05/30/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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In several openings within the oak savanna system and along the margin of the wetland area west and north of the new Town Center there are interspersed dry prairie remnants (6b). The dry prairies include sizeable populations of little bluestem, porcupine grass (Stipa spartea), occasional big bluestem grass, prairie panic grass, and white sage. Also occurring are clumps of the native American hazelnut (Corylus americana). Invasion by oaks from the abutting oak savanna remnants and by aspen and red osier dogwood from the adjacent wetland margin is occurring in these prairie openings. Recommendation: The prairie could be expanded greatly as part of a restoration program. Initially several years of prescribed buming would be advisable to see what species might be derived from the seedbank present on the site, followed by reintroduction of additional species. Grass- leaved goldenrod (Solidago graminifolia), showy goldenrod, bush clover, Pennsylvania sedge (and various other terrestrial sedges) are all pan' of system. Some of the oak savanna remnants have large populations of often - continuous cover of Pennsylvania sedge, along with several other sedges. The absence of native herbaceous forbs may suggest a history of grazing on the site. Restoration would follow the same general strategies as in the other oak savannas. In some of the locations, along with the use of prescribed buming, seed reintroduction at some future point maybe necessary; however, prescribed burning may be the principle strategy necessary. Garbage piles are present in some locations in the savanna along the wetland margin along the northwest edge of the property. These should be removed. Southwest Quadrant The savanna block adjacent to the school has some mesic forest elements within it, including red maple, basswood, red oak, and a diverse fern and ground cover element. Recommendation: This area should become lush with fems and sedges and other native vegetation with minor management that focuses on reintroduction of prescribed buming to the site. In the areas that have been disturbed by construction activities, it is likely that focused management of weedy species that are already present in some locations will be necessary. Management of thistles and other species such as bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) will also be necessary. S:98629:040999 12 Lino Lakes Town Center Natural Resource Inventory Report