20240228 Enivronmental Board Packet Combined

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Environmental Board Annual Work Plan 2024 General 1. Continue to review proposed development projects and provide recommendations to the City Council. The recommendations are based upon compliance with the landscaping section of the Zoning Ordinance, and current accepted practices on topics including urban forestry,natural resource conservation,water quality,utilizing native plants where feasible, and protecting wildlife. 2. Improve and enhance environmental content on the City website, social media, and the local newspaper. 3. Promote workshops on water conservation, alternative lawn cover types, and native plants on the city website and social media platforms. Wildlife 1. Continue to support wildlife through utilizing the Natural Heritage Information System to identify rare, endangered,threatened, and special concern species and provide recommendations to minimize impacts to these species and improve habitat. 2. Promote the use of native plants to benefit pollinators and other organisms. 3. Work to improve existing natural areas on City land through restoration efforts with City and volunteer staff. 4. Support the heron rookery on Peltier Island. Forestry 1. Continue implementation of the City's Emerald Ash Borer response. This includes removal of boulevard trees and replacement with a diverse mix of species,a partnership with Rainbow Tree Care to offer a discount rate on private tree injections, and continued removals of ash trees in natural areas and parks. 2. Promote tree planting through the City tree sale and Anoka Conservation District seedling sale. Natural Resources 1. Review proposed changes to Landscaping Ordinance as part of the zoning ordinance update. 2. Support the pursuit of additional opportunities for wetland banks and other natural areas. 3. Improve the Greenway System and expand connectivity of greenspace in development projects.