Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2018 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Ryan Ingebritson, Kim Kovich, and Jim Olson Commissioners absent: Anna Dirkswager, Joy Faherty, and Brian Perra Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – July 11, 2018 Motion by Commissioner Kim Kovich, Second by Commissioner Jim Olson, to approve the minutes of July 11, 2018. Motion passed 2-0 (Sabel and Ingebritson present). UPDATE ON THE FOUR NATURE PRESERVES Mr. Kytonen began his update with Martins Meadows and provided photographs of the conditions from October, reviewing some of the management activities that have occurred. He stated that Oak Wilt was identified and have been marked. He noted that the decision will be made whether to remove those trees as they arise or take on more active management. Commissioner Kovich commented that the marked trees should be removed and that he would prioritize removal of other items such as Prickly Ash over more proactive management of Oak Wilt. Mr. Kytonen stated that overall it is a quality site that is doing well. Chairperson Sabel asked how the new development would impact the preserve. Mr. Kytonen identified the location of Peterson Farms and identified a trail that would connect to the preserve, which will provide another public access point for the preserve. He stated that ideally it would be nice to conduct another prairie burn in the preserve. He stated that signage and perhaps another kiosk could be added at that entrance to the preserve. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – November 14, 2018 Page 2 Chairperson Sabel asked the plans for Outlot A. She stated that it would be nice to have a small parking lot for the preserve entrance rather than simply using the cul-de-sac for parking for the preserve. Mr. Kytonen stated that he will follow up on that to determine future use of the outlot. It was the consensus of the Commission that if the plan is to leave the outlot unbuildable, then perhaps the Commission could work with the property owner to develop an active management plan for the outlot. Mr. Kytonen moved to North Woods Preserve and displayed photographs that he took of the preserve this fall. He reviewed some of the management activities including pruning along the trails. He noted that coming into the preserve from the parking lot there are roots starting to raise up in the trails that could be a tripping hazard. He reviewed some of the options that could be used to mitigate the roots. He noted that one idea would be to involve an Eagle Scout, where the City could dump the woodchips and the Eagle Scout could spread the woodchips along the trails. He stated that there would be an option to leave the trails with the roots because it is a natural setting. It was the consensus of the Commission to leave the roots along the trails as is for the time being as the preserve is meant to be a natural setting. Mr. Kytonen moved on to Maple View Preserve noting that he completed pruning along the trails but advised that they will need to keep an eye on some dying trees along the trails that may need to be removed. He moved to Dalske Preserve and displayed photographs that he took the previous week. He stated that there were discussions with the DNR because there was concern with motorized ATV’s accessing the preserve. He stated that the DNR installed signage alerting that motorized vehicles are not allowed and there has been discussion of installing a gate. He noted that there are downed trees that need to be removed and there are a number of dead standing trees. He stated that the dead standing trees create great habitat. Commissioner Olson stated that perhaps there could be some welcoming signage as well. He noted that the DNR signage and the blockade seem to make the preserve appear unwelcoming. It was the consensus of the Commission that the blockade should be removed, and the neighboring property owner could alert the County Sheriff if motorized vehicles enter the preserve. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE GRANTS Mr. Kytonen stated that there was a discussion of a possible partnership grant with Great River Greening for Maple View Preserve and provided an update on funding that could be available through 2023 for restoration of the lowland within the preserve. He confirmed that the plan that was previously created will be used as a guide. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – November 14, 2018 Page 3 DISCUSSION OF BOARDWALK COSTS AND STATUS OF DALSKE WOODLANDS BOARDWALK Mr. Kytonen stated that the Federal grant opportunity is once again available with an application deadline of February 2019. He confirmed the consensus of the Commission to reapply for the grant. He stated that whether or not the City receives the grant, the boardwalk funding has been included in the 2020 Capital Improvement Plan for the City. Commissioner Olson asked if there has been any additional thought to requesting Lessard Sams funds through the legislature. Commissioner Kovich explained that if Lessard Sams funds are used, public hunting has to be allowed on a portion. He confirmed that there are trail funds within the large pool of money as well. Commissioner Olson stated that perhaps Great River Greening would know of additional options for the boardwalk. Mr. Kytonen stated that Great River Greening projects must improve habitat and therefore a boardwalk would not qualify. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting: April 10, 2019 Noted. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary