HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-09 Park Board PacketCltl' 01 L-Atl
EDINA PARK BOARD
TUESDAY MARCH 9, 2004
7:00 P.M.
WARREN C. HYDE CLUBHOUSE
BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE
EDINA CITY HALL
AGENDA
* 1. Approval of Tuesday, January 13, 2004, Park Board Minutes.
*2. Election of Officers.
3. Buckthorn Presentation — Diane Plunkett Latham.
4. Gymnasium Facilities Study Committee Report.
A. Gymnasiums.
B. Dome.
5. Updates.
A. Aquatic Center/Park Maintenance Position — Ed MacHolda.
B. Adventure Peak, Edinborough Park.
6. Other.
7. Adjournment.
*These are agenda items that require or request Park Board action.
City Hall (952) 927-8861
4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (952) 826-0390
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (952) 826-0379
To: Edina Park Board.
From: John Keprios, Director
Edina Park and Recreation Department
Date: March 3, 2004
Re: TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2004, PARK BOARD MEETING STAFF REPORT.
Enclosed you should find the following items:
1. Tuesday, March 9, 2004, Park Board Agenda.
2. Tuesday, January 13, 2004, Park Board Minutes.
3. Eric Zenner's Power Point Presentation.
4. Buckthorn background information from Eric Zenner.
5. Packet of information from Diane Plunkett Latham regarding her buckthorn presentation.
The following is the monthly staff report concerning each item on the agenda with the exception of
Approval of the Minutes and Other. "Other" is listed on the agenda for other information items (not
requiring formal action), last minute items that may come up between now and the Park Board meeting,
plus, cover any other concerns of Park Board members and/or attendees.
PARK BOARD MEETING AT BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE
The Tuesday, March 9, 2004, Park Board meeting will be at 7:00 p.m., in the Braemar Room at Braemar
Golf Course. There is a Board and Commission meeting scheduled in that room from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
Our Park Board meeting will take place right after the Board and Commission meeting.
Next month's meeting will be in our new City Hall!
If you are unable to attend, please call either Office Coordinator, Janet Canton, at 826-0435 or me at 826-
0430.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
In February or March of each year, the Park Board self -elects a Chairman and Vice Chairman. At the
beginning of the meeting, I will request nominations from the Park Board for Chairman. If there is more
than one nomination, I will pass around paper ballots for Park Board members to vote for their choice of
Chairperson. The same process will then be used to elect a Vice Chairman. In the case of a tie,
nominations for that position will reopen and the process will start over until a Chairman and Vice
Chairman are chosen.
The main duties of the Chairman are:
1. To work with staff in establishing an agenda prior to each meeting.
2. Chair the process of each Park Board meeting. (In other words, the Chairman provides leadership that
keeps Park Board meetings orderly, democratic and encourages input from all Park Board members
and guests).
3. Serve as spokesperson for the Park Board at City Council meetings and other public functions.
The Vice Chairman is to carry out the duties of the Chairman in the absence of the Park Board Chairman.
Park Board action is requested on this agenda item.
BUCKTHORN PRESENTATION - DIANE PLUNKETT LATHAM
Dianne Plunkett Latham, President of the Edina Garden Council and member of the Edina League of
Women Voters, will give the Park Board a presentation on the volunteer resident efforts that make the
Buckthorn Abatement Program a success.
I applaud the League of Women Voters and the Edina Garden Council for their desire to eradicate this
evasive plant, however, we should be careful not to jeopardize our higher maintenance priorities and
make promises that cannot be kept. In short, we will continue to do our part to remove buckthorn in our
parks.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has now approved my request for a $5,000 grant to
study our high priority buckthorn infested park areas, establish a priority management plan, and provide
an estimate of expenses and resources needed to accomplish the plan in each area.
Please know that at the time of this Staff Report, I do not have Diane Plunkett Latham's packet of
information. Therefore, I cannot respond to the information that should be included in this mailing from
Diane.
No formal action is requested on this agenda item.
FACILITIES STUDY COMMITTEE
I will give a brief presentation on the latest developments regarding building gymnasiums and a dome in
the city of Edina. Ed MacHolda and I have visited a few gymnasium sites in neighboring communities
and will share what we have learned. The subject of a dome is being discussed between City staff and
School District staff. I will bring everyone up to date at our Park Board meeting.
No formal Park Board action is requested on this agenda item.
UPDATES
Ed MacHolda will give Park Board members an update on the newly created maintenance position shared
between the Edina Aquatic Center and the Park Maintenance Department.
I will have a handout on current statistics regarding the success of Edinborough Park's Adventure Peak
playground structure.
OTHER
This is an opportunity for Park Board members and residents to address other concerns.
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EDINA PARK BOARD
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
JANUARY 13, 2004
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Damman, David Fredlund, George Klus, Linda Presthus,
Karla Sitek, Allyson Grande
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jeff Johnson, Andy Finsness, Ardis Wexler, Floyd Grabiel, Mike
Weiss
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Vince Cockriel, Tom
Horwath
OTHERS PRESENT: Idelle Sue Longman, Eric Zenner, Bob Obermeyer
I. APPROVAL OF THE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2003 PARK BOARD MINUTES
Linda Presthus MOVED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 9, 2003 PARK BOARD
MINUTES. Mike Damman SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. NATIONAL GOLD MEDAL AWARD PROGRAM
Mr. Keprios indicated that he is asking for the Park Board's support of having staff go
ahead and do the leg work that needs to be done in order to be considered for this
prestigious national award. He explained that the National Gold Medal Award is offered
through the National affiliate of the NRPA and it's through the American Academy for
the Park and Recreation Administration. Mr. Keprios commented that there is only one
other Minnesota city that he is aware of that's ever received the award and that's the City
of Roseville. He pointed out that it's a lot of work but it will also give them an
opportunity to do a little self-evaluation to see where they are as well as how they stack
up against the competition. He noted that even if they don't win he thinks it's a great
learning experience for both the Park Board and staff. Ms. Presthus indicated that she
thinks this is a wonderful opportunity.
Linda Presthus MOVED TO SUPPORT THE NOMINATION FOR THE NATIONAL
GOLD MEDAL AWARD. Mike Damman SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
III. MRPA PRESIDENT ELECT
Mr. Klus asked Mr. Keprios to inform the Park Board of the nice honor he received of
being elected to the Minnesota State Park and Recreation Association. Mr. Keprios
informed the Park Board that he has been voted as President of MRPA (Minnesota
Recreation and Park Association), which is a three-year term. The first year he serves as
President Elect, the second as President and the third as Past President. He noted that he
will be sworn in on Thursday. Mr. Keprios pointed out that it is a volunteer position that
is elected by the membership, which is approximately 1,000 members of which 700 of
those are voting members. He noted that it is made up of Park and Recreation
professionals throughout the state of Minnesota.
IV. GYMNASIUM FACILITIES STUDY COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the City Council has asked the Facility Study
Committee to get around the table one more time and dust off the old gymnasium study
that they have in place. They want to know where the committee is at and make sure that
things haven't changed. The City Council would also like the committee to inform them
how other communities have been able to get their complex of gymnasiums next to
schools. The City Council wants to know how other communities have managed to build
gymnasiums, who funded it and how, and what it costs to operate. The City Council
would like to know how other communities manage to get this done, and they would like
for the Facilities Study Committee to re -visit the issue one more time.
Mr. Klus indicated that he doesn't think their position has changed unless the YMCA
idea looks really good to everyone. Mr. Klus asked Mr. Keprios if he hopes the smaller
group will get together sometime in the next 30 to 60 days to which Mr. Keprios replied
he would hope that they could meet and come up with a recommendation for the
February Park Board meeting. Mr. Keprios commented that with the exception of the
YMCA he doesn't see much new or different information that changes the issue. He also
pointed out the City Council only wants to talk about gymnasiums at this time.
V. OTHER
A. Smoking In The Parks - Mr. Klus informed the Park Board that he was contacted by
the University of Minnesota and asked him if he would be interested in serving on a panel
discussion about how he feels about smoking in the parks. He noted that they will pay
him to do this to which he stated he would donate the money to the Edina Community
Fund for Park and Recreation. Mr. Klus commented that his feeling is if people want to
walk in the park and smoke when they are out in the open he doesn't see a problem with
it. Mr. Klus indicated that he will report back on this topic at next month's Park Board
meeting.
B. Hilary Lunke Reception — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the reception
that was held for Hilary Lunke in December was fabulous. He noted that Hilary was very
emotional and moved by the whole dedication. Mr. Keprios commented that she is a
wonderful person and is a great role model for the kids in this community.
C. Dave Fredlund — Mr. Klus informed the Park Board that tonight is Dave Fredlund's
last Park Board meeting. He stated that Mr. Fredlund has been on the Park Board for six
years and noted that he will be missed. Mr. Fredlund indicated that since he is now
2
retired he and his wife are doing a lot of traveling. The Park Board noted that they really
appreciate everything Mr. Fredlund has done while being on the Park Board and thanked
him for all of his contributions and time which he has given.
It was also noted that once Allyson Grande graduates this year there will be a youth
position available. Mr. Klus commented that Ms. Grande has been great as their first
student member and added that she is setting a great trend for the people in this
community.
VI. UPDATES
A. Capital Improvement Plan — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the City
Council approved everything they recommended for the Capital Improvement Plan
without any changes.
B. Lewis Park West Athletic Field — Mr. Keprios explained that he informed the City
Council up front that they are not going to have enough money to do the fields and lights.
Therefore, the City Council increased it from $280,000 to $325,000 so there is now
enough money to do both the fields and lights. Mr. Keprios noted that they would open
bids in three to four weeks. He added that it would be similar to a net gain of two fields
when they put in lights.
VII. WATER QUALITY PRESENTATION — BOB OBERMEYER, BARR
ENGINEERING
Mr. Klus introduced Bob Obermeyer who works for Barr Engineering. He noted that the
Park Board had asked if someone could come and talk to them about the water quality in
Edina. He also noted that Mr. Cockriel, Park Superintendent and Tom Horwath, City
Forester are also here tonight to answer any questions.
Mr. Obermeyer informed the Park Board that he is the engineer for the Nine Mile Creek
Watershed District and has worked with the City of Edina and storm water management
for approximately the past 30 years. He noted that he was in St. Cloud all day today at
the Governor's conference on water quality. He commented that there are a lot of
initiatives that are coming down from the Federal Level to the State Level and then being
pushed down to the local level. He stated that these initiatives will mandate water quality
improvements but of course without any money. Mr. Obermeyer indicates that things are
going to change as far as dealing with water quality improvements.
Mr. Obermeyer informed the Park Board that the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District
have been sampling both the north and south forks of the creek since 1968 from both a
chemical and biological standpoint. He noted that they have just recently started to
sample Mud Lake and they are expanding their program next year to include Lake
Cornelia, Indianhead Lake and Arrowhead Lake. Mr. Obermeyer indicated that with the
creeks they generally are in very good shape, water quality is good and management
practices upstream are keeping the creek in a good state. He pointed out that as far as
lake water quality goes Edina does not have any swimming lakes. He noted that there are
only certain things that can be done to improve water quality and with the lakes in Edina
about the best they can basically get is essentially aesthetics and general recreation.
Included in general recreation would be canoeing, paddle boating, walking, watching
wildlife and that type of thing. It's not going to change to a swimming water quality no
matter what is done to it.
Mr. Obermeyer pointed out that in the City Storm Water Management Plan they have
made recommendations in some of the city parks for improvements to essentially protect
the creek. For example, there have been some improvements made at the Fred Richards
Golf Course within the last five years, however, they would like to see some of those
ponds excavated down a little bit deeper to provide what's referred to as dead storage
volume.
Mr. Klus asked if the water quality in Edina's ponds and lakes is good enough to
maintain a fish basis at all to which Mr. Obermeyer replied yes. Mr. Klus confirmed that
it's not the best quality to swim in but it's alright for fish to which Mr. Obermeyer
responded yes. Mr. Obermeyer commented that if there were a public access at Lake
Cornelia it would be a perfect lake to stock with fish. Ms. Presthus asked aren't we
growing fish at Highlands Lake? Mr. Keprios replied that the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources is using Highlands Lake as a rearing pond for walleyes to which the
DNR has had phenomenal success. He noted that the only problem they've had is several
of the larger fish did not get caught in their nets in the fall and have grown to a size where
they are now eating the little fish.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that another great fishing area is Centennial Lakes, which they
are stocking with a few different types of fish. He added that it's a great metro -area
fishing spot because of its easy access shoreline and abundance of fish.
Mr. Klus asked Mr. Obermeyer if the drinking water is part of what he works with to
which he replied that would be more appropriate for Mr. Houle to address. He noted that
he deals more with surface water aspects.
At this time Mr. Klus apologized to the Park Board that he needed to leave to go to the
airport to catch a plane at 9:00 p.m. At this time there was not a quorum present. For
informational purposes only the following took place:
• Non -Native Species Control Presentation — Eric Zenner, University of Minnesota,
gave a presentation on this topic.
• Park Assignments Presentation — Allyson Grande gave a presentation on Fox
Meadow Park, Van Valkenburg Park and Walnut Ridge Park
Meeting ended at 9:00 p.m.
4
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AMERICANACADEMY for PARK and RECREATIONADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL GOLD MEDAL AWARD PROGRAM
December 14, 2003
John Keprios
Edina Park & Rec. Dept.
4801 W. 50th St.
Edina, MN 55424
Dear John Keprios:
Thank you for entering the National Gold Medal Awards Program which recognizes excellence in park and
recreation management. As you know, this is the most prestigious award in the nation for park and recreation
agencies.
Enclosed is the 2004 Official Application. The application is due March 5, 2004.
Also enclosed are the Standards for Judging. These standards will assist you in completing your application.
The applications will be sent to the five judges who are selected on a geographical basis, diversity, and their long-
standing contributions to the park, recreation and leisure profession.
Each judge independently reads the applications and ranks the best 10 in each of the population categories. The five
judges' ranking are compiled and result in establishing the four finalists in each of the five categories.
Finalists are notified during the week of April 12 and are asked to prepare additional information including a 12 -
minute video.
Judging takes place in June and the winner in each category is determined. The results are kept secret until the
National Gold Medal Awards Presentation at the NRPA National Congress for Recreation and Parks in Reno,
Nevada on October 13, 2004.
If you have any questions, you can reach me by e-mail at walterc @aol.com.
Looking forward to r . ing your application.
Sincerely,
Walter C. Johnson, CAE
National Gold Medal Awards Administrator
904 S. Roselle Rd. #395 Schaumburg, IL 60193
2004 GOLD MEDAL AWARDS PROGRAM
STANDARDS FOR JUDGING
Finalists and winners of the National Gold Medal are selected each year by a distinguished panel of
leaders who have expertise in the field of park, recreation and conservation management. The selection of
finalists is based solely on the information presented in the official entry form.
Once the finalists are named, each finalist is then asked to submit a videotape that highlights the resources
and accomplishments of their agency for a second round of judging to determine the winner in each of the
categories. The video about your agency should support the entry form.
What criteria do the judges in selecting finalists and winners of the Gold Medal Awards use? And what
specific ideas do the judges look for in applying these criteria? The criteria used in the judging process
appear as questions in the entry form submitted by all applicants. Therefore, it is vitally important that
each of these questions, which are discussed below, be answered fully by each applicant.
Has a long-range park and recreation plan been prepared and adopted for your agency and how are
you currently achieving it?
The judges are looking for specific evidence that Aneeds- have been assessed and incorporated in
the comprehensive plan. Has a long-range master plan for park and recreation development been
formulated to meet projected community needs? Has a strategic/master/business plan been
developed?
Another important aspect considered is whether or not a long-range master plan has been officially
approved and endorsed by the appropriate authorities. Has the plan been adopted by the City
Council, Park and Recreation Board, or other official body?
In reviewing the answers to this question, the judges are concerned with the specific steps that
have been taken to determine recreation needs of all citizens of the particular community. Has a
comprehensive needs assessment been conducted by a qualified individual or group within the past
five years?
The judges are concerned not only with the type and quality of the needs assessment, but also with
the way the information is gathered. Has the data gathered through the assessments been properly
analyzed and evaluated so as to be of maximum usefulness for program improvement? The
applicant should address the significance of the information gathered. Was a scientific method
used to gather data? Is the analysis of the data well documented? The judges would like to be
convinced that the inferences and conclusions have a supportive base. Documentation must be
offered.
2. Compare your park and recreation revenue sources and expenditures for the past five years.
Applicants should list each significant gift and grant from federal or state agencies, foundations,
civic groups or individuals. Both the source and amount of each gift or grant should be shown.
The purpose of this information is to enable the judges to assess the agency --s initiative and
success in soliciting outside assistance.
Applicants are asked to list the following information for the two specific years: the number of
full-time and part-time personnel, the budget (capital and operating), per capita expenditure for
parks and recreation of the population area served. (APer Capita Expenditure- is the total annual
operating expenditure divided by the total population within the area served [most recent census].)
This information enables the judges to assess growth and change in financial support.
3. Compare your agency's acreage during the last five years.
The judges would like to see a comparison of land owned or leased that is developed for park and
recreation use, undeveloped land that is designated for future park or recreation facility
development and land specifically designated as open space or for preservation.
4. Describe significant agency resources shifts thato�gency has experienced in the last five years.
The judges recognize that the types of resources and the extent of those resources have changed
over the last few years. The judges are looking for you to identify significant changes in or
challenges to resource allocation(s) of your agency. These can include but are not limited to
money, land, facilities, technology and staff. The judges are interested in understanding your
approaches and strategies to such resource changes and challenges. Be sure to include any
innovative actions taken as well.
5. Describe two projects or services in the last five years that are uniquely tailored to the recreation
needs of your community.
The judges recognize that park and recreation delivery systems, even within a general population
category, can be substantially different from one another. It is these differences that help the
judges to learn more about what makes your organization special or unique. Therefore, in this
category, the judges are not looking for a specific set of information but rather offer this question
as an opportunity for you to tell them things about your organization not covered in other
questions.
6. Describe your agency=s efforts to promote environmental protection, preservation and restoration.
How did those efforts provide benefits to your community and its natural resources?
The judges are looking for specific evidence of commitment to environmental quality, stewardship
and constituent education opportunities. For example, has your agency adopted an environmental
policy that includes the natural environment of urban parks, greenways, open space and historic
and cultural sites? What environmental maintenance strategies have you developed to conserve
and protect natural resources? Describe how you employ energy saving techniques to reuse or
recycle materials, or to address waste reduction. Do your planning/design practices reflect
environmental stewardship for long-term protection of resources? Provide examples of
environmental education programs offered for children and adults.
7. Describe new citizen support systems or advocacy programs that your agency has generated.
People and their productivity have always been at the center of any successful organization. These
people and their subsequent productivity become even more important in light of changes within
service delivery. The judges are looking to learn more about the range and extent of your
Apeople= factor: the who (full and part-time, volunteers, advocates, etc.) and the how (strategies,
techniques, policies) used to make the most of people within your organization. Specific attention
should be focused on recent management strategies to empower people throughout your agency
and outside of your agency to promote parks and recreation in your community.
8. What unusual challenges have you faced in meeting change in your community?
In reviewing the responses to the question regarding change, the judges are looking for your
agency to demonstrate your awareness of socio -demographic changes over the past
five years; increase/decrease in population, age of that population, ethnicity, etc. In addition, they
are requesting that you provide them with an overview of changes within your operating
environment. This overview could include such factors as significant economic changes,
legal/political issues, or any factors outside of your control that have subsequently impacted upon
your organization. Most importantly, please indicate how your agency, staff and board have coped
with the above changes.
9. What steps have you taken in the last five years to evaluate your agency?
This question will allow the judges to determine the extent and quality of your agency evaluation
processes. What evaluation process is used? Who performs it? How often does it take place?
What techniques are used? How are evaluation findings used in improving programs, services and
facilities? What management processes or techniques do you use in evaluating staff, programs,
facilities and services?
10. Increasingly, agencies are called upon to provide services for special opulation (homeless, people
with physical and mental disabilities, at -risk youth, economic disadvantaged, older adults and
others). In what way does your agency address these needs?
The judges are looking for ways the agency has identified needs for special populations and how
services have been developed and prioritized. The agency should provide two to three examples
of programs, which have been implemented.
11. Please share with us external professional involvements and/or previous forms of recognitions and
awards received by your agency. Please include staff/board involvement with national, state and
local professional organizations (NMA, State Association, etc.).
This question provides an opportunity for applicants to list their involvement with national, state
and local professional organizations and other professional involvement on a local, state, regional
or national level. Any forms of recognition and awards honoring the agency should also be listed.
This question points out to the judges the fact that other significant groups have considered your
agency's program worthy of recognition.
Ir
Provide seven copies of your application and latest program brochure.
The judges can benefit greatly from seeing a copy of your latest program brochure or guide to learn
more about the facilities and services that you provide. Please submit seven copies of your last
issue.
EMPHASIZE:
1. Local commitment to funding the special recreation program and use of diversified funding
sources.
2. Employment of trained leadership and their continuing education.
3. Regular needs/resources assessment and long term planning.
4. Involvement, training, and recognition of volunteers.
5. Diversity of program/activity/facility opportunities.
6. Specific examples that reflect your agency's environmental ethic.
7. Program philosophy, which encourages integrated recreation opportunities, where appropriate, and
which provides for proper placement in transitional and segregated program/activities that
facilitate maximum leisure participation in a least restrictive environment.
8. Cooperative relationships with other community agencies.
9. Continuous, systematic efforts to evaluate and upgrade programs and service.
10. Provision of services to broad range of severely physically, mentally and emotionally disabled
persons.
11. Direct involvement and participation of community in every aspect of program: long term
planning, policy, funding, program promotions, etc.
Failure to follow the instructions on the "Official Entry
Form" will result in disqualification.
° ° .
° °
AMERICAN ACADEMY = °-
° °
FOR °
PARK AND RECREATION ADMINISTRATION °
° °
2004 Gold Medal Awards
Official Application
For excellence in the field of park and recreation management
Name of Director
Exact Name of District or Department Title
Street Address
e :m
Signature
City/State/Zip
Telephone Fax
E-mail 2003 Population
*Use no less than a 12 -point type size. Font must be Time/Times New Roman or Arial/Helvetica.
Please Check Your Population Category
❑ Class I (250,000 or more)
❑ Class II (100,000-250,000)
❑ Class III (50,000 to 100,000)
Failure to follow the instructions
on the "Official Entry Form"
(next page) will result in
disqualification
❑ Class IV (25,000-50,000)
❑ Class V (Less than 25,000)
In cooperation with the National Recreation and Park Association
° rya
N
2004 GOLD MEDAL AWARDS
OFFICIAL APPLICATION
Answer all questions as completely as possible following these guidelines:
1) Include the question with the answer. (All 11 questions must be answered.)
2) Note: page size must be 8-%2' x 11".
3) Use no less than a 12 -point type size. Font must be Times/Times New Roman or
Arial/Helvetica. Questions 2 and 3 can be handwritten. Do not include any supplemental
material.
4) Please provide seven copies of the application and program brochure, which identifies
your overall agency programs and services.
5) Questions 6 & 7 shall be on one page and 10 & 11 must be on one page.
6) Failure to follow these instructions will result in disqualification.
Questions
Maximum Length
1) Has a long-range park and recreation plan (strategic plan, master plan or
business plan) been prepared and adopted for your agency and how are
1 page
you currently achieving it? As part of your response, identify how the park
and recreation needs of your community have been assessed in the last five
years in support of the plan. (Note: Finalists are required to submit one copy
of the plan for judges to review.)
2) Compare your park and recreation revenue sources, operating
Use attached form.
expenditure and capital expenditure for the last five years.
3) What areas and facilities are owned or leased by your agency?
Use attached form.
4) Describe significant agency resource shifts that your agency has
1 page
experienced in the last five years and how such adjustments have modified
or changed the focus or direction of your programs, services and facilities.
5) Describe two projects in the last five years that are uniquely tailored to
the recreation needs of your community and identify how your agency is
1 page
enhancing such park, recreation and conservation projects and services
through partnerships, sponsorships, intergovernmental cooperation or joint
agreements with other community organizations, public or private. Include
information on leaders, community response and project highlights.
6) Describe your agency's efforts to promote environmental protection,
%2 page
preservation and restoration. How did those efforts provide benefits to your
community and its natural resources?
2
!J
Questions
Maximum Length
7) Describe new citizen support systems or advocacy programs that your
agency has generated in the last five years that have benefited or improved
%2 page
your agency projects and/or programs.
8) What unusual challenges have you faced in meeting change in your
community during the last five years and how have you dealt with the
1 page
demands of keeping pace with change in public park and recreation
services?
9) What steps have you taken in the last five years to evaluate your agency
and determine if you are meeting the program, areas and facility needs of
1 page
the constituents you are serving?
10) Increasingly, public departments are called upon to provide services for
special populations residing in your communities (homeless, people who are
physically or mentally challenged, at -risk youth, economic disadvantaged,
'/2 page
older adults and others). In what way does your agency address the needs
of these residents?
11) Please share with us external professional involvements and/or previous
forms of recognitions and awards received by your agency. Please include
'/2 page
staff/board involvement with national, state, and local professional
organizations (NRPA, State Association, etc.).
Please provide seven copies of your latest program brochure, which identifies your overall
agency programs and services.
Deadline for receipt of entry forms is March 5, 2004.
Mail to: The American Academy for
Park and Recreation Administration
904 S. Roselle Road #395
Schaumburg, IL 60193
Failure to follow the instructions will result in disqualification.
r 4 s
2) Compare your park and recreation revenue sources, operating expenditure and capital
expenditure for the last five years. Revenue Sources
1999 2003
a. Local (City; County; District)
Special Tax Levy
General Fund
Bonds/Levies
Fees and Charges
Contributions/Donations
Interest on Local Funds
Other
Grants
Total (a)
b. State (specify types)
Total (b)
c. Federal (specify types)
Total (c)
d. Other Revenue Resources
Total (d)
Total of a/b/c/d
Operating Expenditures
1999 2003
Capital Expenditures
1999 2003
Per Capita Expenditure: $ (Total annual operating expenditures for 2003 divided by total population in
your community.)
Total money received through grants for the last five years: $
Number of current part-time personnel
Number of current full-time personnel
3) What areas and facilities are owned or leased by your agency?
Areas: 1999 2003
Acreage developed
Acreage undeveloped
Acreage set aside as open space or for preservation
Total acreage
4
Forest Restoration and
Management of
Invasive Species in an
Urban Setting
Eric K. Zenner
Department of Forest Resources
University of Minnesota
January 13, 2004
Purpose of Restoration
■ Repairing damage.
■ Renewing ecosystem health.
■ Recovering ecological integrity.
• Regenerating harmony between humans and
nature (SER 1994, Higgs 1997).
• Health and integrity refer to desired biological
diversity and sustained ecosystem functioning.
Checklist of Restoration
Characteristic assemblages
v Indigenous species
Reproductively viable
Ecologically integrated
Threats reduced
Resilient to stress
v Self -sustainable 4 reproductive viability +
ecosystem functionality + stress resilience
Outline
■ Purpose of Restoration.
■ What is restoration?
■ What has prompted calls for
"restoration" in urban forests?
. The non-native urban environment
. The real goal
■ Management perspectives
Restoration Defined
(SER 2002)
■ Ecological restoration is an intentional
activity that initiates or accelerates the
recovery of an ecosystem with respect to
its health, integrity and sustainability.
■ Restoration attempts to return an
ecosystem to its historic trajectory.
Checklist of Restoration
Characteristic assemblages
Reference condition.
Pre -settlement (1850)?
Effects of native Americans
included/excluded?
Transient climate.
Is any single ecosystem condition a sufficient
reference if it was the product of a unique
combination of climate and human interactions?
1
Transient Climate
Indigenous species — Natives Good?
. Native species are those that occur in the region in
which they have evolved. Adapted to local soil and
climate conditions, natives should not require
watering or chemical fertilizers in order to thrive.
These species have
evolved with the local
bird, mammal, butterfly
and insect populations
and therefore provide
them with food and
habitat.
So is restoration in
urban ecosystems
really the goal?
Knowledge of characteristic
assemblages
Is it more sensible to manage existing
forests in the existing climates to meet
current objectives than managing to
recreate the past?
Non-native Species — Bad?
Introduced species evolved elsewhere and
have been transported and purposefully or
accidentally disseminated by humans.
Many synonyms are used to describe these
species: alien, exotic, non-native, and
nonindigenous. The spread of non-native
species during the last century has been
unprecedented in Earth's history, with the
speed and scale more rapid than natural
invasions.
Motivations for Restoration (1)
. Escape of invasive non-native species
has disrupted the functioning of native
ecosystems by displacing native
species.
2
Motivations for Restoration (2)
. Assumption that (native) diversity creates
stability or structure ensures function in
ecosystems.
• Does the loss of (native) species directly
curtail the vital services that ecosystems
provide to people?
. Is there evidence for disrupted ecosystem
functions with non-invasive exotics?
Impacts of Invasive Species
■ Loss in potential economic output (crop
production) and costs of combating
invasions (quarantine, control, eradication),
threats to human health: >$138 bn/yr
(estimated, Pimentel et al. 1999).
What are Invasive Species
■ Species that have been introduced into
ecosystems in which they did not evolve and,
consequently, tend to have no natural
enemies to limit their reproduction and
expansion 4 potential to be destructive.
■ Not all alien species become a threat.
What are Invasive Species
■ Threaten efforts to conserve biodiversity,
■ An invasive species is one that has or is likely
to spread into the native flora and managed
plant systems, develop self-sustaining
populations, and become dominant or
disruptive (or both) to those systems.
■ Invasive species comprise both native and
nonnative species (weeds).
maintain productive agricultural systems,
Impacts of Invasive Species
■ Loss in potential economic output (crop
production) and costs of combating
invasions (quarantine, control, eradication),
threats to human health: >$138 bn/yr
(estimated, Pimentel et al. 1999).
What are Invasive Species
■ Species that have been introduced into
ecosystems in which they did not evolve and,
consequently, tend to have no natural
enemies to limit their reproduction and
expansion 4 potential to be destructive.
■ Not all alien species become a threat.
The Non-native Urban
Environment
. Climate
■ Temperature
. Rainfall
■ Exposure
. Hydrology & soils
. Drainage
. Soil nutrients
3
Impacts of Invasive Species
■ Threaten efforts to conserve biodiversity,
maintain productive agricultural systems,
sustaining functioning natural ecosystems.
■ Constantly encroach into parks, preserves,
wildlife refuges, and urban spaces.
■ Threaten 2/3 of all endangered species.
■ Nonnative species are now considered to be
the second most important threat to global
biodiversity, after habitat destruction.
(Randall 1996; Pimm and Gilpin 1989).
The Non-native Urban
Environment
. Climate
■ Temperature
. Rainfall
■ Exposure
. Hydrology & soils
. Drainage
. Soil nutrients
3
Risks
Compaction, overburial, smothering
A Realistic "Restoration" Goal
To create an urban landscape that has
reminiscent features of the kinds of
natural communities not uncommon to a
region using native species where
appropriate and non-invasive non -natives
where necessary.
Management Perspectives
. Sometimes exotics may be the best fit to
the prevailing environmental conditions in
urban areas.
. Improved conditions can broaden options
to include natives.
Native species in a
Non-native Environment
. Red Oak Example
. Has the native
become an exotic?
Management Objectives
. Need to keep management objectives in
mind.
. A reference condition should not be a
substitute for specific management
objectives.
Management Perspectives
Urban systems need to be understood as
social, biological, and physical complexes.
Ecological effects of human activity is
driven by choices people make.
Primary drivers of human ecosystem
dynamics are both biophysical and social.
Urban forestry needs to be embedded into
a human ecosystem model in which both
social and ecological processes are integral
(sensu Pickett et al. 2001).
rd
Management Priorities
arpe�r y
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Management Strategies
FmAn ntegrated program of prevention, detection,
y control, and ecosystem management
ed out at all stages of the invasion process
quired.
h of the plant invasion problem stems from
socioeconomic rather than ecological factors.
■ Restricted resources require that a rational
framework for setting management objectives
and priorities be adopted based on the relative
value (for conservation & production) of
different areas and the relative likelihood of
successful prevention and control.
L_ Management Strategies
■ At each stage of the
invasion, human activities
act to encourage spread,
and changes in human
behavior are required to
deal with current weed
2
problems and to minimize
W
future problems.
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5
Buckthorn: A threat to our Native Ecosystems
By Janet R. Larson (Updated Oct. 2003)
(Versions of this article previously printed in Northern Gardener magazine & the Minnesota Plant Press, 2002)
There's been a lot of talk lately about homeland security. No one needs to ask what that issue is about, but there
exists another threat to our homeland on a much different level: the wooded home of our native plants. After the
primary loss of native plant habitat to development and agriculture, our native plants of the forest understory are
under siege in many areas. Invasive, exotic species have intruded natural and not -so -natural areas all across the
United States. Throughout Minnesota and 26 other states, buckthorn has been quietly invading. The understory
species of our remnant woodlands and savannas, parks and wood lots, wetlands and fence -rows, are not secure from
this domineering competitor. This aggressive invasive has escaped from cultivation and has been thriving unchecked
for decades. Buckthorn has insidiously reached a critical mass and now occupies the under -story of valuable
woodlands all across Minnesota and other north eastern states, especially near urban areas. Our native species --both
woody and herbaceous --have all but disappeared from the lower canopies of the most severely infested areas. This is
a problem. This is buckthorn.
The Buckthorn Conference: The Buck Stops Here! --held October 3rd, 2001 at the University of Minnesota
Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen --was the first of its kind in Minnesota and was well attended. Participants
learned about not one, but two species of buckthorn invaders: Common Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica and Glossy
Buckthorn Frangula alnus (formerly Rhamnus frangula) including Tallhedge, Columnar, and Fernleaf cultivars.
Information on buckthorn's, biology, history, range, and control was covered. Detailed information about this
problem species and its control has taken a very long time in coming. Several articles have been published recently
in Twin Cities newspapers, but none go into great detail on control methods. Read on for a summary of the threats
of buckthorn and effective methods of its control.
HISTORY & RANGE
Buckthorns are shrubs that grow into small trees. Near urban centers and towns, you will find buckthorn to be the
predominant shrub in the understory of what remains of our native, Minnesota woodlands.
Common buckthorn, also called European buckthorn, is native to Sweden, Russia, Siberia, Xinjiang China, and
the northern Caucasus mountains. It was first imported from Europe to the US in the mid 1800s and about 1890 in
Canada. The species was used primarily in hedge plantings because it shears nicely, but has been used in shelter
belts and wildlife plantings, too.
Flowers of common buckthorn appear with the leaves from May to June; they are tiny, inconspicuous, and light
green. Male and female flowers are born on separate plants. Shearing can reduce flowering and fruiting; the species
became a problem when home owners quit shearing. Shrubs that have been allowed to "grow naturally," come to be
multi -stemmed, small trees. Unsheared female plants produce vast quantities of black fruit that are transported
through bird droppings. This invader now thrives "wild" in upland woods, parks, fence -rows, yards, gardens, and
waste places.
Currently, 68 of Minnesota's 87 counties have buckthorn on the loose --and that's onlv Minnesota! Nation-wide it
thrives in 27 states, including California. Buckthorn's current continental range is bound by Nova Scotia,
Saskatchewan, NE Kansas, and North Carolina.
Glossy buckthorn, a second buckthorn invader, was also sold as cultivars Tallhedge, Columnar, or Fernleaf
buckthorn. It is native to most parts of Europe except the extreme north, and part of the Mediterranean region. Its
range extends into European Russia, Siberia, the northern Caucasus Mountains, China, and western North Africa. It
was introduced to north America in the 1900s and has been used as an upland landscape shrub; it thrives primarily in
moist and wet soils.
Glossy buckthorn blooms continuously from May through September when it is growing on a moist, sunny site.
Flowers are small, pink and white, and perfect. Fruit is less than 1 cm. in diameter; it turns red, then nearly black.
Since it blooms for four months, it is producing fruit for three months; a long flowering and fruiting period is a
characteristic of many invasive plants.
This species has spread through wetland areas and adjacent woods wherever there is a nearby seed source. In
heavily infested areas, both common and glossy buckthorn will grow together in upland and lowland habitats. Eighty
years ago, Minneapolis school teacher and botanist Eloise Butler wrote about the invasiveness of glossy buckthorn in
her wildflower preserve. Now it exists in 22 Minnesota counties and 23 central and north eastern states --especially
Is near urban areas.
BUCKTHORN NOW BANNED FROM THE NURSERY TRADE
2001 was the first year that glossy buckthorn and its cultivars could no longer be sold in Minnesota. The MN Dept.
of Agriculture (MDA) placed common buckthorn on the "Restricted Noxious Weed List" in 1999 and included
glossy buckthorn effective 1/1/ 2001. Common buckthorn hasn't been sold since the 1930's, when research proved it
was the alternate host of oat crown rust. (But no one informed the birds about it, so they have continued to transport
and plant it through their droppings.) On the other hand, Glossy buckthorn has been sold in numbers as high as
60,000 per year from wholesalers in Minnesota and Wisconsin --for the last 30 years! People are generally shocked
to learn that these plants have been promoted for over 100 years. I hope this information will encourage those in
other states to collaborate and work to get buckthorn classified as noxious, and stop its sale in their state.
CHEMICAL TREATMENTS
Time to Apply
For larger buckthorn control or reduction projects, some type of chemical treatment is the best control method. It is
important NOT to treat during the spring -flush growth period. This is a time when the plant is using its stored energy
reserves to grow, from the break of dormancy in early April until late June or when the plant is fully leafed out.
During the spring -flush, the plant generally does not store energy, it spends energy. Chemical treatments work best
when the plant is dormant or transporting sugars to its root system. Summer, autumn, and winter are the three
seasons when chemical treatment is effective. Late September through November is a convenient time, since
buckthorn leaves remain green and attached, while leaves of our native plants are turning color, falling, and gone.
When using herbicides, always follow label instructions and take recommended precautions; be certain that your
chemical is labeled for your site.
Cut Stump Treatment
During cutting and brush -hauling operations, stumps are easily lost under leaves and debris, particularly in later fall.
Marking stump locations with wire flags (similar to those used by utilities to mark underground wires or pipes) is
helpful when it comes time to locate the stump for treatment after an area has been cleared. Secure the flags well, so
they too will not be dragged away with the brush.
Stumps can be chemically treated with a paint brush, a wick applicator, or a low volume spray nozzle & wand.
Under the bark, many latent buds have the capability to re -sprout with vigor. Chemicals are most effective if applied
within 24 hours of the cut, but don't wait any longer than 48 hours.
Basal Bark Treatment
When mixed with a diluent (a solvent containing dye that can be mixed with some herbicides), ester formulations of
Triclopyr can be applied directly to the bark at the base of the tree to provide effective control. Spray the lowest two
feet of bark around the entire circumference of the tree. For diameters 2 inches or less, only one side of the stem
needs to be sprayed. This is a fast, effective way of controlling larger trees up to 6 inches in diameter on large sites.
Dead trees can be left standing or cut at a later time. Garlon 4 and Crossbow are effective brand-name chemicals for
basal bark treatment.
Frill Cuts With Chemical Spray
Wound the bark with an ax around the lower circumference of the tree, to create a frill, then apply herbicide spray to
exposed cut areas and adjacent bark. This is an effective method when killed buckthorn can be left standing. This is
a method to consider when buckthorn has overtaken steep slopes. If you physically remove all the buckthorn, you
set the site up for erosion.
Herbicides that work well on buckthorn:
1. Roundup (now off patent; Glyphosate is the active ingredient) = Razor, GlyStar Plus, others
Mix with water for stump, frill and foliar applications. A 25% Solution is needed for stump and frill applications.
Only a 3% solution is necessary for foliar applications. (Note: New chemical control product available:
Stronger Roundup. This is a 25% Glyphosate solution for homeowners; it does not require mixing for cut stump or
frill treatments. Available in pint and quart containers.)
2. Rodeo (now off patent; for aquatic use; Glyphosate is the active ingredient) = Aqua Neat, others. Use on glossy
buckthorn growing in wet sites.
3. Garlon 3A (Tryclopyramine active ingredient) = Ortho Brush B-Gon
Mix with water for stump, frill and foliar applications
4. Garlon 4 (Tryclopyr ester is the active ingredient) = Crossbow, (Pathfinder is ready -to -use)
Mix with diluent or Kerosene for stump, frill and basal bark treatments.
Mix with water for foliar applications.
Tordon RTU is NOT RECOMMENDED because it leaches through the soil and is persistent in the soil
Formula for Stump and Frill treatments with Glyphosate
This formula makes two gallons of mix
64 oz. (0.5 gallon) Roundup (or competitor), 41 % solution*
191 oz. (1.5 gallons) water
0.5 oz. Activator 90 Spreader Sticker
0.5 oz. Dye or 1 dye tablet
Tips for spraying in a buckthorn thicket. Spray is best used on the seedlings that emerge the years after the
large buckthorn has been removed
1. In densely infested areas, use a hand-held tank sprayer; backpack sprayers can be difficult to negotiate through
the woods.
2. An ultra low volume nozzle can cut chemical use by 75%.
3. Be sure to wear appropriate protective clothing when using chemicals, especial]% when mixing concentrate. Use
neoprene gloves, not latex, cloth, or leather. Be certain to read and follow label instructions.
4. The 41% glyphosate chemical and others listed, can be purchased through local agriculture, turf, and horticulture
co-op suppliers or wholesalers.
Overwhelmed by it all?
If you've worked in a heavily buckthorn -infested area, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Don't give up. Buckthorn has
had decades to get a root -hold ahead of those of us who would like to eliminate it. However, with the current control
methods described here, total elimination is not really a possibility. These plants are simply too widespread, and the
volume of their biomass is staggering. The cost in terms of human -power, time, equipment and funds is
unreasonably high in economic terms. Reduction of the critical mass IS a possibility.
Hope for a Biological Control
"Good news came this month," wrote Cynthia Boyd in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Sept. 26, 2001, "in a $20,000
report commissioned by the Minnesota State Department of Natural Resources from the Center for Applied
Bioscience International in Delmont, Switzerland. The 100 page research paper includes a list of 14 insects that are
possible natural predators (of buckthorn), thus potential control agents." According to Luke Skinner and Jay Rendall,
coordinators in the DNR's exotic species program, the feasibility study was completed in August, but the entire study
may take up to ten years to complete. The next step will be to test the 14 species and determine which ones harm
buckthorn exclusively.
While we wait for advancements in biological control, each of us can make a difference and help reduce the spread
of these very invasive species. Following are my suggestions for those who would like to do something about this
widespread problem, but have limited time and budget. Prioritize. Doing something is far better than leaving the
invasion unchecked.
BUCKTHORN REDUCTION PRIORITIES FOR A LIMITED BUDGET
1. Partner with conservation groups, neighborhood groups, your municipality, volunteers.
2. Survey your site to find treasure pockets of remaining native plants. Clear around these plants first. By
doing this you "Release" these plants from their buckthorn competition. Protect them from being harmed
during cutting and removal. Sometimes these natives are very, very small, the size of sticks; but they are worth
protecting, because when they are freed, they bounce back with new growth. Find a local native plant expert to
help you with identification. Use colored flagging to mark the special plants to protect.
3. Remove female buckthorn first. Mark them in late fall, when full of fruit, for later removal.
4. Protect quality wooded areas that are only marginally infested.
5. Search locally for potential grant funding, then write grant proposals. Ask local businesses and foundations
for assistance.
6. Prioritize buckthorn removals to be in high-profile areas; for example, along bike paths, parks, and
parkways.
7. Publicize what you're doing: put up informational signs in the project area, distribute flyers to nearby
residents, write an article for your local paper or association.
7
8. Stop to answer questions of all those who inquire while you are working.
This sounds like a lot of work, and frankly it is. You can choose to do as much or as little as you like v -; your new
knowledge, but please help us spread the word. The benefits of organizing a project are many. When ° ogan to
organize projects in my neighborhood, I met neighbors for the first time after living only a few doors ay for many
years. You will be proud of your work when you see how the natives respond to release. Helping tc eserve a
small piece of our diminishing native woodlands, savannas and wetlands is noble indeed. Good luc
Control method information comes from expert testimony and case study reports given at the Buckthorn Conference by:
1. Mary Maguire Lerman, Mpls. Park and Rec. Board
2. John Moriarty, Ramsey Co. Parks & Rec.
3. Norm Erickson, Buckthorn Buster volunteer, Rochester
4. Janet Larson, Consulting Arborist
Additional information from:
• Doug Coumeya, U of MN Extension Service Buckthorn Display, Olmstead County
• Patrick Weicherding, U of MN Extension Service, Anoka County
To learn how extensive the invasive species problem is read more in:
1. Randall, J.M. & J. Marinelli. 1996. Invasive Plants: Weeds of the Global Garden.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Brooklyn, N.Y. 111 pp.
2. MNDNR Trails & Waterways Division. Revised 2002.
Minnesota invasive non-native terrestrial plants: an identification guide for resource managers. 78 pp.
See the back of this sheet for native under -story trees & shrubs to plant in place of buckthorn.
SUBSTITUTE PLANTS FOR BUCKTHORN
Once you've removed your buckthorn & protected the existing native plants you want to save,
consider the following native plants to fill the spaces left void.
Shrubs
Amelanchier alnifolia
Saskatoon Service berry/June berry -
A. alnifolia `Regent"
Regent Serviceberry/Juneberry-
A. sanguinea
Round leaf serviceberry
Aronia melanocarpa
Black Chokeberry
Cornus amomum
Silky Dogwood*
C. sericea
Red -osier dogwood*
C. racemosa
Gray dogwood-
Corylus americana
Amer. Hazel
Diervilla lonicera
Bush Honeysuckle/Bronzleaf Diervilla
Dirca palustris
Leatherwood
Euonymus atropurpureus
Eastern Wahoo
Hamamelis virginiana
Witchhazel
Ilex verticillata
Winterberry*
Physocarpus opulifolius
Common Ninebark
Prunus virginiana
Choke Cherry -
Rhus glabra
Smooth Sumac -
Rosa blanda
Early/meadow Wild Rose
R. palustris
Swamp Rose*
Salix servicea
Red Willow*
Salix discolor
Pussy Willow*
Sambucus canadensis
Canada Elder
Spirea alba
Meadowsweet*
Symphoricarpos alba
Snowberry
S. occidentalis
Wolfberry-
S. orbiculatus
Coralberry
Viburnum lentago
Nannyberry-
V. rafznesquianum
Downy Arrowwood
V. trilobum
Amercan.High-bush Cranberry
Alnus rugosa
Speckled Alder*
Understory Trees
Amelanchier arborea
Downy serviceberry
A. laevis
Allegheny Serviceberry/Juneberry
Carpinus carolineana
Blue Beech
Cornus alternifolia
Pagoda dogwood
Crataegus spp.
Hawthorn
Ostrya virginiana
Ironwood
Prunus americana
Wild Plum
Prunus pensylvanica
Pin Cherry
P. virginiana
Choke Cherry-
- Plants that will form patches or thickets over time (excellent for wildlife areas, fencerows, or edged -hedges, but
not where sprouts from roots are not wanted).
* Plants well suited for moist soil.
Most of these plants are available from Out Back Nursery, Hastings, MN. www.outbacknursery.com
Proposal for A Buckthorn Abatement Program in Edina Parks
Submitted by the League of Women Voters of Edina
and the Edina Garden Council
Buckthorn Abatement Steering Committee
To the Edina Park and Recreation Board
3-9-04
The following 11 point program was proposed at the Nov. 12, 2002 Edina Park and Recreation
Board Meeting held at the Braemar Golf Course Club House. The Edina Park and Recreation
Board unanimously passed points 1 - 10 of 11 points. Only point 11 was rejected. Point 11 called
for increasing Edina's part-time forester to a full-time position, but was denied due to budgetary
restrictions. The 10 points, which were passed, are still valid and needed, as is increased
personnel to coordinate the control of noxious weeds in Edina. The commentary after each point
indicates to what extent each initiative was implemented during 2003 and provides
recommendations for carrying out the initiatives in 2004. Many thanks to Edina's Park and Rec
Department (see slide) who provided assistance in drafting these recommendations. It has been a
pleasure for members of the Buckthorn Abatement Steering Committee to work along side them
in this project to improve Edina's woodlands, a community amenity that can be used by residents
of all ages and abilities.
1. ESTABLISHA SCHEDULE FOR CUTTING AND TREATING BUCKTHORN STUMPS
ONALL CITYPROPERTY.
No schedule has been established because the Park and Recreation Dept. was not certain which
method(s) would work best and wanted to test several methods before establishing a program.
Edina's woodlands also need to be prioritized before work can begin. The following methods
were tested with the following results.
a.) Selectively thinning buckthorn, removing female trees (only females produce berries) and
leaving the best looking male specimens to shade the forest floor and prevent buckthorn and other
noxious weed seeds from germinating. This was tried at Creek Valley Pk in 2001 (slide before
any work done) and in preceding years. It was NOT effective. Buckthorn germinates and grows
in very low light conditions. By the fall of 2002 buckthorn had grown back throughout the
woodland (see slide). Buckthorn also has a chemical in its roots, which suppresses the growth of
other plants, much like black walnut. Leaving male buckthorn trees only leaves a pollen source to
fertilize the neighborhood female trees, plus its roots will suppress growth of other plants.
RECOMMENDATION: When there are not enough resources to remove all buckthorn, begin by
removing the female trees first to stop the production of berries. Follow-up as soon as possible
with the removal of remaining buckthorn trees.
b.) Using loppers to cut buckthorn saplings under one-half inch in diameter and paint the stumps
with 25% Roundup. This was tried at Creek Valley Pk by Hennepin Co. Sentenced to Service
(STS) during the fall of 2002. It was NOT effective. It is impossible to find all small cut ends and
paint them. Larger stumps are easier to find and paint. After leaf drop (last week of Oct.) it is
difficult to even find the large stumps submerged among the leaves. Small stumps, if unpainted,
will always resprout. Some painted stumps will also resprout if insufficient Roundup is applied.
By the fall of 2003 buckthorn had grown back throughout the Creek Valley woodland where
loppers were used (see slide).
3/3/2004
RECOMMENDATION: Hand pulling should be done in all cases where possible and lopping
should be avoided. It took STS no more time to hand pull buckthorn saplings then to lop them off.
Saplings pulled up by the roots cannot resprout.
c.) Cutting buckthorn trees and painting the stumps with 25% Roundup. This was used at
Creek Valley during the fall of 2002 and is generally effective (see slide), though occasional
stumps will resprout and must be resprayed. The advantages of Roundup are that it is not toxic to
mammals or birds and that it does not leach into the soil. A disadvantage of Roundup is that it
cannot be used during Bud Break (April and May). That is because during the spring, sap flows in
a predominately upward direction and a low toxicity chemical such as Roundup is not absorbed.
We saw this at the Art Center where perhaps 25% of the stumps cut during the third and fourth
week of May 2003 and painted with 50% Roundup had to be resprayed multiple times during the
summer of 2003 with 25% Roundup. Buckthorn was removed during late May to accommodate
the Pk and Rec. Dept's River Birch planting schedule for June. Roundup kill rate is higher in the
fall then in the summer and fall kill rates are much higher than in spring. Stumps damaged by
Roundup, but not killed, will leaf out with deformed leaves (see slide). If deformed leaves are
allowed to store energy all summer, they will leaf out normally the following season.
RECOMMENDATION. Do not use Roundup during April and May when sap is moving in an
upward direction and Roundup is poorly absorbed into the roots. Chemicals, which can be used
throughout the year should be tested, for example, Krenite. Krenite does not kill the tree
immediately, but prevents any sprayed surface from budding out the following season; without
leaves, the stump dies. Krenite is effective on cut stumps as they have but a small area to be
sprayed. It would be too expensive on large trees. The chemical Krenite should be tried at the Art
Center to test its effectiveness. Krenite is presently the chemical of choice by Paul Simenson,
Minnetonka Forester, and also of Prairie Restoration, Inc.
d.) Weed wrenches (see slide) were used at Braemar Golf Course throughout 2003 and also at
the Art Center. They effectively remove trees up to 2.5" in diameter by their roots, thus
resprouting is not possible. Weed wrenches can't be used when the ground is frozen. During the
winter, Braemar Golf Course volunteers cut buckthorn stumps knee high, then came back during
the spring, after the ground thawed, and weed wrenched the stumps out. Weed wrenches are
especially useful for areas where you may have pedestrians and tripping could be a hazard, such
as along paths and where golfers may be looking for lost balls. The disadvantage is that weed
wrenches disturb a large area of soil. Noxious weeds typically are the first to colonize disturbed
areas. Minnetonka Forester Mark Simenson believes that if you disturb the soil you will have 3-4
years of battle with germinating weed seeds and he avoids using them. To solve this, mulch was
applied at the Art Center after the May 2003 weed wrenching; it was highly effective at
suppressing weed seeds (see slide).
RECOMMENDATION: Mulch (leaves or grass clippings) should be applied where weed
wrenches are used. Weed wrench use should be avoided on hillsides and along stream banks
where erosion could be a problem.
e.) Hand pulling saplings under 2 feet high was one of the techniques extensively used to clear
about 2 acres (see slide before) at the Art Center in May 2003. STS worked for 4 days during the
last two weeks of May 2003, and just after the 24-hour rain of May 19"'. The ground was
exceptionally soft and the saplings pulled up very easily (see slide). Edina Pk and Rec
Horticulturalist, Tim Zimmerman (see slide), twice sprayed the Art Center woodland with
3/3/2004 2
Roundup during the fall of 2002. It is unclear whether the saplings pulled out easily because they
were dead, or because the earth was so rain soaked, or both. Rain was probably the greatest
factor. We found that if saplings are sprayed and not pulled out, at least 10-15% will resprout (see
slide). This is probably because the spray sheets off taller vegetation and an insufficient quantity
reaches the smaller saplings. Hand pulling was highly effective. Hand pulled smaller saplings
would not need to be hauled away. With good contact with the ground (don't pile them up) they
should biodegrade in a year — especially if mulch is spread on top of them. Lake Maria St. Park
and Minnetonka City Forester Mark Simenson indicated that they do not haul away their cut
buckthorn leaving it in place to degrade on the forest floor.
RECOMMENDATION: A project should be undertaken using STS at the Art Center during May
of 2004 to hand pull seedlings, which were not sprayed the previous fall, to see if they come up as
easily. It would represent a considerable savings if saplings do not have to be sprayed the fall
previous to hand pulling ($1,000/acre). It only costs $3,000/month for an STS crew of 6 workers
and a corrections officer. A 7 -person crew typically clears about one-half acre of Edina
woodland a day. STS contracts to work 4 days/week (assumes one day of bad weather). The
corrections officer brings a chain saw to use on larger trees and gloves for the crew. The City of
Edina should supply 2 large and one small weed wrench plus a root talon, which STS would store
in the STS facility each night until the project is finished. A licensed chemical applicator should
be hired for one day to come after STS finishes and apply Krenite on all stumps cut in May 2004
and any cut in 2003 that resprouted. Volunteers would help tag desirable trees prior to STS
working, so that they are not accidentally taken out. Working in April or May is advantageous
because the ground is soft after spring melt and also because the woodland can be immediately
replanted and experience a season of growth.
£) Heavy machinery was used by Braemar Golf Course — ASV Brush Hog. This levels all
woody plants. This machinery can quickly clear an area, but you sacrifice all the native woody
plants. The remaining jagged stumps are not esthetically pleasing. It should only be used where
an area must be completely cleared.
RECOMMENDATION: Such machinery is not useful for woodland restoration projects where
native plants must be selectively allowed to fill in the woodland.
g.) Controlled burns were successfully run by Prairie Restoration, Inc. to maintain the Braemar
Park Oak Savannah during Bob Kojetin's administration as Edina Park and Recreation Director.
Braemar is Edina's finest park. It contains the remnants of a high quality oak savannah (see slide)
as well as wetlands. It's rolling trails, in over 200 acres of woodland, are frequently used by
hikers, x-cty skiers, sleders, snowshoers (see slides), bird watchers and other nature enthusiasts. It
is home to fox, deer, beaver, and many other creatures. It provides habitat for blue birds, hawks,
snowy egrets, great blue heron, piliated woodpeckers, an occasional bald eagle and many more
birds. A very high priority should be placed on Braemar's oak savannah restoration. The present
Minnetonka City Forester, Mark Simenson, believes controlled burns to be a less expensive
method then chemicals for maintaining restored woodlands. Simenson indicated, however, that
controlled burns can't be used until at least the 2nd or 3rd year after buckthorn removal because
there is not enough fuel on the forest floor to carry a fire. There is usually enough fuel in years 3-
5 he said. Burning 60 acres only cost Minnetonka $4,000 - $5,000 Simenson said, whereas
spraying would have cost $30,000 - $40,000. Fire is a gamble, Simenson reports, however,
because you have to have enough fuel AND the wind must be right. Burning can be done in late
Oct. or in early spring he advises. If you miss both burning dates, you will loose a year of control
3/3/2004
and must resort to chemicals, he cautions. Simenson recommends spraying in early Oct. before
the first hard frost (below 28 degrees).
As another example, the city of Maplewood cleared their 40 acre Joy Park of buckthorn in 1999
at a cost of $12,000 by using STS crews of 15-20 individuals, Maplewood staff, plus supervision
from Prairie Restoration, Inc. A buckthorn pile 30' X 15' was disposed of by burning it. Joy Park
will be maintained with a combination of controlled burns and herbicide. Joy Park was chosen for
restoration because the buckthorn thicket was creating cover for illegal activity. Edina has similar
problems with illegal activities in buckthorn thickets at Garden Park (see slide) and Edina High
School, where drug and alcohol use are not uncommon. At one time, students even had a couch in
a buckthorn thicket at EHS for use between classes. These areas need to be put on the buckthorn
abatement schedule.
RECOMMENDATION: Controlled burns should be considered an important part of the
maintenance program for the Braemar Park Oak Savannah. The Braemar Park oak savannah is
comprised of two ridges by the Golf Dome and two ridges by Gleason. The Braemar Golf Course
also has a remnant oak savannah, known as the moraine, next to the Club House. The City of
Edina agreed to maintain the Braemar Park Oak Savannah as part of a mitigation agreement in
exchange for being allowed to drain wetland when the Clunie nine holes were added.
Maintenance must begin again. The City of Minnetonka has restored 125 buckthorn -infested
acres since 1998 at the rate of 25 acres/year. Minnetonka's Forester, Paul Simenson (952-988-
8415) has indicated that he would be happy to give a presentation to explain how they
accomplished their restoration using controlled burns and Krenite. Minnetonka's Lone Lake Pk
is an excellent example of what can be done.
h.) Cutting trees but NOT painting stumps - At Braemar Golf Course, as well as Creek Valley
Pk, some stumps that were larger than 2.5 inches in diameter, and thus too large to weed wrench
out, were cut, but were not painted with herbicide. These are growing back and forming `medusa'
like clumps (see slide). These side shoots have to be recut multiple times a year and even then
will generally store enough energy to sprout the next year. Once resprouted, they either have to be
recut lower to the ground (if enough stump is left) and Roundup reapplied to the stump, or if the
stump cannot be recut, a stronger chemical such as Garlon4 must be applied. Braemar Golf
Course plans to send Braemar employee Jean White to school to become licensed to apply
chemicals to these larger stumps.
RECOMMENDATION: Do not cut buckthorn unless you can properly paint the stump with a
suitable chemical. Rather than having to cut the same tree 3 or more times because it was not
properly painted with a brush -killer, more progress will be made by cutting 3 trees, painting each
so that it does not resprout.
2. ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE FOR TREA TING B UCKTHORN SEEDLINGS
SUBSEQUENT TO CUTTING BUCKTHORN TREES.
No procedure has been established because the Park and Recreation Dept. was not certain which
method(s) would work best and wanted to test several methods before establishing a procedure.
The following was learned:
a.) Mulching with buckthorn woodchips — This was used at Braemar Golf Course along the left
side of hole # 24 and was highly effective (see slide of a Braemar area with and without
buckthorn chips). Buckthorn contains an allelopathic chemical, which suppresses the growth of
• other plants. This chemical leaches from the decomposition of buckthorn leaves or clippings. This
3/3/2004 4
is useful if the buckthorn woodchips are to be used on walking paths. The question is always
asked — but what about the berries and seeds, which unavoidably go along with the woodchips —
won't the seeds germinate? Members of the Minn. Native Plant Society who have mulched
restored buckthorn woodlands with buckthorn chips report that buckthorn woodchips reduce, not
increase, buckthorn germination. This was observed at Braemar Golf Course as well.
RECOMMENDATION: Buckthorn wood chips suppress noxious weed germination and using
them for mulch is a low-cost method of disposal. Buckthorn wood chips should not be used in
areas where there previously was no buckthorn. If, however, they are being used in an area with
existing buckthorn, a few more seeds aren't going to hurt. Buckthorn seeds are viable for 6 years
and mulching is critical if large spraying costs are to be avoided. The woodchip mulch eventually
biodegrades and must be reapplied, or alternative techniques used until the buckthorn seed bank
is exhausted.
b) Mulching with leaves — This technique was used in selected areas at Creek Valley Pk during
the fall of 2002, and also during the fall and spring of 2003 (see slide of Creek Valley area
germination with and without leaves). It was also used at the Art Center during summer 2003
(grass clippings) and during the fall of 2003 (see slide of path with unmulched area, unrestored
area on one side and a restored and mulched area on other side). This highly successful technique
is a low-cost method of controlling the weed carpet. No weed seeds were observed transmitted
through the mulch. During the summer of 2003 and the fall of 2004, Dianne Plunkett Latham's
yardman dumped about 6 trailers of grass clippings and about 6 trailers of leaves in the Edina Art
Center's woodland. Volunteers spread the grass clippings and leaves. The yard service was very
happy to have a place to dispose the grass and leaves without paying a tipping fee. In addition to
suppressing weed seeds, mulching is also beneficial because it adds nutrients to the soil. Mulch
completely suppresses buckthorn and garlic mustard seedlings (see slide). Garlic mustard is on
the State Prohibited list and it is required to be controlled or eliminated. The garlic mustard patch
in Creek Valley Park was nearly completely suppressed with about 25 bags of leaves applied
during the spring of 2003 and another 15 bags applied during the fall of 2003.
RECOMMENDATION: The use of leaf mulch should be expanded on a test basis. During the fall,
the City of Edina has leaf collection sites in the parking lots (see slide) at various city parks (e.g.,
Aquatic Center, Creek Valley Pk). At the end of the fall season, the leaves are collected and then
taken to a mulch pile at the Ice Arena, from which city residents will be able to obtain free mulch.
Rather than moving the leaves around the city, it would be easier to put clean leaves (those from
park lawns, not gutters) in park woodlands where buckthorn has been removed. This is feasible
where access trails permit. Spread the leaves less than 4 inches thick (so as not to harm tree
roots) in locations where buckthorn has been removed. It will suppress germination of buckthorn
and other noxious weeds. Native wildflowers have evolved with a duff layer and will come up
through leaf mulch, if not too thick. Parks like Rosland/Art Center, Bredesen or Fox Meadow
have bituminous walking paths from which city staff could drive in and spread leaves. It can also
be used on small areas such as at Arneson along 70`h on the west end behind the greenhouse and
also at the east end along 70`h. Local lawn services could also be given permits to spread leaves
at designated locations.
c.) Spraying — The City of Edina negotiated a 5 year $2,800 contract beginning fall 2003 with
Applied Ecological Resources (AES) for fall application of foliar Roundup on the Creek Valley
buckthorn saplings (see slide) and Garlon4 on any remaining buckthorn trees and resprouted
stumps (see slide). AES expected to begin the work about Nov. 1, 2003. Mary Lerman, Mpls Pk
and Rec Horticulturalist indicated that foliar Roundup reliably works only between Sept. 15 and
3/3/2004 5
Nov. 1. AES was not able to do the fall 2003 spraying until the last week of Nov. By then, the
window of opportunity was closed for Roundup and everything had to be brushed with Garlon4.
The window of opportunity for foliar spraying with Roundup is so narrow, that it is difficult for
tree services to be sufficiently staffed to handle it. Roundup is preferred because it breaks down
on contact with soil, thus cannot leach. Garlon4 can be applied any time, but does not break down
on contact with soil. If the Garlon4 target is over-sprayed, or if Garlon4 is spilled on the ground,
it will leach into the soil, where surface water can carry it to the roots of non-target broadleaf
vegetation and trees, thereby killing them. AES applied the Garlon4 with a brush so as not to get
any on the soil. It is very difficult to brush all the saplings, however. Foliar application of
Roundup when buckthorn is still green and growing, but other vegetation is dormant, takes less
time. AES had to absorb the cost of the lengthier job because the price of the first year spraying
was a fixed $1,000 for the nearly two acres.
RECOMMENDATION.- Fall foliar spraying to control buckthorn while most other native plants
are dormant is very expensive, and could be injurious to some native plants. It costs $1,000/acre
to spray the newly germinated buckthorn weed carpet the first year after buckthorn is removed.
The cost goes down to about $750/acre the second year because there are fewer seedlings. It will
cost $300 - $500/acre the third and each year thereafter. Whenever fall foliar spraying is to be
used, populations of herbaceous plants that could be injured by foliar application of spray need
to be flagged. These are native plants not yet dormant in the fall, especially prairie plants, e.g.,
asters (see slide). Furthermore, like garlic mustard, some native plants remain green all winter,
e.g., Rattlesnake Plantain orchids (Goodyera (see slide)), Ladies'-Tresses orchids (Spiranthes),
or Christmas Fern, (Polystichum acrostichoides), which is on the Minn. State Threatened list.
These orchids and ferns are rare in the metro area and not likely found in Edina.
d.) Planting Grasses and Forbs/Mowing or Weed Whipping — Mowing has been used to maintain
areas at Braemar. It only needs to be done once a year in the late fall. This technique is highly
successful and inexpensive (see slide of `Picnic Hill' mowed area next to unmowed area at
Braemar). After buckthorn is removed, the ground is bare, due to the suppression effects of the
allelopathic chemicals in its roots. Replanting with annual and perennial grasses is a good
strategy to out compete and shade out weed seeds. Replanting with annual grasses, which
germinate in about a week, shades out buckthorn and other noxious weed seedlings. Annual
grasses fill in the gap before the perennial grasses, which are much slower growing, but deeper
rooted, have an opportunity to get established. The grass seed should be covered with a thin layer
of hay to hold the seed down. Hay decomposes fairly quickly once the grass takes over. If the
area is a hillside, hay is critical for preventing erosion while the grasses are establishing.
Examples of suitable grasses include:
1.) MDOT mix for new jobs, which includes annual and perennial grasses, e.g., red
fescue.
2.) Select grasses could also be chosen for open shade such as: Canada Wild Rye, which
tolerates some shade, is 4 ft tall, germinates fast and is cheap; Bottlebrush Grass, which is
available in pots only; Native Brome (Prairie Moon Nursery is the only vendor).
3.) A few forbs (wildflowers) suitable for open shade could be added as well, such as:
Sky Blue Asters, Wild Bergamot, or sunflowers.
4.) For full Sun consider a grass such as Side Oats Gramma. At 6 ft, it tolerates some
mowing.
RECOMMENDATION.- Test the technique of replanting with grasses and forbs on the restoration
of the moraine at Braemar.
3/3/2004
3. ESTABLISH A PROGRAM TO REFOREST CITY PARKS FROM WHICH BUCKTHORN
HAS BEEN REMOVED, BY REPLANTING WITH NATIVE TREES, SHR UBS AND
WILDFLOWERS
a.) Creek Valley Pk — Two acres were cleared in fall 2002 by STS crews. Creek Valley is being
allowed to regenerate naturally, without much replanting. No new trees were planted. Three or
four Oak seedlings were fenced (see slide), in an effort to encourage them. False Solomon seal,
woodland asters (see slide), daisy fleabane and goldenrod (see slide) were observed returning
naturally. Sumac, red twig dogwood and gray dogwood are increasing. It is hoped that the
naturally occurring hawthorns (see slide) and cherries will increase. A few completely bare areas
at Creek Valley were seeded with wildflowers (jack-in-the-pulpit, baneberry) and some
wildflowers were planted (trout lily, violets) because the bare areas were targets for garlic
mustard. Garlic mustard (see slide) and poison ivy (see slide) are serious threats to the successful
restoration of Creek Valley Park. These noxious weeds frequently fill in the understory once it is
opened to more light after buckthorn removal. Garlic mustard and poison ivy are both on the
Minnesota St. Prohibited Noxious Weed list and must be controlled or eradicated as required in
Minn. statutes, section 18.78. Once the area was opened to sunlight, what had been only a 10 x 2
ft long patch of poison ivy, expanded to most of the woodland perimeter.
RECOMMENDATION. If a restoration site has some remnant native plants, it can most cost
effectively be allowed to regenerate naturally. A site should be assessed prior to restoration to
determine if it contains any plants on the State Prohibited Noxious Weed list. If it does, a
management plan should also be developed for these. The Pk and Rec Department did not have
sufficient staff to spray the Creek Valley poison ivy during 2003. If the Park and Rec staff is still
insufficient during 2004 to spray the Creek Valley Park poison ivy, the AES contract should be
amended to include spraying the poison ivy (during May or June) with Roundup. Creek Valley Pk
is near Creek Valley Elementary School. Children are frequently in the woodland and something
must be done to eliminate poison ivy there.
b.) Art Center — About 2 acres surrounding the Art Center were cleared by STS in four days
during May of 2003. It was determined that the Art Center would be extensively replanted given
its high visibility and also because the Art Center woodland had very low native plant diversity
since the area had once been farmed, then used as a lawn. The City of Edina planted 90 River
Birch trees during June 2003, but 80 died due to the July 2003 drought and also due to deer
browsing. On four different days, a variety of donated wildflower seeds plus approximately 400
donated wildflower plants were planted by volunteers in the woodland, and also in a ditch rain
garden (see slides). The volunteers and donors included the Kelodale Garden Club, the League of
Women Voters of Edina, the Minn. Native Plant Society, the Conservation League of Edina,
Washington Co. Hort. Society, Wild Ones, Hennepin Co. Master Gardeners, Edina Art Center
employees and nearby residents. Donated shrubs included serviceberry, pagoda dogwood, red
twig dogwood, hydrangea paniculata, a cherry tree, and bush honeysuckle. Naturally occurring
trees/shrubs in the Art Center woodland included elderberry, cherry and box elder. Virtually all of
the wildflowers and shrubs survived due to the mulching, fencing and watering by volunteers.
Volunteers spread 6 trailer loads of grass clippings and 6 trailer loads of leaves at the Art Center
to successfully suppress buckthorn and garlic mustard seeds. Some of the new wildflowers began
blooming in 2003 (see slides). Be sure to visit in 2004 and see them!
RECOMMENATION: It is best not to plant trees unless they can be mulched, fenced and
regularly watered until they are established. Volunteers should be enlisted to water any plantings
of new trees. Tim Zimmerman has requested Tom Horwath to put in an order for 100 Viburnum
3/3/2004 7
Trilobum for the Art Center to be planted during summer 2004. These will be put in tree tubes to
prevent deer browsing. Garlic mustard remains the largest threat to the Art Center/Rosland Park
buckthorn removal and restoration program. Large patches of garlic mustard occur just beyond
the May 2003 buckthorn clearing area. Garlic mustard grows from one to four feet tall and
quickly carpets the forest floor, snuffing out wildflowers. Seeds remain viable for 5 — 7 years.
This biennial has a taproot like a dandelion and will regenerate if any part of the root remains in
the ground after pulling. Garlic mustard stays green all winter and can be sprayed with 3%
Roundup during the fall, much like buckthorn, and can also be sprayed during late March, when
temperatures are above 32 degrees F, while other native plants are dormant. The Art Center
garlic mustard needs to be sprayed before any buckthorn is removed in proximity to it, to prevent
a burst of germination upon opening up the forest floor to light after removal of the buckthorn
canopy. Garlic Mustard spraying could be done by volunteers or by the City Horticulturalist, Tim
Zimmerman. The mulching program should be continued and expanded at the Art Center to
control the garlic mustard and buckthorn seedlings. Amur Maple was planted years ago at the
Art Center. The DNR considers this non-native tree to be weedy and recommends that it not be
planted in woodlands. Mulching will control the Amur Maple seedlings as well.
4. ESTABLISH AN ADOPT -A- WOODLAND PROGRAM
No formal program was established, but the essence of the concept is informally taking hold.
Members from the Kelodale Garden Club, League of Women Voters of Edina, and the
Conservation League of Edina routinely work at the Art Center. The Braemar Men's Club
routinely works at the Braemar Golf Course. Other parks have activist groups associated with
them, such as Garden Park, Fox Meadow Park or Arden Park. These activist groups should be
tapped as well for woodland restoration and beautification.
RECOMMENDATION. Groups who feel a strong commitment to their local park could be
trained how to control noxious weeds in their park. Working on your local park could be an
educational family activity, would stimulate community spirit and pride, all while encouraging
conservation. What do we need to make this happen?
Training - Dianne Plunkett Latham would be happy to train more groups of volunteers.
Tools — The City of Edina could provide root talons, weed wrenches, etc.
Disposal — The City of Edina could pick up the brush and arrange for it to be taken to the St.
Paul Biomass Plant, or it could be chipped and blown back into the woodlands, or the trees could
be limbed and left on the ground to biodegrade, or, with a permit from the Fire Marshall, the pile
could be burned during the winter when show is on the ground.
Painting Stumps — City staff could apply herbicide, or hire professionals to do it.
Pk & Rec Bd Members — Encourage members of the community to volunteer for their
neighborhood park's workday.
S. ESTABLISHA PROGRAM WHEREBY RESIDENTS WILLING TO CUT BUCKTHORN
AND TREAT THE STUMPS ON CITY PROPERTY CAN CALL THE CITY, RECEIVE
APPROVAL, RECEIVE A DATE ON WHICH THEY CAN CUT AND TREAT THE
BUCKTHORN, AND RECEIVE ANAPPROXIMATE DATE ON WHICH THE CITY CAN
PICK UP THE BUCKTHORN BRUSH IF IT IS TO BE REMOVED.
The Edina City Forester, Tom Horwath, allowed one citizen resident to do this. Although this
citizen was a very senior citizen, he uprooted (with the city's weed wrench) or cut down over 500
trees in fall 2002. At least half of these he and his neighbor dragged from the back of their lots
out to the front and piled them up. The city hauled these away. This citizen's activity was
focused along Nine Mile Creek and the Soo Line right-of-way near his home on Creek View
3/3/2004 8
Lane. The resident also canvassed his neighborhood, delivering buckthorn door hangers to 41
households, many of who also removed their buckthorn.
RECOMMENDATION: The City expressed some concern that if a resident were to use tools (e.g.,
chain saw) on city property and injure themselves, the City could be liable. Drafting a permit on
which the volunteer would release the Cityfrom liability would solve this problem. Such a permit
is also needed so that the resident can specify when and where they plan to work, what technique
they plan to use to remove and subsequently control the buckthorn, and when they anticipate
finishing. The City would sign the permit, giving the volunteer approval. The permit could be
shown to anyone questioning why an individual is cutting down trees on city property. The City of
Bloomington gives residents an informal letter allowing them to remove buckthorn on City
property.
6. ADD INFORMATION ON THE CITY'S POLICY AND PROCEDURES ON BUCKTHORN
CONTROL TO THE CITY'S WEB SITE.
Nothing was added to the City of Edina's web site during 2003 because policies and procedures
were still being formulated and also because of lack of resources. John Keprios hopes it can be
accomplished during 2004, however. Although the website could not be updated during 2003 for
buckthorn purposes, the July issue of Edina's About Town carried an article on the EGC/LWVE
buckthorn abatement program and was much appreciated.
Dianne Plunkett Latham, a member of the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Citizens Advisory
Committee, worked with Andrea Lex, Communications Director of the 9MCWD, to put together
a new buckthorn page for the 9 Mile Creek Watershed Dist. Website. As an in-kind contribution
to the Edina DNR Conservation Partners grant, a new page is being constructed with an emphasis
on buckthorn removal techniques suitable for working near wetlands and waterways.
RECOMMENDATION.- The following avenues to publicize buckthorn abatement should be
considered:
1.) City water bills, which were used to publicize recycling when the recycling program was new.
2.) Purchasing signs ($1 S/each) from Olmstead Co. Master Gardeners, which say, `Buckthorn
Removal Project Site'. Civic groups could donate them.
3.) Obtain more publicity/photographs in the Sun Current
4.) Install buckthorn art at the Art Center under a grant program. Diana Hedges and Brad Benn
have expressed an interest in the art (see slide).
5.) The Park and Recreation page of Edina's website could be expanded and modeled after other
City's web pages, which include information on invasive species, including buckthorn. Consider
including:
Links to other City's invasive species web pages, so that the information need not be recreated.
All members of the Edina Park and Recreation Board should view these sites.
1. St. Paul Pk and Rec. - httD:/,Iwww..st-oa.ul.kov/depts parks' Click Environmental
Programs/Buckthorn Bust Neighborhood Guide
2. 3 Rivers Park Reserve http://www.thieeriversparkdistrict.or,/nim/forestrv.cfni
3. Mpls Pk and Rec. - httt ://minneapoaispaiLks.(Irg/default asp'?PavelD _112&Searchlll=1.8493
The new Edina Park and Rec page could also include information such as:
- Permit for groups/individuals volunteering to cut buckthorn on City property
- Permit for spreading grass clippings/leaves at buckthorn removal sites
3/3/2004 9
- Phone number where residents can sign out Weed Wrenches or Root Talons
- Links to the LWVE web site where information can be obtained on the Oct. residential
Buckthorn Abatement program and also to the 9MCWD web site for information on
removing buckthorn near aquatic areas.
- Adopt-a-Woodlandinformation
- Information on the two October weekends when residents may dump buckthorn at City
tree dumps at no charge
- A list of the Pk and Rec Bd members, their phone numbers and the parks for which they
are responsible
7. PURCHASE SEVERAL ROOT TALON TOOLS, WHICHRESIDENTS CANBORROW
FOR PERSONAL USE.
The City of Edina did purchase two Root Talons, which residents can sign out. They were found
to be not as useful as a weed wrench, but still did have some application for severing roots, which
makes hand pulling easier and also makes weed wrenching easier in some cases by severing a
tenacious root.
8. PROVIDE TWO WEEKENDS PER YEAR DURING WHICH RESIDENTS CAN DUMP
BUCKTHORNAT A CITY TREE DUMP.
Edina Pk Superintendent, Vince Cockriel declined to do this during 2003, because the St. Paul
District Energy Biomass plant program of collecting wood from cities, was behind schedule and
never sent Edina the promised proposed agreement. Furthermore the City of Edina did not have a
locked tree dump area. Cockriel recently concluded negotiations with St. Paul District Energy to
dispose of Edina's waste wood at the Biomass plant. A locked area for waste wood disposal was
also instituted across from the Braemar Golf Dome. Cockriel has indicated that on the weekends
of Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30-31, 2004, Edina residents may bring their buckthorn waste wood to the
City tree dump. Further details will be released on this program at a later date.
Programs for allowing residents to dump buckthorn on designated weekends have been successful
in other cities. In the fall of 2002 the City of Maplewood set up a pilot program for a one -mile
square target area. Fliers were mailed to the 600 residents in the target area notifying them of the
program. Seventy homes signed up for the program, but 110 ultimately participated. Three
dumpsites were set up where residents in the target zone could bring their buckthorn on two
October weekends. Maplewood also had a curbside collection program whereby the city picked
up buckthorn in the target zone at no charge to the resident. The Maplewood pick-up took seven
days. Maplewood Pk and Rec. Director, Bruce Anderson, spoke to a MRPA meeting on 2-6-03 at
which time he commented that, contrary to being over run, the dumpsites were not as heavily
utilized as he anticipated. Anderson commented that the curbside pickup only cost Maplewood
$5,200 (out of a 3 million annual budget) and that `It was the best $5,200 he ever spent.' The cost
did not include staff time.
RECOMMENDATION: The dump would be staffed to be sure that no non-residents or
commercial haulers used it and that nothing but buckthorn would be dumped there.
9. ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE WHEREBY BUCKTHORN AND OTHER WASTE WOOD
CAN BE STORED/CURED AND THEN BE TAKEN TO/PICKED UP B Y, ST. PA UL
DISTRICT ENERGY, FOR THE BIOMASS PLANT.
Edina Park Superintendent, Vince Cockriel recently concluded an agreement with St. Paul
District Energy's Mike Marsollek (651-297-8955) and set up a program for Edina whereby
3/3/2004 10
Edina's waste wood will be disposed of at District Energy's biomass plant near the Science
Museum.
RECOMMENDATION: Residents should be reminded of other alternative uses of buckthorn. It
is a hardwood and makes excellent firewood after cured for a year. It also has a fine grain
similar to walnut and is desirable for woodworking after painting the ends with a latex paint or
wax and curing for a year.
10. AT EACH PARK AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING, REPORT ON THE AREAS
CLEARED OF B UCKTHORN D URING THE PREVIOUS MONTH, AND THE AREAS
SCHEDULED TO BE CLEARED IN THE NEXT MONTH.
John Keprios believes that quarterly reports would be suitable.
RECOMMENDATION.- Publish Pk and Rec Bd agenda/minutes on the Edina web site, similar to
the City Council minutes.
11. WHEN THE BUDGET PERMITS, HIRE A FULL-TIME, PROACTIVE FORESTER TO
COORDINATE AN INVAISVE SPECIES CONTROL PROGRAM.
RECOMMENDATION.- This item was rejected at the Nov. 2002 Pk Board meeting, though
additional staffing for noxious weed control is necessary. The exact position is not critical; it
could as well be the City Horticulturalist, Environmentalist, Weed Inspector, outside consultant,
or other position. etc.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dianne Plunkett Latham, LWVE/EGC Buckthorn Abatement, Steering Committee, Chair
Members: Paulette Hastings, Marcia Akins, Sue Simonton, Janet Cardle
3/3/2004 11
2003 Residential Buckthorn Abatement Report
Sponsored By:
League of Women Voters of Edina (LWVE)
Edina Garden Council (EGC)
2003 Funding: $200.00 League of Women Voters of Edina Education Fund (LWVEF)
$200.00 Edina Garden Council (EGC)
$132.70 EGC Mini Plant Sale
$275.80 Dianne Plunkett Latham Contribution - EGC plant sale
$ 36.00 Sue Simonton Contribution — Kelodale plant sale
$844.50 Total
2003 Expenses: $449.04 3,000 — 3,000 Door Hangers
$132.70 Handouts for 7-9-03 Symposium
$ 30.00 Two Buckthorn Project Site Signs
$ 72.85 Roundup and brushes
$ 57.18 New Buckthorn/Noxious Weed Educational Display Board
$ 31.05 Stamps
$ 83.88 Fliers
$856.69 Total
($12.19 Over Budget 2003)
2002 Funding: $425.00
2002 Expenses: $432.31 ($7.31 over budget)
Educational Seminars Presented
Date Location Speakers Attendance
1-11-03 LWVE meeting - City Hall — Doug Mensing, Dianne P. Latham 30
2-17-03 U. MN Shade Tree Short Course on Urban Forestry
Mary Lerman, Dianne P. Latham 15
4-12-03 MN Landscape Arboretum Plant Info Fair —Dianne P. Latham 30
6-18-03 W. Suburban Shrine Club — Dianne P. Latham 40
7-9-03 Arneson Acres LWVE/EGC sponsored day long Symposium 50
Mary Lerman, Janet Larson, Doug Mensing,
Mike Hiltner, Dianne P. Latham
10-29-03 Braemar Greens Committee — Jean White 10
2003 — 5 presentations with a one -day seminar - Total Educated 175
2002 - 6 presentations - Total Educated 230
3/3/2004
Publicity
April 12 — Buckthorn Exhibit — Arb. Plant Info Fair — Joann Buie, Diane Bomsta, Dianne P. Latham
July 4 Parade — EGC entry included a buckthorn wagon — No fliers permitted
July -03 About Town — 2 page article
5-28-03 Edina Sun Current — Photo of Edina City Forester Tom Horwath & weed wrench
Edina Sun Current, Community Notes — 5-8-03, 5-22-03, 6-26-03, 9-11-03, 9-18-03, 10-9-03, 10-16-
03, 10-30-03, 11-6-03
July 26/27 Tri -City Flower Show — Buckthorn Exhibit — Dianne P. Latham
Aug 27/28 — Buckthorn Exhibit at Minn. State Fair — Dianne P. Latham
Sept. 13/14 — Buckthorn Exhibit at Minn. Landscape Arboretum — Dianne P. Latham
Oct. 2 — MN Native Plant Soc Mtg — Buckthorn Exhibit — Dianne P. Latham
Oct. 28 — Buckthorn Exhibit at Edina HS Volunteer Fair — Andy Otness, Suzanne Kerwin, Marcia
Akins & Dianne P. Latham
9-18-03 Guest Column, Edina Sun Current — by Dianne P. Latham
Federated Garden Club Newsletter — March -Apr. `03 Article by Dianne P. Latham
MN Native Plant Society Newsletter - Summer `03 issue Article by Dianne P. Latham
The Leaguer — Feb., March, April, May, July, Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec. issues
Door Hangers
During July through August 2003 29 Volunteers distributed 1,160 door hangers to Edina residents
with buckthorn. The volunteers came from LWVE (12), EGC (7), MNPS (2), CLE (2), Other
Residents (6). Although there are many more households with buckthorn, 1,200 door hangers were
about all our current volunteer force could handle. The volunteers covered nearly the entire SW
quadrant of Edina, where the worst infestation is found, as well as scattered areas around the balance
of Edina. Dianne Plunkett Latham received 64 phone calls from residents with questions about the
program. Dianne, Mary Yee and Marcia Akins made house calls when residents requested that
someone show them where the buckthorn was located on their property. Most residents expressed a
cooperative desire to remove it from their property.
Abatement Activities
2002 Total — 5 days of clearing buckthorn in Edina City Parks plus one week residential Buckthorn
Abatement Week (1 day Art Center, 1 Bredesen, 2 Creek Valley (STS), 1 Braemar (STS))
2002 Buckthorn Abatement Week Oct 5-11 - 223 Crushed Cubic Yards from 27 Edina households in
the Target Zone designated by the City Forester (494/169/62/Soo Line RR).
2003 Total - 12 days of clearing buckthorn in Edina City parks and schools plus a one month
residential Buckthorn Abatement Month (4 days Art Center (STS), 2 EHS, 6 Braemar Golf Club, 1
Rosland Pk)
2003 Oct 1-31 Buckthorn Abatement month — Residents removed 159 (six dump trucks) Crushed
Cubic Yards from 34 Edina households citywide. A special rate of $18/Crushed Cubic Yard was
negotiated by LWVE/EGC with Top Notch Tree Service. Residents did not have to bundle it into 4'
lengths and 22" diameter as required by Edina yard waste haulers. There was no minimum pick-up
amount.
Miscellaneous Hauling - Our Abatement Month hauler's statistics don't give the complete picture,
however. Some residents hauled theirs away before or after October. Many residents used one of the
3/3/2004 2
yard waste haulers throughout the season, this being the cheapest method to pick up all you can set
out on a weekly basis in bundles or bags.
May 20, 21, 29, 30 — Edina Arts Center - 40 Cubic Yards cleared by Hennepin Cty Sentenced to
Service Crews on approximately 2 acres.
Oct 18 & 25 - Edina High School abatement led by Eagle Scout Jacob Leader with assistance from
City of Edina Forester, Tom Horwath
Oct. 11, 15, 22, Nov. 8, 15, Dec. 13 — Braemar Golf Club — Led by Jean White with assistance from
the Braemar Men's Club removing 320.7 cubic yards of buckthorn!
Edina Country Club — The ECC Oct. Newsletter 'On Course' column announced the following:
`Perimeter Enhancement: We are currently removing the noxious weed 'buckthorn' from the fence
line on #14 and will continue to do so throughout the course. A strategic replanting of desirable plants
will be put into action by the Green Committee this fall.'
Oct. 24 — Rosland Pk Conservation League of Edina led by Jean White (Intersection W Shore Dr/66)
Nov. 8 — Good Samaritan Church — Led by Lu
Bredesen Park — No abatement activity during 2003.
DNR Conservation Partners Grant — John Keprios, Edina Pk and Rec. Director, was notified that the
City of Edina was awarded a $5,000 grant for 2004 to hire an outside consultant to assess Edina Parks
and develop a plan for controlling buckthorn. The grant was made possible by the many in-kind
matching volunteer hours and donated plants from the following organizations:
League of Women Voters of Edina, Edina Garden Council, Hennepin Co. Sentenced to Service,
Braemar Men's Club, Conservation League of Edina, Minnesota Native Plant Society, Wild Ones,
Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Citizens Advisory Board, Master Gardeners of Hennepin Co., St.
Anthony Park Garden Club, Washington Co. Hort. Society, Applied Ecological Services, Inc., Barr
Engineering, NativeScapes Division of Supreme Co., Prairie Restorations, Inc., Savory's Gardens,
Inc. and miscellaneous Edina residents. John Keprios expressed his appreciation to all who helped
make this grant possible!
Proposal for 2004 Residential LWVE/EGC Buckthorn Abatement Program
1. Continue distributing door hangers to households with buckthorn to advise them of a special
hauling rate (to be negotiated) for the month of October 2004 throughout the City of Edina.
2. Continue to offer educational seminars on buckthorn/noxious weed control to community groups.
3. EGC has recently affiliated with the Edina Community Foundation (ECF). EGC will request that
ECF put buckthorn abatement for Edina city parks on its Spring 2004 wish list. Because ECF is a
Federal 501(c)(3) organization, residents can donate to the buckthorn abatement fund and receive a
tax deduction.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dianne Plunkett Latham, LWVE/EGC Buckthorn Abatement, Steering Committee, Chair
Members - Paulette Hastings, Marcia Akins, Sue Simonton, Janet Cardle
3/3/2004 3
F.
City of, Edina
March 9, 2004
Gail Fox, Grant Manager
Local Grants Program
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-4010
Re: Grant CP04-3.01 Braemar Park Buckthorn Removal
Dear Gail:
In follow up to your letter dated February 3, 2004, 1 have submitted the enclosed Grant
Application Form that requests a grant to assist Edina in establishing a buckthorn
management plan for Edina's 40 parks.
Our Park Maintenance Department will be spending matching funds to assist with this
important study. It has become clear that we need professional assistance to help us with this
monumental effort to remove and control buckthorn in our high priority park and open space
areas.
We are attempting to use varying methods to control the resurgence of buckthorn in the clear-
cut areas. In some cases, various pesticides are used for control measures. In other areas, we
have experimented with stump grinding. With the assistance from a professional consultant,
we hope to be able to establish a realistic plan to manage buckthorn in Edina's parks and open
space areas.
Please let me know what other information we need to provide to remain eligible for the
$5,000 grant. Many thanks.
Sin ly,
Keprio , it
Edina Park and Recreation Department
City Hall
4801 WEST 50TH STREET
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394
(952) 927-8861
FAX (952) 826-0390
TDD (952) 826-0379
N
2003 Grant Application
Conservation Partners and Environmental Partnership Grant Programs
• Submission Deadline: Received or postmarked by August 1, 2003
• Please see the accompanying Partnership Grant Information Sheet for additional information.
• Copies of this and other grant forms can be downloaded from our web site: www.dnr.state.mn.us
1 Applicant Organization: City of Edina
2 Contact Person's name and title: John Keprios, Director of Edina Park and
Recreation Department
3 Mailing Address: 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424
4 Telephone: (952) 826-0430 Email Address: JkepriosLUci.edina.mn.us
5 Project Title: Buckthorn Abatement Master Plan Study
6 Project Cost: $10,000 Grant Request (50% of project cost up to maximum of
$20,000): $5,000
7 Project Type: X Habitat Enhancement ❑ Research / Survey ❑ Environmental
Service
8 Project Description:
(Maximum of 50 words in the space below. Additional words will be ignored. You
will have an opportunity to provide more detail in Item 12).
Establish a buckthorn removal and site restoration master plan for the City of
Edina's 40 parks and open space areas. The master plan shall identify buckthorn
infested areas throughout the park system, prioritize a removal, restoration and
control plan that can realistically be accomplished with available resources.
9 Location: County Hennepin City Edina
10 Project map:
Attach a map that clearly shows the boundary of your project, adjacent land uses,
scale, directional arrow, and major roads. You may want to include one map
showing the general area and a second map showing more detail.
11 Public Benefit:
Funding for this program typically comes from Minnesota's Environment and
Natural Resources Trust Fund. Activities supported by this trust fund must
demonstrate a public benefit. Attach a 1 -page description of the problem you plan to
address and how the public would benefit from your project.
2004 cpep grant application 04-03.doc
2003 Grant Application
Conservation Partners and Environmental
Partnership Grant Programs
11. Public Benefit
On December 31, 2000, buckthorn was put on Minnesota's list of Prohibited
Noxious Weeds, and sale in Minnesota is prohibited. Unfortunately, much of
Edina's public woodlands are infested with buckthorn. It is the City of Edina's
goal to rid our parklands and open space of buckthorn under a prioritized and
sound management plan to keep the spread of buckthorn at a manageable level
that is acceptable to the public. To best approach this monumental task, I would
like to start with contracting a registered landscape architect or professional land
restoration firm, such as, Prairie Restoration, to determine the extent of the
infestation and establish a detailed buckthorn management plan for all Edina
parklands and open space. The goal is to establish a management plan that does
the following:
• Establish criteria to prioritize buckthorn removal and site restoration
methods. In other words, determine which infestations are most harmful
or considered highest priorities.
• Identify high priority buckthorn infested parkland and open space areas
that meet the criteria.
• Determine method of removal (mechanical removal, cutting, pulling, etc.)
and control (burning, pesticides, plantings, etc.) for each high priority
area.
• Recommend methods of restoration for each area (introduction of native
species, grasses, other plantings, etc.).
• Estimate a cost of removal and control for each area.
• Determine a long-range budget plan to accomplish the master plan.
At the same time, the City of Edina is and has been working with volunteers from
the Edina League of Women Voters and the Edina Garden Council to coordinate a
citywide residential effort to encourage homeowners to remove buckthorn on their
own properties. In addition, the city has been and plans to continue to utilize
volunteer help, sentenced to serve labor, and paid city staff to remove buckthorn
and various specified park areas.
By removing and controlling the massive spread of buckthorn on city -owned
property, the residents of Edina will have a better chance of controlling buckthorn
on their own property.
14
12. Work Plan
There have been several activities in Edina in 2003 in attempt to remove
buckthorn:
• Edina Art Center Project - Edina Horticulture Specialist, Tim
Zimmerman, worked closely with the Edina Garden Council to remove
buckthorn on Taylor Knoll at Edina Art Center (May and June of 2003).
The area will continue to be managed by the Edina Park Maintenance
Department.
• Creek Valley Park Project — City Forester and Park Maintenance staff
removed buckthorn from Creek Valley Park year two of a five-year
management control plan.
• Van ValkenburgP — City Forester and Weed Inspector removed
buckthorn (cutting and weed wrench) and applied herbicide treatments to
the area for the fourth year of monitoring.
• City Wide Buckthorn Pickup and Disposal — Park Maintenance
Department worked with League of Women Voters and Edina Garden
Council to coordinate a citywide buckthorn pickup and disposal from
residential sites (two concurrent weekends in October).
• Braemar Golf Course Buckthorn Removal — Braemar Golf Course
maintenance staff cut and removed hundreds of buckthorn trees
throughout Braemar Golf Course.
• Natural Landscaping Program - The Edina Garden Council and City of
Edina hosted a free seminar at Arneson Acres Park on "Removing Your
Buckthorn." Speakers gave presentations on buckthorn removal, control,
and introduction of native plants back into the environment.
• Buckthorn Abatement Month Resolution - The Mayor and City Council
will pass another resolution declaring October 2003 Buckthorn Abatement
Month in Edina, encouraging residents to do their part in controlling the
spread of buckthorn.
13. Evidence of Matching Funds
The City of Edina Park Maintenance Department plans to contribute
$5,000.00 in 2004 towards this management plan. In addition, there are
numerous other buckthorn removal and site restoration projects throughout
Edina that could be considered matching funds:
• Edina Art Center Protect - $600 labor (full-time staff and volunteers) and
$300 in materials; $900 total.
• Creek Valley Park Project - Labor and materials $400 in 2003.
• Van Valkenburg Park — Full-time staff and volunteers and herbicides
$1,500.
• City Wide Buckthorn Pickup and Disposal — Distribution of over 3,000
fliers to Edina residents; plus, Park Maintenance Department staff and
volunteers to coordinate citywide pickup and disposal; $2,400 total.
• Braemar Golf Course Buckthorn Removal — Braemar Golf Course
maintenance staff cut and removed hundreds of buckthorn trees
throughout Braemar Golf Course (includes full-time and part-time staff
and heavy equipment); $2,800.
The Edina Park Maintenance Department has $5,000.00 to spend on hiring a
consultant to assess the current infestation of buckthorn and establish a long-term
buckthorn management plan for the Edina park system. With an additional
$5,000 grant, the City of Edina can go forward with our aggressive efforts to
manage the spread of buckthorn throughout the city. We are fortunate to have a
motivated group of volunteers who are committed to spending countless hours to
help us in this effort. Edina Park Maintenance Department staff and Braemar
Golf Course Maintenance staff also spend a tremendous amount of time annually
to remove buckthorn.
We desperately need funding to help us secure a sound management plan that will
give us an intelligent approach to managing the spread of buckthorn. We are
motivated to remove buckthorn and manage parklands and open spaces in a
manner that meets or exceeds the public's expectations. We have quickly learned
that simply removing buckthorn is not going to solve the problem in the long run.
We need a sound plan that will keep buckthorn in check by proven management
techniques.
Date: February 11, 2004
To: John Keprios
Director — Park and Recreation Department
From: Tom Horwath
Edina City Forester
Re: 2003 Year-end Forestry Report
Residential boulevard tree trimming notices
Last winter and summer I sent 99 trimming notices to residents throughout the city to
trim vegetation away from streets and sidewalks to comply with code requirements for public
safety purposes. Because winter is considered the best time to trim trees, most of these notices
are sent during the winter. Summer is the next preferred season for trimming, so I also monitor
the city then and issue notices where deemed necessary. Spring and fall are not considered
satisfactory times for tree trimming, therefore, unless necessary, I forgo these seasons for this
duty.
Generally, three weeks time is given to residents to comply. Since this management plan
was altered three years ago from city contracted trimming of boulevard trees at homeowners
expense, compliance to individual notices has been excellent.
This winter I have also written a notice to send to specific residents regarding care of
young trees along the boulevards. This letter does not require trimming, since the targeted trees
are not yet in violation of any code requirements. Rather it suggests that some trimming now,
and with planned future trimming, the health and aesthetics of these trees can be optimized while
the trees are young and most benefit from minimal and knowledgeable care. I will include a copy
of this notice with this report. Thus far it has been mailed to 65 residents — most in the Country
Club neighborhood.
II. Trees Planted
The following is a list of trees planted in 2003.
1. 26 April — McGuire Park — 3 Serbian Spruce, 3 Black Pines "Oregon Green"; 3
Columnar White Pines and 1 Juniper, all 4-6' tall. Arbor Day project. Assisted by Boy Scout
troop.
2. 29 April — 3 Dawn Redwoods, 3-4' tall. Van Valkenburg Park — east of pond at
entrance. Dawn Redwood is a tree species long thought to be extinct. During the mid 20th
century a small grove was discovered in China. Seeds were collected from these trees. Trial
sites are reporting success. This evergreen sheds its needles every year with regrowth every
spring, similar to a tamarack.
3. 29 April — 2 Paper Birch trees, 7'. Weber Park — east of shelter. Since the drought of
1988-89, and subsequent high losses from Birch Borer, this native Birch tree is difficult to find in
nurseries. Planted in appropriate sites, it is far less susceptible to Birch Borer. It is my favorite
Birch tree of all the various other Birch trees.
4. 6 May — 2 Paper Birch trees 7'. Todd Park — east of shelter.
5. 12 May — 2 Norway Pines — 1' (replacements) and 1 Paper Birch — 4' at Creek Valley
(hockey rink).
6. 13 May — 5 Noble Firs 1.5 — 2'. Arneson's starter garden. This garden is used for
purchasing and temporarily growing smaller stock of plant material which is not available in
local nurseries, thus expanding the diversity and interest within the parks.
7. 22 May — 3 Bur English Oaks — 3'. Pamela Park (later removed — interfering with
planned landscape).
8. 22 May — 1 Bur English Oak — 3'. Highlands Park — along Glengarry in unmowed
area near lake.
9. 29 May — Rosland Park — 1.5" cal, 15 gal cont. on hill east of tennis courts. 2°a
replacement for memorial tree.
10. 29 May — Edina Art Center — 5' Ginkgo tree — east of building. Donation tree.
11. 3 June — Creek Valley — 5' Austrian Pine "Oregon Green" west of hockey rink.
Replacement for birch.
12. 3 June — Rosland Park — annual and perennial flowers in mulch garden east of tennis
courts.
13. 30 September. Across street from 6324 West Shore Dr. — 4-5' Techny Arborvitaes.
Through Eng. Dept.
14. 8 October. Pamela Park — 5' Bek Hills Spruce. West side of parking lot near
warming house. Replacement.
15. 8 October. Cornelia School Park. 1 New Harmony Elm. 12'. S.W. corner of
hockey rink. Memorial tree.
16. 16 October. Chowen Park 3"cal. B&B Crabapple. Corner of 57th and Chowen.
Donation tree.
Last year during the summer and fall rainfall amounts were scarce. Extra time was
required for watering these trees by myself and parks staff.
III. Dutch Elm Disease
In 2003 I marked a total of 368 diseased Elm trees on public and private property. 238
were on private property; 45 were on boulevards; 85 were in city parks.
This has been the fourth consecutive year that the incidence of Dutch Elm Disease has
increased. 1999 was the lowest year ever at 68 total Elms. In 2000 I marked 128; 20011 marked
159; 2002 I marked 259. This increase in Dutch Elm Disease has been reported throughout the
metro area. The majority of my time this summer was spent on inspections, notifications, and
monitoring for compliance.
IV. Buckthorn
Since I have already reported on Buckthorn activities in 2003, I will be brief on this
subj ect.
Fall is the season when I have the most time to concentrate efforts on this task. Besides
my own time spent in the parks working on this, we also received help from Boy Scouts,
volunteers and parks staff.
Whatever level of commitment is agreed upon, it is not an unreasonable assumption that
total eradication throughout the city may never be achieved. Despite this valid opinion I do
believe that isolated and prioritized efforts are beneficial and worthwhile.
Some sites are chosen in parklands because of their high visibility factor. Highlands Park
was chosen for this reason. On the south and west end — along Glengarry and Ayrshire —
hundreds of Buckthorn shrubs were growing in among the specimen trees and shrubs that line
the park. Removal of these plants was beneficial not only to the aesthetics of this area, but also
for the health of the desired trees and shrubs. Approximately 80% of the Buckthorn was pulled
out with a weed wrench. The larger ones, unable to be pulled out, were cut and stump treated
with glyphosate.
Some areas are necessarily chosen because of their proximity to streets. The extra
sunlight along these edges makes for more favorable conditions for this plant. In the past it was
trimmed, along with any other vegetation encroaching the streets. Now the entire plant is
eradicated — pulled or stump treated.
Overcompetition of Buckthorn in the woodlots is considered detrimental to the health of
the trees and restricts the beneficial and desired diversity of these environments. Many of these
areas are so infested that total elimination is probably not feasible. My strategy has thus been a
thinning of Buckthorn, particularly the ones closest to the trees and out toward the drip -lines of
the trees. If overcompetition is a health related issue, removing the plants around the trees
should be the best prioritized way of protecting the health of the trees. This is the method I am
using in the oak woodlot at Van Valkenburg Park. Also by not opening up the canopy of the
woodlot entirely, I think this method will also help reduce the regeneration of future Buckthorn
plants since it sprouts more readily in proportion to the amount of sunlight that hits the ground.
While engaging in any Buckthorn control operations throughout the complex of Edina's
highly valued wood lots, some overall management guidelines can be established. However, it is
also important to consider them all unique in various ways. Individualized management
prescriptions must also be formulated. What is desirable or necessary in one area may not be
proper for another.
I believe it is our duty to preserve and protect these natural landscapes in a manner that
recognizes the sensitivity of the natural and complex functioning processes that govern and
define the health and aesthetics of these areas. Management strategies encompassing knowledge,
caution and respect must be utilized and enforced to guarantee maximum protection. Many of
these area harbor the oldest growing trees in the city. A great deal of them are oaks which are
especially sensitive to disturbances.
Thank you for your time and attention.
R��lly su ipitted`r�=��d"
Tom Horwath
E(DI(B0R07)GYf BAWK
Aq-,TN7'JXE BEAK IXTO"ATIOX
• Adventure (Peakwas designed and built by International Blay Company of Vancouver,
British Columbia, for $230, 000. It opened on September 3, 2003.
• It tooka total of 178 days -just under 6 months - forAdventure (Peak to pay for itself. As of
,larch 7, the Blayparkhasgenera tedrevenues of over $248,000. The revenue estimate for the
first year of operation is $350, 000.
• Pa idElayparkattendance is in excess of 45,000 persons. TotalBarkattendance is over
120,000 persons since September 2003. This is almost triple the attendance over the same time
period a year ago when the parkwas free.
• 23 % of daily admissions are sold to Edina residents, 77% to non-residents.
• Since September 3, 2003, Edin6orough Barkhas hosted over 275 paid 6irthday parties.
• Adventure Beakis 37 feet tall and occupies a footprint of 42',T 40'. dere are over 45 play
elements including S slides, cargo climbs, glider, punching bag forest, air bounce, several mazes
and climbs, suspension bridge, log squeeze, web tubes, and rings.
•
The most popular play elements are the triple -wave slide, air bounce, giant spiral slide,
climbing wall, and the toddler area.
• Officialcapacity forAdventure Beakis 350 persons. Our "comfortable capacity" is 250.
Seating capacity for the surrounding area is 70 people.
• Adventure Beakis cleaned and disinfected daily. We average four man-hours per day for
cleaning.
Item Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Total
Res Daily Adm 2748 3787 5976 5754 6791 5955 $31,011
Non -res Daily Adm 4570 9014 18945 17604 27934 27198 $105,265
Assoc. Daily Adm
302
708
810
800
744
892
$4,256
Punch Pass
5110
6366
12200
8996
14242
8875
$55,789
Season Pass
1322
957
469
3755
9523
2524
$18,550
B -day party
904
2522
3974
3696
4297
5092
$20,485
Misc.
76
180
322
338
515
440
$1,871
TOTAL PLAYPARK REVENUES $237,227
John Keprios, Director
Edina Park & Recreation Department
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
Office (952) 826-0430
FAX (952) 826-0385
Jkeprios@ci.edina.mn.us
Memo
To: EDINA POARD.
From: John Kep ' s
CC: Gordon Hugh s, City Manager
Date: March 22, 2004
Re: Wine In Grocery Stores Legislation.
As directed by the Edina City Council at their March 16t1', 2004, Council meeting, I am asking that
you take an active role in opposing a bill proposed to allow grocery stores to sell wine.
is Why are we suggesting that we should all collectively and actively oppose this legislation and how
does it affect the Edina Park and Recreation Department and particularly the Edina Art Center and
Braemar Arena? Great question! As you may or may not know, the Edina Liquor Store profits
contribute a significant amount of funding to the Edina Park and Recreation Department. How
much? Over the past five years, the Edina Art Center has received $623,000 directly from Edina's
Liquor Store profits to offset the Art Center's operational losses. In the same time period, Braemar
Arena has received $741,000 from liquor store profits to cover its operational losses.
In the past five years, Liquor Store profits contributed over $2.4 million dollars to the revolving
fund, which is the source of funding for the Edina Park and Recreation Department's capital
improvement plan projects.
The capital improvement plan includes projects such as the renovation of athletic fields, replacing
playground equipment, rebuilding pathways, new park shelter buildings, furnishings for the Senior
Center, ball field lighting, building repairs, parking lot and tennis court and basketball court repairs,
batting cages, pathways, large park maintenance equipment, Art Center improvements, Braemar
Arena capital needs, and the list goes on. The Edina Park and Recreation Department capital
improvement plan budget in 2003 was $715,000.
As requested by the City Council, we encourage you to actively oppose this legislation. Enclosed is
sample letter that you may wish to use. Names and addresses of your legislators are included in this
mailing. Thank you in advance for your support.
(Date)
(Legislator Name & Address)
Dear (Legislator's Name):
As a member of the Edina Park Board, I ask for your support to oppose Wine -In -
Grocery -Stores legislation for a number of reasons, most importantly because it will have
a direct negative effect on our ability to continue to offer quality recreation program
services and maintain quality park and recreation facilities. Revenues from Edina's three
municipal off -sale liquor stores directly reduce the tax burden borne by Edina citizens by
nearly one million dollars each year.
The Edina Park Board needs you to support the City of Edina's franchise to be a
municipal provider of alcohol. It has been Edina's position for over 50 years that this is
how alcohol should be distributed in Edina. The voters of Edina set this up in 1948. We
believe that wine in grocery stores is contrary to our strong stance on youth access to
alcohol in Edina.
This bill is of concern to our members and patrons of the Edina Art Center and Braemar
Arena because liquor store profits are an important funding source for both enterprise
facilities, which receives a direct subsidy of Liquor Store profits each year to fund their
operational losses. In the past five years, the Edina Art Center and Braemar Arena have
collectively received over $1.3 million in subsidies directly from Liquor Store profits.
In the past five years, Liquor Store profits have contributed over $2.4 million to the
revolving fund, which is the source of funding for the Edina Park and Recreation
Department's Capital Improvement Plan projects. The Capital Improvement Plan funds
projects such as athletic field renovation, Senior Citizen Center furnishings, rebuilding
worn tennis courts and pathways, replacing roofs on park shelter buildings, and more.
I am aware that the City has strict limitations imposed on it (levy limits) by the State,
which limits the City's ability to levy for these critical needs. We urge you to oppose
Wine -In -Grocery -Store legislation and appreciate your support of our position on this
matter.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
Geoff Michel, State Senator
151 State Office Building
100 Rev MLKing Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-6238
sen. deo ffi michei(crsenate.mn
Alice Seagren, State Representative
Room 477 State Office Building
100 Rev MLKing Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651)296-7803
rep.alice.sea,gren(a)house.mn
Ron Erhardt, State Representative
Room 477 State Office Building
100 Rev MLKing Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-4363
rep.ro n. erhardtg,,house.mn