Natural Resource Conservation Board- Nate Monahan
Title
NRCB UPDATES
Background
Work is being planned and restoration efforts will continue at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary (BWS) this fall and winter. The proposed work will take place in the southern and northern portion. All work is weather dependent and subject to change. Check BlaineMN.gov/BWSRestoration for the latest updates.
Southern Portion of BWS update - This restoration work is funded through a grant received by Great River Greening through the MN Outdoor Heritage Fund.
• The Southern Portion work is to complete the restoration of the site that was started last winter.
• Precision Land and Tree (PLT) is scheduled to mow an access road off of 109th Ave and place mulch down in same location as last year- (late October/early November)
• PLT will finish tree removals of invasive, non-native, and dead trees per the approved plan once the ground is frozen and weather conditions allow - (November - March)
• Work service crews will continue buckthorn and other invasive plant species removals in areas previously identified for only invasive removals once ground is frozen and weather conditions allow -(November - March)
Northern Portion of BWS update - This restoration work is funded through the city’s open space fund.
• Crew and chipper are lined up to chip and remove the brush on the east side of the island with the asphalt path. Work will start October 21 if weather allows.
• This work does not require closing of the entire trail, just the eastern leg of the loop on that island.
• Work will include cutting burn breaks along the boardwalk and clearing vegetation growing into the boardwalk in the weeks to come.
• Burn breaks involve mowing a path that contain the fire within its boundaries.
• If a burn can be accomplished this fall, notice will be provided to the community through social media and to those who have signed up to receive notifications about the BWS.
• If a burn cannot be accomplished, the area will be set up with breaks for a spring burn.
• A partial fall burn and the rest in the spring, is another likely scenario.
• This work is required maintenance to meet the wetland bank permit requirements.
Recommendation
Informational