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Environmental Board <br />October 27, 2021 <br />Page 4 <br />APPROVED MINUTES <br />Mr. Schwartz added education on this connection between wells, water conservation, and <br />water quality would encourage residents’ efforts to conserve water. <br />Mr. Sullivan agreed wildlife impacts should be kept in mind both for endangered and <br />threatened species and more common native species. <br />Mr. Sullivan asked for updates on local businesses taking part in recycling related grant <br />programs. <br />Mr. Nelson noted roughly one business per year took part in this program and staff can <br />update the Board with new businesses using the program. <br />Mr. Nelson provided an update on evaluating the feasability of biodegradable pet waste <br />bags for use in public trails and parks noting that, due to cost, containment of the excess <br />nutrients, and health risks to workers, it does not seem feasible to switch from the typical <br />plastic pet waste bags. <br />Mr. Sullivan asked why do we not want the pet waste to break down with the bag it is in. <br />Mr. Nelson responded breakdown outside of landfills has the potential to impact <br />groundwater and the workers and keeping the waste contained seems to be the most <br />important. <br />Mr. Sullivan noted when the Board discussed this issue before the importance of picking <br />up waste and adding stations was connected to groundwater quality. <br />Mr. Nelson then presented the Annual Tasks List. <br />Mr. Nelson noted 47 oak wilt trees were marked this year. <br />Mr. Schwartz wanted to know where oak wilt was most prominent. Mr. Nelson <br />responded areas around Lois Lane, Rohavic Lane, and Linda Lane were three hotspots <br />with heavy oak density that are experiencing oak wilt. The City has been working with <br />homeowners to coordinate root trenching services. <br />Mr. Nelson provided an update on the current status of the heron rookery on Lake Peltier <br />Island. The island’s ash tree population is dying as a result of the emerald ash borer. A <br />tree planting sponsored by the Rotary club added 8 trees to the island in October. <br />Mrs. Holmes asked about the nesting habits of the blue herons on the island and how the <br />loss of trees will impact their re-nesting habits. Mr. Nelson said he is not sure if they <br />reuse nests, but assumed they did due to the nests all being concentrated in one part of the <br />island. The herons use other tree species on the island for nesting. <br />Mr. Sullivan shared a brief overview of how recycling tonnage is collected and how the <br />SCORE grants work in conjunction with Anoka County.