NRCB Item - Nate Monahan, Recreation Manager and Rebecca Haug, Water Resource Manager
Title
NRCB Updates
Executive Summary
Staff will review with the NRCB the items below on current projects and programs.
Background
BWS Structure and Concept Trail System Update
In May, staff reviewed options with the City Council for a structure at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary (BWS) parking lot located at 11980 Lexington Avenue. The City Council gave staff direction to move forward with hiring a consultant to design a pavilion with restrooms. Staff also reviewed the 2014 BWS Master Plan trail system concept and discussed the possibility of updating the plan to be more cost effective. The updates would maximize uplands, limit boardwalks, utilize city property in neighborhoods for trail connections, and reduce trails behind homes.
The City Council gave staff direction to move forward with updating the BWS Trail System Plan. Staff will begin this work once the regulatory agencies approve the trail through the Central and Northern Portion of the BWS.
Volunteer rescue of State endangered Rubus Stipulates at BWS
Staff will provide an update of the event that was held on June 10.
BWS Appreciation Tour with Anoka Conservation District, CCES, and City of Blaine
Scheduled for August 10 from 5-7pm and backup date of August 12.
More information to come.
BWS Ongoing Maintenance
The spring burn scheduled at the BWS has been delayed due to weather conditions until the fall. The large upland island in the north portion was the only area burned this spring. Additional maintenance throughout the summer will include; spot herbicide treatments, interseeding, and potential threatened and endangered plantings.
BWS Entrance Sign
The cities consultant SRF will put the bid out late June or early July. Construction to follow in the fall.
BWS Summer Programs
Parks and Recreation staff is collaborating with Growing Green Hearts and the Wargo Nature Center to provide summer programs at the BWS. Below are the completed and upcoming programs.
Bird Hike - 16 participants
All Ages
DATE: Tuesday, June 1
TIME: 6 - 8PM
Fee: $5/child or family
Plants & Wetland Communities -
All Ages
DATE: Thursday, July 8
TIME: 6 - 8PM
Fee: $5/child or family
Welcome Hike & Belly Biology
All Ages
DATE: Monday, June 28
TIME: 9 - 10AM
FEE: $5/child or family
Superheroes & Systems
All Ages
DATE: Tuesday, June 29 OR Thursday, August 5
TIME: 9 - 10AM
FEE: $5/child or family
Author & Art
Ages 10 and Under with Parent/Guardian
DATE: Monday, August 2
TIME: 9 - 11AM
FEE: $5/child or family
Boardwalk & Books
Ages 10 and Under with Parent
DATE: Tuesday, August 3
TIME: 9 - 11AM
FEE: $5/child or family
Connecting with Critters
Ages 10 and Under with Parent
DATE: Wednesday, August 4
TIME: 9 - 11AM
FEE: $5/child or family
Insects and Other Critter Crawlers
DATE: Wednesday, August 19
TIME: 6 - 8PM
FEE: $5/child or family
Sunrise Ponds Trail
Staff is currently working with the consultant SRF on design and permitting for the Sunrise Ponds Trail with hopes of getting the bid out in July.
Pioneer Park Update
Staff will review the discussion from the June 14 City Council Workshop.