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Enivornmental Board <br />January 4, 2022 <br />Page 8 <br />APPROVED MINUTES <br />Mr. Nelson responded that the grant is not always available, but after this round we <br />will be in a better position to to solve the rest of the problem. <br /> <br />Mr. Parson asked why the specific number of thirty trees are being removed each <br />year. <br /> <br />Mr. Nelson responded that thirty trees coincided with both the forestry budget’s <br />ability to afford replacement trees as well as the schedule of Public Works staff. <br /> <br />Mr. Schwartz asked about how removals are prioritized. <br /> <br />Mr. Nelson responded that it depends on what is around the tree. Trees that are <br />standing dead with no target in a natural area are lower than boulevard trees that are <br />potential hazards. Areas like natural parks and reserves are assessed on their relation <br />to public access and congregation of people. <br /> <br />Mr. Parsons asked about tree injections. <br /> <br />Mr. Nelson explained the tree injections and how they are part of the EAB response <br />plan. <br /> <br />Mr. Nelson has been working with a seasonal hire to update the Dept. of Ag. EAB <br />quarantine map, which helps to explain why the trees are being removed as fast as <br />possible. <br /> <br />Mr. Sullivan asked if the mulching is done by the City staff or by the contractors, <br />noting that a lot of trees can be killed by improper mulching. He also asked about <br />stump grinding. <br /> <br />Mr. Nelson responded that early pruning and mulching is all done by staff. Stump <br />grinding is done as well. He noted that new trees won’t be planted in the old tree <br />location. The contractor is responsible for grinding stumps on trees they remove. <br /> <br /> <br />B. Water Quality Project Updates <br /> <br />Mr. Nelson provided a brief overview of three water quality projects currently <br />undergoing evaluation. Additional information will be provided to the Environmental <br />Board in future updates. <br />1. The City is working with the Vadnais Lake Area Watershed Management <br />Organization (VLAWMO) to prepare a feasibility study for a water quality <br />improvement project for the drainage area northeast of Amelia Lake. <br />2. The City’s Natural Resources Revolving Fund Plan identified potential <br />wetland bank sites in the City. Staff has been evaluating opportunities to <br />establish a new wetland bank on the Winter property.