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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCornelia buffer letter_20190314 March 14, 2019 Dear Resident, This letter is to inform you of an improvement to the public space along Lake Cornelia adjacent to your home. The attached fact sheet provides an overview of the project as well as a map of the City property where a vegetated buffer will be planted. Why plant a vegetated buffer along Lake Cornelia? Buffers promote lake health, help filter pollutants, and provide pollinator habitat. In addition to these natural resource and sustainability benefits, less mowing means savings in fuel and labor. Why here and now? Lake Cornelia is not meeting goals for lake health. Excess algae, including blue-green algae that can produce toxins, were recorded in 2016 and 2017 initiating public health advisories. The City has identified Lake Cornelia as a priority waterbody for making progress toward clean water goals. This timely project leverages studies and anticipated capital investment of partner agencies including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District. An inventory of turf grass areas managed by the City was recently completed. Staff are using this information to identify opportunities to transition to alternatives to conventional turf grass such as vegetated buffers. How will this space be managed? The attached map shows the approximate area that will be restored to a native vegetated buffer. The City will mow its property in the buffer area less frequently, approximately 1-3 times per year. This strategy encourages native plants and helps to minimize undesirable species such as buckthorn. Signs will be placed on public property to clearly mark the buffered area boundary. How do I stay informed? To stay informed on water resources topics including the Lake Cornelia Vegetated Buffer for Clean Water project, subscribe to City Extra email notifications for water resources updates at www.EdinaMN.gov/cityextra. What does a vegetated buffer look like? Native restorations offer a variety of colors and textures. There is a lot to look forward to as new plants grow in. Like most gardens, native restorations can take up to three years to establish and reach their full beauty. Think of the longstanding gardening quote: Year one, they sleep…The surface may look patchy, but underground native plants are building massive root systems that improve the health of the soil and help rainwater to soak into the ground. Year two, they creep…Plants begin to fill in above ground. Most of the energy is spent growing in size and deepening roots, but some will begin to bloom. As these plants become more established, they can outcompete many common weed species. Year three, they leap! Native vegetation becomes established and fills in the landscape. Plants have reached mature sizes and blooms are more common. Annual maintenance includes weed control and managing for undesirable invasive plants like buckthorn. We welcome your questions and comments as we make progress toward a healthier Lake Cornelia. Your partners in clean water, Jessica V. Wilson, CFM Water Resources Coordinator JWilson@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0445 Tom Swenson Assistant Director – Parks & Natural Resources TSwenson@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0317 Braemar Academy 9 Golf Course, vegetated buffer. Year 1, September Year 2, July Year 2, July Year 3, June