02/28/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • INDIVIDUAL PROJECT TRACKING SHEET CITY OF LINO LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL Agenda Item 6B PROJECT #: 21 -11... PROJECT: Prairie Trac DATE OF ORIGIN: TO: Environmental Board Members City of Lino Lakes FROM: Marty Asleson Environmental Coordinator OVERVIEW STATEMENTS: • Recommendations are made to incorporate native landscape materials into site designs for new developments. The recommendations for the use of this type of plant material have a scientific basis, and is discussed in the Lino Lakes Environmental Management Plan, Numerous technical papers have been written on this subject. The reasons are simple. Surface water runoff quality improvement by creating buffers to 1. Reduce run -off, 2. Reduce chemical use, 3. Reduce fresh water use, all of which have effected the quality of our lakes and groundwater. Other reasons include labor and equipment cost savings to the City when used on public properties, and the aesthetic values that can be achieved. The Planning and Zoning Board reviewed the Summit landscape plan and questioned the use of native materials. They have asked if there are any native plants that do not have to be mowed. All native prairie types of plants adapted to fire. Fire is the best tool to use in any areas that have been invaded by non - native plants (because they have not adapted to fire). According to A Prairie Restoration Handbook For Minnesota Landowners, "If the location of your planting makes it impossible to burn, you can mow and then rake off the cut material to prevent the development of thatch. Mow and rake at the same time you would burn." So the answer is no. The alternative to burning is mowing if it is not physically possible to burn. However, some species may disappear from your planting over time, so one would need to interseed periodically to maintain diversity. Favoring competition (those plants not adapted to fire) gives non- natives an advantage. The same can be seen for most sod areas of the city that have been installed on poorly prepared soils or in areas that are unirrigated. Within a very short period of time they go to weeds, or want to go to weeds and are combatted with huge amounts of herbacides and fertilizers.(that for the most part end up in our lakes) Mr. Jeff Smyser wrote a letter to Fire Chief Bennett after the last Planning and Zoning Board Meeting. Please find attached. O. Chief Bennett responded back to Mr. Smyser. Letter attached. • The Environmental Board needs to respond to the concerns of the Planning and Zoning Board. 17apica &_Peepeazaov_BoapS Xirz oq$ Atvo AaKecr