NRCB Item - Nate Monahan, Recreation Manager
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NRCB Updates
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Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Entrance Sign
Work continues on the entrance sign and it should be completed very soon.
Pioneer Park Tree Project
Staff brought the Pioneer Park Preservation Project to the January 3rd workshop to open up discussion with Council on the potential tree preservation project, currently proposed in the 2022 Open Space Fund budget. The project, as proposed, would include the removal of 1,314 ash trees from the wetland located on the southwest side of Pioneer Park. An additional 572 dead trees along the trail system in the park are proposed for removal as well. Staff also recommends removing 740 non-native invasive trees from the wetland area. These tree species, mostly quaking aspen and boxelder, are invasive to the wetland area. They are less tolerant to drought or temperature extremes and have a much shorter lifespan than the native species in the area, like American elm, red oak, or black cherry trees. They also compete very aggressively with the native species and would spread quickly to the areas where the ash trees would be removed in the wetland. Further discussions with Council will happen at a later date.
2022 - 2026 Open Space CIP
The city council will be reviewing the budget on Wednesday, January 19.
Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Pavilion and Restroom
WSB and Associates has begun feasibility planning for restroom and pavilion structures. Staff is working with WSB and the Rice Creek Water Shed District for this initial portion of the project. The architect for the project hopes to share a few concepts for review with City Council and the NRCB in February.
Amendment of the BWS Wetland Bank Permits
Staff is waiting for final review from state agencies on amending the wetland bank permits for Branch 3 and Site 7 to allow for future trails through the sites. Once wetland banks are amended staff will look to hire a consultant to update the future trail plan throughout the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary. Once trail concepts are reviewed by City Council and NRCB, staff will look to hold public meetings to gather input from residents.
Speaker Series
Staff will look to begin the speaker series in February with Carrie Taylor from Anoka Conservation District.
Staff Recommendation
Informational
Attachment List