stated the Lower Rum River Management Organization would have to approve the proposal. Commissioner Faherty asked about the deadfall/hazardous trees, and if that was part of routine maintenance and how it could be funded. Mr. Kytonen indicated staff could at least cut some of Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —November 16, 2016 Page 4 the dead trees down and remove the hazard. Perhaps a logger could be found and could cover the entire area if enough product was there to make it feasible. KIOSK SIGNAGE UPDATE This item was moved up and discussion began, as Commissioner Dirkswager and Mr. Kytonen worked to upload and show on the smartboard the comprehensive list for all the open spaces. Commissioner Faherty summarized the draft map she created that Mr. Kytonen printed out and dispersed to the group. She thought that on the third side of the kiosk, pictures of some of the rare and unique features could be posted. The group commended her for her efforts. Commissioner Faherty noted that the kiosks were in need of some maintenance, as the needed to be sanded and stained. Commissioner Van Hecke once again reference graffiti concerns at Martin's Meadows. Mr. Kytonen indicated he'd work closely with Parks staff to ensure adequate, routine maintenance is performed. BEGIN TO DEVELOP OVERALL COMPREHENSIVE PRIORITY LIST FOR ALL OPEN SPACES Chairperson Sabel indicated she met with City Administrator Jim Dickinson to discuss funding high priority activities in the open spaces. She summarized the meeting and explained that the Commission would need to propose select activities and request they be included in Capital Improvement Plans (CIPS) for each given year. Based on the discussion of the four open spaces' management plans, Commissioner Dirkswager had taken notes and compiled a spreadsheet during the meeting. She separated a dozen or so activities that were high priority and reliant on supplemental funding of some sort (and not necessarily routine activities that could be done in-house). These were activities that could be proposed to be in CIP's. Commissioner Faherty noted that highest priority activities are those creating access for users and those that promote public safety. The Commission went thru the list and rated the proposed activities. There were a total of 7 activities rated (5 were removed from the list); one was the highest and 7 was the lowest priority. The highest priority task was to install the boardwalk/bridge over the ditch in Dalske Woodlands and the second was to remove the hazardous trees in Dalske Woodlands. Chairperson Sabel requested the group table the rest of the agenda and continue discussion at the next meeting in January 2017. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — November 16, 2016 Page 5 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Dirkswager to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m. Motion passed 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Kameron Kytonen I T Y O F 1D OVE: 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Continue Discussion of Overall Comprehensive Priority List for all Open Spaces DATE: January 18, 2017 INTRODUCTION The Commission is asked to continue discussion on developing an overall priority list for maintenance and management for the open spaces, which may consist of high, medium - and low ratings. DISCUSSION There are four open spaces that all have different levels of maintenance/management needs. Some are well established and have active management while some are newly purchased and could benefit from various improvements, such as trails, kiosks, vegetation management, etc. In order to develop a quality, detailed list, it's important to review the management plans for all the properties and prioritize their importance. ACTION REQUESTED The Commission is requested to discuss the needs of the open spaces and categorize these by determining what level of priority they should receive. Funding for some of these improvements/activities will also be discussed. Respectfully submitted, Z- 1�ameron Kytonen Attachments: Management Tasks Summary Table for Each Open Space Draft Comprehensive List Table Martin's Meadows Management Plan Management Tasks Summary AREA/LOCATION TASK DESCRIPTION TIMEFRAME COST STATUS/NOTES Prairie area Prescribed burn Burn off the Spring 2017 $2,000 Not complete (west) prairies to knock back weeds and encourage native ve etation Prairie area Plant forbs Broadcast seed Spring 2014 $300 Completed east forbs Prairie area Prep for Prepare good Fall 2016 - $20,000 Not complete (west) seeding/seeding seed beds after Spring 2017 Fall burn and seed 2017 -Spring 2018 Woodland areas Thin stand Hire a logger to Winter 2015 - $10,000 Completed (Timber -stand come in and Fall 2016 Improvement remove the (TSI)) marked trees (by project staff) to improve health of stand and allow for more diverse, native plantings to occur; City will utilize for the trails Woodland areas Tree plantings Purchase and Spring 2017 -Fall $10,000 Not complete plant a variety of 2017 native trees and shrubs; broadcast woodland forbs seed; utilize volunteer groups to perform the plantings Floodplain Manage invasive Try and limit the Spring 2017 - $20,000 Not complete; species such as invasive species Fall 2017 funds may be reed canary grass from taking over shifted to other area by parts of open strategically space spraying them accordingly Mixed hardwood Buckthorn control Cutting and On-going $5,000 Partially swamp chemical completed applications Entire open Signage Maintain signage On-going $500 Completed space and add signs as needed Entire open Trail maintenance Maintain trail On-going $1,000 Completed space system for users North Woods Preserve Management Plan A fourth 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. Management Tasks Summary AREA/LOCATION TASK DESCRIPTION TIMEFRAME COST STATUS/NOTES Entire open space Site access/ Maintain trails On-going $250 Completed trails through site Entire open space Signage Maintain signage On-going $500 Completed and add signs as needed Conifer stand Perform timber Thin out the Fall 2017 -Fall $5000 Not complete stand stand to improve 2018 improvement the health and (TSI) allow for regeneration and additional plantings Woodland areas Buckthorn Cutting and On-going $3000 Not complete control chemical control Prairie area Prescribed Burn off the On-going $2000 Not complete; burn prairie to knock may hold off on back weeds and this for now encourage native vegetation Prairie area Over -seeding Over -seed with Summer 2017 $3000 Not complete indigenous forbs to improve diversity and habitat for pollinators VA Management Tasks Summary for Maple View AREA/LOCATION TASK DESCRIPTION TIME COST STATUS/NOTES FRAME Entire open space Site Develop and Fall $3,000 Trails cleared in access/trails maintain 2016- Dec. 2016 mowed trails Spring through site 2017 Entire open space Boundary Install and Spring $500 Not complete signage maintain 2017 boundary signage and add signs as needed Entrance Rules Install open Fall $750 Completed signage space rules 2016 sign at the main entrance Entrance Kiosk Install a three- Spring $750 Not complete sided kiosk 2017 - with assistance Fall from an Eagle 2017 Scout Woodland/brushland Manage Clear On- $2,000 Not complete areas invasive buckthorn, going species prickly ash, etc. Woodland areas Hazardous Assess and Spring $2,000 Not complete tree remove 2017 - management deadfall and Fall hazardous 2017 trees near trails Central wetland Vegetation Manage reed ? $10,000 Not complete management canary grass and other invasives; prescribed burn, overseeding 4 Management Tasks Summary for Dalske Woodlands AREAILOCATION TASK DESCRIPTION TIMEFRAME COST STATUS/NOTES Entire open space Site Develop and Spring -fall $1,000 Not complete access/trails maintain a trail 2017 system to the site Entire open space Boundary Maintain and Fall 2016- $500 Partially signage define spring 2017 complete appropriate signage, Entrance Rules Install open Fall 2016 $750 Completed signage space rules signage at main entrance Entrance Kiosk Install a three- 2017-2018 $750 Not complete sided kiosk with assistance from Eagle Scout Woodland areas Hazardous Assess and Spring -fall $2,500 Not complete tree remove . 2017 management deadfall and hazardous trees near trails Woodland areas Manage Clear and 2018 $1,500 Not complete invasive control species buckthorn Woodland areas Plantings Plant native ? $5,000 Not complete shrubbery and forbs in areas lacking diversity West -central area Floating Install 2018 $25,000 Not complete near County Ditch boardwalk boardwalk No. 71 across County Ditch Open Space Task Description Timeframe Cost Status Estimate Martin's Prescribed burn Burn off prairies, Spring 2016 2,000 Completed Meadows knock back weeds, encourage native vegetation Martin's Plant forbs Broadcast seed Spring 2014 300 Completed meadows forbs completed Martin's Prep for Prepare good seed Fall 2016, 20,000 Ongoing (both meadows seeding/seeding beds after burn spring 2017, east and west and seed fall 2017, prairie area)— spring 2018 funding secured - GRG Martin's Thin stand Remove large and Winter 2015, 10,000 completed meadows marked trees fall 2016 Martin's Tree plantings Purchase and plant Fall 2016, 10,000 Ongoing— meadows native trees and spring 2017 funding shrubs secured - GRG Martin's Manage Try and limit Spring 2017- 20,000 Determination meadows invasive species invasive species fall 2017 needed for (e.g. reed with strategic priority canary grass) spray Martin's Buckthorn Continue efforts On going 5,000 Ongoing — meadows control with buckthorn manage with control by cutting parks in - and chemical house funding application Martin's Signage Maintain signage On-going 500 Funding meadows and add signs as (*note secured with needed poison ivy) in-house capacity Martin's Trail Maintain trail On-going 1,000 Funding Meadows maintenance system secured with in-house capacity Northwoods Site/access Maintain trails On-going 250 Funding trails through site secured with in-house capacity Northwoods signage Maintain as On-going 500 Funding needed (Note poison secured with ivy) in-house capacity Northwoods Manage Clear buckthorn, On-going 2000 Determination invasive species prickly ash, poison needed for ivy, etc. priority Northwoods Manage Manage for reed On-going 5,000 Determination wetland central canary grass, etc. needed for to property I priority Northwoods Timber stand Thin pines One time unknown Determination improvement needed for priority Northwoods Maintain prairie Burning and On-going 7,000- Determination on open upland seeding 15,000 needed for areas priority Northwoods Manage On-going 5,000 Determination adjacent needed for wetlands priority Northwoods General open Trim apple trees, Spring 2017 unknown Need clean up clean up chicken determination wire, general on priority— debris clean up volunteer day Northwoods Clean up oak Remove and Spring 2017 unknown Funding wilt prevent oak wilt secured with trees/trenching along south side in-house access capacity Maple View Site Develop and Winter 2017, 3,000 Funding access/trails maintain mowed spring 2017 secured with trails in-house capacity Maple View Signage 500 Funding secured with in-house capacity Maple View Rule signage 750 Funding secured with in-house capacity Maple View Kiosk 750 or in- Funding kind secured with in house capacity / will solicit volunteer project Maple View Manage Clear buckthorn, On-going 2,000 Funding invasive species prickly ash, etc. secured with in-house capacity Maple view Manage native Manage central On-going Unknown Determination species wetland needed for priority Maple view Manage native Manage wooded Projects not unknown species areas identified at this time Dalske Site/access Develop and 2017 (on- 1,000 Funding trails (*noted maintain trail going) secured with high priority) system. Signage in-house needs to capacity repositioned and reworded and sign needed off the main street- 1815T/palm street Dalske Boundary Maintain and 2017 500 Funding signage (*noted define appropriate secured with high priority) signage in-house capacity Dalske Rules signage Install open spaces 2017 750 Funding (*noted high rules secured in- priority) house capacity Dalske Vegetation Assess and remove On-going 2,500 Determination management deadfall/hazardous needed for (*noted high trees near trails priority priority) Dalske Kiosk Install three-sided 750 Funding kiosk secured with in-house capacity (will seek volunteers) Dalske Manage Clear and control 2018 1,500 Funding invasive species buckthorn secured with in-house capacity Dalske Prescribed burn Run a controlled unknown unknown Need biomass fire through removal first, applicable areas then periodic burning schedule needed Dalske Plantings -Plant native 2018 3,000 Determination shrubbery and needed for forbs to wooded - priority .areas lacking diversity Dalske Floating Install boardwalk 2019 25,000 Determination boardwalk across county ditch needed for n.71 - priority Dalske Plantings Plant native 2018 3,000 shrubbery and forbs to wooded areas lacking diversity Dalske Floating Install boardwalk 2019 25,000 boardwalk across county ditch n.71 Dalske Vegetation Assess and remove On-going 2,500 management deadfall/hazardous (*noted high trees near trails priority) Maple view Manage native Manage central On-going Unknown species wetland Northwoods Manage invasive Clear buckthorn, On-going 2000 species prickly ash, poison ivy, etc. Northwoods Manage wetland Manage for reed On-going 5,000 central to canary grass, etc. property Northwoods Timber stand Thin pines One time unknown improvement Northwoods Maintain prairie Burning and On-going 7,000-15,000 on open upland seeding areas Northwoods Manage adjacent On-going 5,000 wetlands Northwoods General open Trim apple trees, Spring 2017 unknown clean up clean up chicken wire, general debris clean up Northwoods Manage invasive Clear buckthorn, On-going 2000 species prickly ash, poison ivy, etc. Martin's Manage invasive Try and limit Spring 2017 -fall 20,000 meadows species (e.g. reed invasive species 2017 canary grass) with strategic spray ANDOVEA T Y O F 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Discussion of Grant Opportunities DATE: January 18, 2017 REQUEST There are various potential grant opportunities that the City could seek to help fund various improvements/management in our open spaces. In addition, the City is currently utilizing a grant in partnership with Great River Greening in management of Martin's Meadows Open Space. The Commission is requested to discuss the current grant and other opportunities that the City may be eligible for. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Attachments: "Request for Partnerships" Email from Great River Greening "Partnership Proposal" Form from Great River Greening Kameron Kytonen From: Todd Rexine [trexine@greatrivergreening.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2017 10:40 AM Subject: Request for Partnerships Attachments: GreatRiverGreening 2017 Project Template Form for Partners.docx Request for Partnerships Great River Greening –which leads community-based restoration of prairies, forests, and waters throughout Minnesota – is currently developing its proposals to both the Outdoor Heritage Fund and Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. We have a long track record of funding success, and want to continue to expand our geographic footprint as well as support existing partners. Partnering with Great River Greening We are interested in hearing from all that have an interest in potentially partnering with us in the restoration and enhancement of upland, shoreland and aquatic habitat. Great River Greening has 20 years of helping public and private landowners with ecological expertise, funding and, if feasible, community engagement. Project areas often involve park lands, natural areas, wildlife refuges, nature centers, and other comparable lands: If you have needs that these resources can help you meet, please fill out the 1 -page proposal template and return it to me no later than February 3, 2017. More guidelines are on the second page of the template. If easier, you can also just give me a call—even with just an intent, so we can discuss your project ideas with you and determine how best to move forward. Sooner is better. Thanks for your interest, and I look forward to hearing from you. Call me and/or I would be glad to arrange a visit. Best, Todd Rexine Director of Operations :: Great River Greening Metro Area Programs Manager p. 651.272.39921 trexine ,greatriver ergr ening.org I www.greatriver¢reening.or¢ Follow Great River Greening on: Facebook, Twitter. LinkedIn and YouTube GREAT RIVER GREENING RESTORING LAND, WATER AND WONDER Partnership Proposal with Great River Greening (See second page for more guidelines) Project Name: Ownership: Location: Site Size: Contact Information: [Name, address, email, phone] Site/Project Description: [Attach a plan or project description, describe the site to the best of your ability, or just call us! including the following: General ecological description of the property (native habitats present, rare species present, and overall ecological significance of the site as you know it). • Overview of what you're proposing to do. • Whether or not a management plan is in place.] Matching Funds Available: [Identify the source and amount of matching funds available (or potentially available) for the proposed work.] Map of Project Area [Attach a map outlining the project area.] Conservation Themes [check all that interest you and are relevant to the project] Conservation haying or grazing At -risk youth outreach Pollinator habitat Community engagement/volunteer evens Multiple phases of restoration Climate resilience Unique wildlife habitat Shoreline restoration or instream habitat Oak ecotype study Other: Guidelines Some general guidelines to consider as you contact us: ❑ Projects must be fully implemented between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2021 (3 years), although there may be some opportunities for extension beyond this date. ❑ Restoration projects MUST be focused on ecological restoration of upland habitat (forests, prairies, savannas, woodlands, wetlands, riparian habitats), wetlands, shoreland or aquatic habitat, and must be on public land, in public waters, or on private lands with conservation easements. ❑ Lands must have an approved natural resource management plan in place or must be developed during the course of this grant. ❑ Funded projects will use Greening ecologists and crews (as appropriate) in the implementation of the projects; preferences will be given to projects where community engagement can be one facet of the implementation. ❑ Projects that bring cash match are more competitive. About Great River Greening Annually, Great River Greening - working with its partners - restores at least 1,000 acres of habitat on public lands, and engages 2,000 volunteers in the implementation of these restoration projects. We currently work throughout Minnesota, but have deep programmatic roots in the Twin Cities Metro, Anoka Sandplain, and Minnesota River watershed. Our team of ecologists have broad experience and training, working on a range of sites, including county and city parks, wildlife management areas, and scientific and natural areas. Partners have included US Fish & Wildlife Service, Department of Natural Resources, and hundreds of city and county landowners across Minnesota. For more information on our organization and staff, visit our web site: www.greatriveroreening.org. ANDOVE-^--- T Y O F 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Website Discussion DATE: January 18, 2017 REQUEST The Andover website offers a great opportunity to showcase the four open spaces by sharing maps, site features, pictures, etc. Currently, there are several of these features on there, but there is room for improvement. The Commission is asked to give feedback on what open space content should be on there and offer general suggestions for improving the website. Respectfully submitted, l�l f ameron Kytonen 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Kiosk Signage Update DATE: January 18, 2017 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 Resources Technician. The Committee has met on a couple different occasions, and continues to plan and prepare materials that can be put in the kiosks at the open spaces. The previous owners of applicable open spaces will be or have been interviewed to gather interesting site history information that can be added into the kiosk handouts. The Committee will give an update at the meeting. Respectfully submitted, X-/ � Kameron Kytonen