Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-09 PACKET 08.A.r Minnesota To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director CC: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Date: December 12, 2011 Subject: River Oaks Scenic Overlook Natural Resources Management Plan Introduction Cottage Grove continually identifies access to the Mississippi River a top priority for the community. This vision is supported in such documents as the Comprehensive Plan (2010) and Recreation Facility Needs Study (2005) just to name a couple. Although public river access is currently limited, since 1989 the city has had ownership of a unique parcel in the River Oaks neighborhood entitled the River Oaks Scenic Overlook. Background The River Oaks Scenic Overlook has terrific panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley. To the south one can see the Hastings lock and dam, and to the north are views of the main river channel and Grey Cloud Island. As the title of the parcel indicates, the site provides these valuable scenic overlook views but does not have direct access to the river as it is separated by steep bluffs and railroad property. The bluffs encompassing the River Oaks Scenic Overlook property are identified in the Natural Resources Inventory (1998) as perhaps the "best quality dry- bedrock bluff prairie in the City of Cottage Grove ". The prairie occurs on this southwest facing slope and includes a diverse base of true native prairie grasses and forbes. Two rare species of Illinois tick -foil (state threatened) and long- bearded hawkweed (state special concern) were also identified during the field survey. The resources plan further identifies an invasion of woody shrubs and trees such as buckthorn, honeysuckle and sumac as disturbance indicators. These invasive species appear to be growing rapidly and are putting the native plants at a high risk of loss. Due to the mentioned disturbances coupled with a lack of infrastructure to access the site, public accessibility and maintenance of the overlook has been nearly non - existent. In the fall of 2011, staff spent time reviewing the site and identified some serious concerns with the increased spread of invasive species. As such, staff worked with the Friends of the Mississippi River to identify partnering opportunities to manage the property for both its natural resources and to provide improved accessibility to the general public. As an initial step in that process, almost all grant funded restoration and enhancement projects must have an ecological and restoration management plan. This plan in its entirety is anticipated to cost $3,285 of which the FMR has graciously offered to grant $1,385. The city would be responsible for cost - sharing in the amount of $1,900. The 2012 budget identifies Park Trust Fund expenditures of up to $15,000 to be used towards master planning of parks. The expenditure portion of this project would be derived from those available funds Staff Recommendation Authorize staff to execute an agreement with the Friends of the Mississippi River to develop a Natural Resources Management Plan for the River Oaks Scenic Overlook for a cost to the city of $1,900. V N • ,..� � � o CCU w O O 4� 0 V .� 4� V `. C� 0 4� �� Friends of the Mississippi River 360 N Robert Street, Suite 400 • Saint Paul, MN 55101.651/ 222 -2193 • Fax 651/ 222 -6005 January 5, 2012 Mr. Zac Dockter & Mr. John Burbank City of Cottage Grove 8635 W. Point Douglas Rd. Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Dear Zac and John, First of all I want to thank you both for meeting with Karen and me out at the River Oaks Park site. The park is small but the views are incredible. As I explained on our site visit, one of the things that needs to be in place before LCCMR or LSOHC funds can be utilized at the park is a Natural Resource Management Plan. Here is the exact wording in a LCCMR document: Overall Restoration Project Requirements Restoration and enhancement projects must have an ecological restoration and management plan that is consistent with the highest quality conservation and ecological goals for the restoration site. The plan should give consideration to factors such as soil, topography, geology, and other relevant factors that would provide for the best chance for long -term success of the restoration. The plan should include a timetable for implementing the restoration, identify long- term maintenance and management needs of the restoration and how they will be financed, take advantage of the best available science, and include innovative techniques to achieve the best restoration. Expenses associated with developing a NRMP for the River Oaks Park site are estimated at $3,285.00. FMR can bring $1,385 to the project and we would ask the City of Cottage Grove to contribute $1,900.00. The following table presents information on the tasks and their costs associated with developing a NRMP for this 2.15 -acre park. If you have any questions after reviewing this budget please contact me. I look forward to working with you both in developing the NRMP for the park and in restoring and enhancing the natural resources on the site. Sincerely, QuickTime^ and a decompressor are needed to see this picture. Tom Lewanski Conservation Director River Oaks NRMP Project Budget Table. Associated Proposed Activity Expenses Project Funding Amount Status Required research $520 Friends of the $1,385.00 Secured for document Mississippi River Field work $650 City of Cottage $1,900.00 Pending Grove Map development $650 Document $1,170 development Partner $195 consultation Expenses (travel, $100 p rinting) Expense Total 1 $3 Funding Total $3,285.00 River Oaks NRMP Project Budget Table.