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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-11-1998 Council MinutesCITY OF LINO LAKES FOCUS GROUP MEETING JUNE 11,1998 The June 11, 1998, City of Lino Lakes Focus Group meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m. Roll call was taken, members present were Marty Asleson, Maurine Davidson, J.P. Houchins, Mike Trehus, Lori Frisk - Thompson, Art Hawkins, Rick Carlson, Jeff Schoenbuear, Mary Kay Wyland, Jeff Perry, Laura Wolfe, Rod Kukonen, Susan Lehnhardt, Mark Lindblad, Rick DeGardner, Paul Montain, Gary Udhe, Merrideth Cornette, John Bergeson, and John VonDelinde. Also present were Jeff Schoenbauer, Brauer & Associates, LTD, and Steve Apflebaum, Ecological Services. OVERVIEW OF FIELD WORK IN PROGRESS Jeff stated the purpose of this meeting is to build upon the focus of the environment that has already begun by the City of Lino Lakes. He stated that he and Steve will share with the group recent information that has been collected. The next step will be to ask the present members questions regarding their concern of the environment and current land use practices. UPDATE ON ECOLOGICAL FINDINGS Steve explained that four biologists were in the field for five days. They scoured 36 square miles within the City of Lino Lakes. The goal was to obtain a first cut of land cover types and an understanding of the ecological health of the areas. Once an unhealthy area is discovered, the objective is to determine why it is unhealthy. REVIEW OF PRELIMINARY GIS MAPPING OF ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES Steve referred to four maps that classified the land that was tested. The maps showed the areas and also classified the degradation of the land. The following was learned from the tested areas: The area has an extraordinary landscape. 2. The area contains magnificent Oak Savannas. 3. The area contains Red Oaks, Black Maples, Wildflowers, and ground vegetation. 4. The landscape varies from sandy soil to clay. CITY OF LINO LAKES FOCUS GROUP MEETING JUNE 11,1998 5. Remnants of heritage are still present in the area. Steve stated that the degraded land examples include areas modified by development, chemical use on the land, dried up wetlands, and lakes that have been dammed. He stated that all of these techniques have a ripple effect on the environment. INTRODUCTION OF PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL PROTOTYPES Steve explained that the definition of a prototype is a type of condition. Many healthy prototypes and unhealthy prototypes were found in the areas tested. Healthy prototypes include savanna, bog, sedge meadow, emergent, lakes, and dry/mesic prairie. Unhealthy prototypes include savanna, dry/mesic prairie, wet prairie, sedge meadow, bog emergent, lake, and mesic forest. There are many different healthy and unhealthy plant species within each category. Steve stated than when erosion occurs, top soil is lost. When top soil is lost, it is very difficult to restore healthy gradients in the landscape. Systems can be managed to keep the healthy prototypes healthy. Steve stated that the areas scoured showed few examples of mesic prairie. Mesic prairies is historically very rare. Steve indicated that wonderful tamarack bog systems were present. However, some areas have been altered within the tamarack and blackash. Steve stated that the lake shores within the area are in various states of degradation. He explained that most of the lakes within the area have been highly altered. He stated that the area showed some very interesting rare lake communities while some lake communities have become very degraded. Steve explained that as degradation occurs, water level is reduced. The dewatering impact has become evident on upland sites. Dewatering allows for very quick plant and tree degradation. The areas had many 50 to 160 year old Oak trees. Oaks at that age start to degrade. Steve explained that because of the Oak degradation, many of the oak trees were lost in the May, 1998, storm. When there is a lack of shade, there is no Oak regeneration. The savannah system will convert to unhealthy prototypes. Steve stated that most of the trees in Lino Lakes are at the age where they will collapse. This is a main concern for developers. Many prospective home buyers look for wooded lots. Decisions must be made within the community to save the trees. Steve reviewed the following changes that have occurred in the landscape: 1. Hydro period (water elevations of lakes) K CITY OF LINO LAKES FOCUS GROUP MEETING JUNE 11,1998 2. Fire suppression (better fire control) 3. Water quality deterioration (urban land uses) 4. Introduction of plants (plants that favor certain conditions) 5. Sedimentation (road construction projects) Steve noted that sedimentation is a major problem in Lino Lakes. Steve referred to a chart that demonstrated the healthy and unhealthy systems within the wildlife. The major wildlife affect is the change in different species and a much smaller number of species habituating in the areas tested. Steve briefly went over some problems and remedies for the affected areas in Lino Lakes. He stated that problems and remedies will be discussed in much further detail in the future. Examples of problems and remedies include the following: Problem Ecotone deterioration Nutrient loading Brush development/shade suppression Noxious weeds Upland ecological system land depletion open Wildlife impacts Few regional conservation opportunities Remedy Buffering strategies Use alternative wetland biofilters for n/p removal Prescribed burning, brush management Prescribed burning, herbicide management Modify ordinances to encourage space Restrict access Start local land trust Steve noted that setting zone -growth boundary limits is becoming very popular in many cities across the United States. 3 CITY OF LINO LAKES FOCUS GROUP MEETING JUNE 11,1998 FEEDBACK FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS Steve stated that the biologists accidentally went on private property. The focus is on public property. The findings were a result of the biologists in the field, photographs, and information received from park properties and school properties. Steve stated that they are limited as to how many sites can be visited. He encouraged those present to inform him of any particular sites anyone would like visited. He noted that permission to visit some sites may be required. It was decided that the aerial maps of the City would be left for those present and the public to view. If anyone wishes to have a particular site visited it should be noted on the maps. Steve indicated he would need the maps back by July, 6, 1998. The goal is to come back for 3-4 days in July, 1998, and visit the noted areas. Jeff encouraged those present to get involved with the Environmental Committee. OPEN GENERAL DISCUSSION Mike asked which lakes in Lino Lakes are the most degraded. Steve stated that most of the lakes in the City are degraded. He will have more detailed information regarding the lakes in the future. Steve indicated that have collected data on plant communities from all areas they have gone into. The goal is to obtain a survey of the land. Steve asked if he could obtain information regarding forest inventory work done on private land. Marty noted his request. Marty asked if he would like the Comprehensive Forestry Inventory information from the Town Center area. Steve indicated that information would be very helpful. Steve stated that he had met with Art Hawkins and received information regarding the history of the area. Marty stated that when he first moved to Lino Lakes, Centerville was known as frog town. As a result of mosquito control, there are no more frogs in the area. Steve stated that he was very surprised regarding the lack of frogs in the area. Marty stated that in previous years approximately 200 pelicans came to the area in the spring. The pelicans no longer come to this area. Paul stated that economic factors are a direct result of how the land is used and the changes that have occurred. Steve agreed with Paul. He stated that historically wetlands were farmed. He asked when that changed in this area. Paul indicated farming stopped 4 CITY OF LINO LAKES FOCUS GROUP MEETING JUNE 11,1998 in the mid 1950's. In the 1960's major freeways were built resulting in easy access to the downtown areas. Steve stated that when plants are introduced for agricultural benefits the plants are beneficial. When those plants begin to grow in natural areas a problem occurs. Steve stated than most wild growth in wetlands is very aggressive. The NRCS is removing canary grass from their list of productive grasses. A whole series of problems can occur from introduced species. Rick asked about the primary objectives in the study and other communities that Steve has worked with. Steve stated that the primary objectives include the following: Identify natural resource systems worth saving. 2. Understand how to develop land within the natural systems. Increase the communities understanding of options available to maintain the environmental quality. Rick stated that Lino Lakes is very unique. The City already has many constraints. Approximately one half of the City is not yet developed. Rick stated that the Comprehensive Plan will add even more restrictions. Rick stated that land that has already been set aside is deteriorating. Rick asked how the City will be able to manage even more open space. Steve stated that several communities have implemented this study. Some communities have set aside only certain areas of their city. He stated that he has worked with the City of Longrove, Illinois, Libertyville, Illinois, and is currently working with the City of Minnetonka. Rick asked if the intent of the study is to educate the residents in the City. Steve stated that everyone needs to be educated regarding the environment. His goal is to provide an educational framework for the community. Jeff stated that to educate people about the environment includes a whole series of various factors. Their goal is to define all of a communities choices. All the various series are interrelated. Quality of life choices are also key in the decision making process. The ultimate decisions will be determined by the City of Lino Lakes. Paul asked if a determination regarding the acreage of highlands has been obtained. Steve stated that the acreage of highlands has been determined. He also has a breakdown CITY OF LINO LAKES FOCUS GROUP MEETING JUNE 11,1998 of healthy and unhealthy prototypes regarding highlands. Steve indicated he has not yet had a chance to review that information. Maurine asked if a plan had been implemented to have more accurate information than the National Inventory of Wetland Maps. Steve stated that they have discussed this issue. He has not yet determined the best plan to take. The issue will come down to a site specific review. Marty noted that the study from the University of Minnesota may be helpful for wetland inventory. Jeff stated that for a trail system to be successful you must look outside the wetlands. A corridor needs to be allowed for. They will provide various trail options as they get further into the project. Steve stated that in the Fall of 1998, they will conduct detailed work sessions with this group. The group will visit some of the sites and observe how certain developments have worked up until this point. Steve stated this will be a real challenge. Jeff indicated that the diversity of the group is a plus. It is important to get perspective from several different aspects such as parks, developers, and residents. Through a process of details, different options will be discussed for development. New ordinances may be involved to redefine a way to accomplish new development. The study may serve as just a guideline. The study may not be used at all. Jeff stated that the study is a great opportunity to put together visionary plans for the future. Mark asked if it was possible to stop development all together. Steve stated that in some areas restricting development is possible. Other areas may benefit from being developed. Change will have to be confronted and decisions will have to be made. Steve stated that another goal of the study is to hopefully determine a form in which development can occur that will be both economically and ecologically satisfactory. John stated that some issues for the County Parks regarding the study include the following: Identify unnatural influences. 2. Identify impacts in the parks and close to the parks. 3. Hydrological factors that should be addressed. 4. Storm water management practices. 6 CITY OF LINO LAKES FOCUS GROUP MEETING JUNE 11,1998 Steve noted that hydrologics will not be addressed in this project. CLOSURE Mike stated that the Comprehensive Plan is currently being developed. He asked if Jeff would like to be involved in the Comprehensive Plan. Jeff indicated that he would like to be involved and would like to look at some recent developments. Steve asked if 4-5 developments, that have worked well, could be studied. He would like a package put together to review. Steve indicated he will then go through them and determine why they worked or why they did not work. Steve stated that this will enable him to see what works well in this community. Mary Kay stated that the City has tried to learn from every development. Many changes have been made regarding development. The upland requirements changed in 1993. Jeff noted he did not want to dwell on developments that have not worked well in the City. He noted they could look at other types of developments, such as commercial, in close proximity to Lino Lakes. ESTABLISH NEXT MEETING DATE AND TIME The next Focus Group meeting will be held Thursday, August 13, 1998, 6:30 p.m. ADJOURN Having no further business, the Focus Group meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kim Points Recording Secretary