Laserfiche WebLink
Environmental Board Annual Work Plan 2023 <br />General <br />1. Continue to review proposed development projects and provide recommendations to the City <br />Council. The recommendations are based upon compliance with the landscaping section of the <br />Zoning Ordinance, and current accepted practices on topics including urban forestry, natural <br />resource conservation, water quality, utilizing native plants where feasible, and protecting <br />wildlife. <br />2. Improve and enhance environmental content on the City website, social media, and the local <br />newspaper. <br />3. Promote workshops on native plants and water quality projects on the city website and social <br />media platforms. <br />4. Initiate more volunteer project options to help residents engage with the local environment. <br />Forestry <br />1. Continue implementation of the City’s Emerald Ash Borer response. This includes removal of <br />boulevard trees and replacement with a diverse mix of species, a partnership with Rainbow Tree <br />Care to offer a discount rate on private tree injections, and continued removals of ash trees in <br />natural areas and parks. <br />2. Continue to promote the City tree sale. In addition to the many benefits that increased canopy <br />cover brings to the city, the sale also helps residents to affordably replace private trees that have <br />succumbed to EAB. <br />Natural Resources <br />1. Review proposed changes to landscaping ordinance as part of the zoning ordinance update. <br />2. Support the pursuit of additional wetland bank establishment opportunities. <br />3. Evaluate updating MLCCS land cover data with the DNR to incorporate the development that has <br />occurred in the city since the last update. <br />4. Continue to recommend implementation of Greenway System improvements where applicable in <br />development projects. <br />Water <br />1. Continue to distribute educational outreach materials on water conservation, both on the city <br />website and in newsletters. Continue the smart irrigation controller program. <br />2. Promote the Adopt-a-Drain program, which encourages residents to participate in improving <br />water quality by cleaning storm drains and preventing trash and organic pollutants from reaching <br />our lakes, rivers, and wetlands.