03/27/2002 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2002 Grundhofer stated that they have an Arbor Day celebration. C. Environmental Asleson began with update on Clearwater Creek and referred to the map, pointing out the goal for what was once called Wetland Q was to restore it to what was natural in the early 1900's. Box elder trees have entered the area since it had been cleared. Staff informed the engineers working for the developer that the box elder trees would die, and that the residents would lament the removal of the trees unless the developer explained the plan. The homeowners did not receive a notice before the trees were removed, and were angry. There were some invasive species in the development, and he suggested that some of the money for restoration could be shifted. One species that could survive was the woody white swamp oak. A meeting was scheduled that could fund a seeder. The neighborhood meeting needed to be in the spring. Asleson stated he had been encouraged that the developer has had burns and seedlings. Asleson stated they have followed through with the plan, and this was an area where good things were happening. Donlin pointed out that in another area of the site, there was no buffer between the development and the industrial park. Asleson stated some things were taking place that were encouraging, but take a while to become established. He mentioned that he was now seeing songbirds returning to City Hall. Asleson noted the greenway grant, which was applied for by the City and the Watershed District, had been approved in the Minnesota Land Classification System. Asleson addressed the blue heron population, and stated that the process was called by some as misguided, unsubstantiated, and secretive. The one piece that had not been observed was the direct effect of water skiing on a course and its effects. The timeline for the joint ordinance was fast. The State and the County had tried to meet with the skiers, but the skiers had cancelled, and another meeting could not be scheduled. Any factor could have caused the herons to leave. It is difficult to prove causal effect in biology, so professional judgment needed to be made. Phosphorus testing could take place if the skiers did not ski north of the island during nesting season, and if they indicated when they were going to ski so that testing could be done before and after. Many had tried to find out the reason for the herons' departure. Donlin pointed out that the DNR had invited the skiers to every meeting, and tried to make sure they werz not excluded. It cannot be proven that it was the course, and so there would probably be threats. Asleson explained that with an increase in population, there is an increase in use. There were State laws on fairness of use, but it was left to the governing bodies to decide what was fair. Asleson stated that he had lived in the City for about 20 years and had never observed anyone skiing north of the island, which was a change that had taken place in the last 2 years. It appeared to staff that there was no more peaceful co- existence with the 6 DRAFT MINUTES