HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-11 PACKET 08.A.(M Cottage
i Grove
h ere Pride and?to sperity Meet
To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: February 14, 2013
Subject: 2013 Prescribed Burn Plans
Introduction
Each year, the City utilizes the maintenance tool of prescribed burning to manage its prairie sites.
During the spring of 2013, staff is proposing to burn prairie at Oakwood Park and Pine Summit Pond. A
copy of the letter that will be mailed to adjacent residents is attached. That letter puts residents on
notice of the work and explains some the benefits of prescribed burning as well as safety precautions
that are taken.
Prescribed burns are a very effective tool in managing prairie sites. The burning process inhibits
invasive weed and woody specie growth by burning those plants and seed bank. However, prairie
plants thrive from the burn by being able to sustain fire because of its strong root system and its ability
to recapture nutrients /energy from burned thatch material. Prescribed burns ultimately save the City
time, labor and money by reducing the need for mowing, spraying and cutting of invasive trees, grasses
and weeds.
The company performing the burn will be MN Native Landscapes. This company has burned multiple
prairies sites, including the two proposed, for the City in each of the past five years with success. They
will be required to obtain all burning permits from the County and MN DNR and must also provide
liability insurance with the City of Cottage Grove named as an insured. They shall abide by all burning
restrictions set by any government agency.
Residents are invited to contact staff to discuss any concerns but are also offered the opportunity to
approach the Commission if they feel a public forum is necessary.
Recommendation
Recommend to contract services to MNL for prescribed burning at Oakwood Park and Pine Summit
Pond prairie sites.
February 19, 2013
Dear Resident,
This letter is to inform you of the City's intent to burn the prairie sites in Oakwood Park and Pine Summit Pond.
The prairie is at a level of maturity where a prescribed burn is considered the most effective method to managing
plant growth. Periodic prescribed burns remove undesirable woody and weed species, provide rich nutrients to
the soil, enhance native habitat and boost the ecological environment for plants, animals and birds.
The prescribed burn will be performed by the company of Minnesota Native Landscapes. They are a professional
native landscape management company and have performed thousands of burns throughout the Midwest. All
applicable licensing and permits are applied for by MNL and authorized by the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources.
The city understands that fires of any type can be scary for homeowners. However, prescribed burns are a
common method of management throughout municipal, county, state and federal park systems. The safety
precautions taken are time tested and minimize any risk to the adjacent neighborhoods. Such things as choosing
ideal weather conditions, establishing burn breaks, keeping thousands of gallons of water at the site and having
professionals of the industry perform the work make this method of management the most efficient and effective
for the city.
The type of fire used is quite often not what people may envision. The fire is kept very low to the ground and
rarely rises above 18 inches in height. The fire crew works in stages and does not move more than 10 feet ahead
without assuring the fire is completely distinguished behind them. The crew works very fast and most sites in
Cottage Grove will be completed in two to six hours. If you wish to further educate yourself on the type of work
being performed you can find some good generalized information on prescribed burns on the MN DNR website at
the following address:
http: / /files.dnr.state.mn.us/ assistance /backyard /privatelandsprogram /benefits prescribed burning.pdf
If internet is not available to you, please call our offices and we'll be happy to send you out the literature.
If you have any questions or concerns with this work, please contact me directly at 651- 458 -2847 or by email at
zdocl<ter @cottage- grove.org.
Sincerely,
Zac Dockter
Parks and Recreation Director