07/26/2000 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Assessment (what do you have) • What is on the property - Simple resource inventory (divide into polygons [wetland, forest, open]. What's there. Multiple scales. Indicators of health. What are the critical areas on your property - wetland, soils, water (drainage). • What is adjacent to the property - Is there a forest, prairie, etc. that can be expanded or a wetland that can be buffered by your actions? Capacity of the land. • Legal considerations = Natural communities may be home for rare species (legal issues to consider). Prescribed fire as a management tool: will it be allowed (local ordinance), is it possible to do safely? What to do • Managing existing resources - How can your property be managed to blend personal goals with other plans? One option is leaving it alone. Many tools available to protect remaining natural communities (covenants, easements.). • Enhancing adjacent resources thru restoration actions on your property - Restoration/Management options that match goals. How to Restore/Enhance(what led to degradation? Choose target community that is possible, baseline inventory, develop sound plan of action - long term. Landscaping with native plants. Understanding and maintaining native plants. Correct soils for appropriate plants. Cost share programs. Economies of scale - Work with neighbors. • Effects of actions or inactions - Wildlife habitat improved/lost; critical areas may erode; succession, etc. Effects of clearing understory to a lawn condition (esp. 2 acre lots). Construction damage. - Fire Management - Adapt management/landscape plan to make property fire safe. Think about 10 years from now. What will it look like? Dealing with vegetative debris (alternatives to burning). Onsite options (piles for habitat, lop & scatter so decomposes quickly). Offsite options? Natural "disasters" (flood, fire, etc) may be beneficial. - Water Issues - On -site septic. Adjacent shoreline /wetland issues. - On -site livestock - Animals can have detrimental effects unless managed properly. How to: maintain green vegetative cover to prevent erosion; minimum 1 acre per 1000# animal; keep animals out of lakes, streams, wetlands [phosphorus & high biological oxygen demand], and woodlands). Laws - consult local ordinances, comply to new Apr 2000 MN feedlot rule. Soil test to determine nutrient needs (fertilize ?). References (6pp ) 4 • •