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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/26/2008 Env Bd PacketCity of Lino Lakes Environmental Board Meeting March 26, 2008 6:30 p.m. AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes February 27, 2008 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Open Mike 5. Action Items A. 2008 Environmental Board Goals. Additional consideration, Blue Thumb Program 6. Discussion Items A. Restoration Updates: Buckthorn, Wollens Park and Middle School Oak Savannah Project. B. Heron Update 7. Adjourn • • ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2008 DATE TIME STARTED TIME ENDED MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT 1. 2. CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES : February 27, 2008 : 6:37 P.M. : 8:40 P.M. : Mary Jo O'Dea, Martha DeHaven, Barbara Bor, Kimberly Brouillet, Peter Brown and Paula Andrzejewski : None : Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson, CALL TO ORDER Ms. O'Dea called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 28, 2007 Ms. O'Dea had the following changes to the minutes. Page 2, paragraph 4: take out the words at this time. Page 3, paragraph 1: change scrapping to scraping. Page 3, paragraph 3: take out the words I would again and add we. Page 3, paragraph 8: change the word Engineering to Engineer. Page 4, paragraph 2: change the word inputted to input. Page 4, paragraph 8: change the word verify's to verifies. Page 5, paragraph 3: change Mr. Traylor to Mr. Brown. Page 6, paragraph one add: of area lakes after the word drawdown. Ms. Andrzejewski made a motion to approve the November 28, 2007 minutes with changes. Ms. DeHaven seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Change Discussion Item 6. A. Stream Water Health Evaluation Program (SHEP to Action Item 5. B. Change Item 5. B. Goals 2008 to Item 5. C. Change Discussion Items as follows: 6. A. Heron Status Report 6. B. Earth Day 2008 Add: 6. C. Comp Plan Update Add: 6. D. Middle School Update 1 DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2008 Ms. Brouillet made a motion to approve agenda as amend. Ms. Andrzejewski seconded the motion to approve agenda. Motion carried unanimously 4. OPEN MIKE Open mike closed at 6:39 p.m. 5. ACTION ITEMS A. Foxborough Work Plan 2008 Mr. Asleson presented the expenditure review for Foxborough Development and yearly work plan. Mr. Mike Black of Royal Oaks Realty, developer of the Foxborough Development and Mr. Jason Husveth, Ecologist, from Critical Connections were present. Mr. Black and Mr. Husveth requested a board recommendation to spend the monies allocated for the restoration. Mr. Husveth presented a brief history of the site. He inventoried this site in 2005 to develop a restoration and management plan. Initially $40,000 was available for such things as invasive species management. There were also a significant amount of woodland species salvaged and transplanted into conservation areas as well as native seeding. The idea for restoration of this site is based on development over the years as lots are bought and sold. In 2007 Critical Connections burned 15 acres. Mr. Husveth stated he found a Blandings turtle and it is alive and well. Mr. Asleson asked what the most significant ecological items needed to be done this year. Mr. Husveth presented his report dated February 21, 2008 Restoration and Management Planning for 2007 and 2008. Mr. Husveth reviewed Task 1 through Task 4 of his Management Plan. Ms. O'Dea asked if there is enough money to cover the proposed restoration. Mr. Husveth stated he and Mr. Black went over numbers and found there to be more than $20,000 to work with as of this time. Mr. Black stated if the board so choose they would like they City's finance department to review their numbers. Mr. Husveth stated he does not see a need to exceed the budget. For instance, if there is not enough money at this time, the work will be done as the budget allows and next year work will continue on from where there. Ms. O'Dea asked if the restoration project has been continuing like planned. Mr. Black stated yes. 2 DRAFT MINUTES • ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2008 Ms. Bor asked who holds the funds and who analyzed the success of these items. Mr. Husveth stated he envisions working hand in hand with Mr. Asleson, City of Lino Lakes Environmental Specialist. Ms. O'Dea questioned when this site is transferred over from the developer to the homeowners association if the association chooses to hire someone not qualified in restoration can the city step in. Mr. Husveth stated it is the homeowner's association responsibility to choose the contractor. Ultimately it is the city that will assess the quality. Mr. Brown questioned the costs for proposed restoration and thought it best to state so many pounds per seed, so many hours for labor. Mr. Husveth stated the document is the result of a detailed report that was reviewed with Mr. Asleson and Mr. Black. He stated the invoice will be a breakdown. In the future he will include specific dollar figures. Mr. Asleson stated the invoice looked reasonable upon review. Mr. Bor thanked Mr. Husveth and Mr. Black for breaking the ground with this type of development. She stated that what has been created has set a change for the little bit of open land available in this community. Ms. Bor made a motion to approve the Restoration and Management Plan for 2007 and 2008 and for the finance department to release the funds. And for the City Environmental Specialist to continue to audit and follow the project. Ms. Andrzejewski seconded the motion. B. Stream Health Evaluation Program (SHEP) Mr. Gary Averbeck was present to present a short report on the findings of Hardwood Creek. There have been three teams working with Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD). There is one site in Lino Lakes. He presented a power point presentation to the board. The Hardwood Creed drainage area includes 24 square miles in the cities of Hugo, Forest Lake and Lino Lakes. The PCA found that Hardwood Creek is impaired due to sedimentation, low oxygen and nutrient enrichment. There have been three locations identified as having severe bank erosion. The locations have been stabilized. Mr. Averbeck reviewed different insects. The primary Amphipod group that looks like a Crayfish which are usually found in waters heavily polluted were at 43 %. The group identified 162 different organisms. Family Biotic Index (FBI) assigned value of pollution tolerance is 7.2, 10 being the most polluted cease pool. This is very poor water quality. EPT rating was 4. The best place along Rice Creek is actually down by Lock Lake in the Mississippi. 3 DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2008 Mr. Averbeck asked if the board had any questions. Ms. DeHaven questioned the width of the creek. Mr. Averbeck stated it is about 10 feet at the widest and varies in different areas. Ms. O'Dea questioned the team's next step. Mr. Averbeck stated they are monitoring the creek at this time and will go out if they have the funding again in September of 2008. C. Goals 2008 Board members reviewed and discussed updates and changes they would like in the 2008 Environmental Board Goals. Below are the updated 2008 Goals per the board members with the changes. • Promote environmental stewardship with the citizens of Lino Lakes by: A. Communicating environmental initiatives in the city using various means of communication, i.e., City WebPages, newsletter, homeowner's association meetings, the information kiosk, and press coverage. Pursue providing articles and information to the local media. Inform the Citizens of Lino Lakes about the National Wildlife Federation opportunities for involvement in Backyard Wildlife habitat. • Participate in Blue Heron Days, providing educational material to the public. • Participate in Earth Day activities in the community, promoting environmental awareness and collaboration with other environmental focused organizations. • Monitor all activity in the 35E and 35W corridor as well as other proposed development areas, focusing on the values Lino Lakes citizens have expressed in the vision for our city and the unique ecological aspects of our wetlands, lakes and streams and subsurface waters. Apply mitigation plan as defined for that area. • Perform an evaluation of past Environmental Board recommendations for development projects. Review a sampling of a variety of projects by site visits, discussion with city staff, and landowners, neighbors, on the outcomes of the Boards recommendations. Submit a summary of significant findings resulting from the review in writing to the Community Development Director and then forward report to city council. • Promote conservation development within the City incorporating the Open Space /Trail Plan, Resource Management Plan, Stormwater Management Plan, 4 DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2008 • Comp Plan and Handbook for Environmental Planning and Conservation Development., Stormwater Management Plan, and Comprehensive Plan. • • To meet or exceed our City recycling goal of 50 percent or greater of our Municipal solid waste. Find innovative ways to promote and encourage recycling as a city. Add recycling materials to kiosk. • Continue to monitor the Heron rookery and water quality in the northern one third of Peltier Lake and to support the protection of resources in that area. • Participate in comp plan and process, as well as become a partner with Rice Creek Watershed District in Implementing the Resource management Plan. • Participate in school nature area and pursue connectivity and networking between schools and community with regard to the nature areas • Review Conservation Developments for conformance to yearly Conservation Easement work. • Support the start up of the Lino Lakes Garden Club. • Continue to support the Stream Health Evaluation Program (SHEP). • Establish a list of City Environmental Projects for Volunteers. Mr. Asleson stated he would like to present the 2008 Environmental Board Goals at the City Council Work Session scheduled for March 3. It was decided that there was not ample time and the 2008 Goals will be presented in April to the City Council Motion to approve 2008 Environmental Board Goals with updates and changes by Mr. Brown and seconded by Ms. Andrzejewski. Motion passed unanimously. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Heron Status Report Mr. Asleson and Ms. Bor attended an informational meeting on the blue heron's held at Eaglebrook Church. There were volunteers that were present at the meeting who volunteered airplanes for flyovers this spring to monitor heron progress. Mr. Asleson presented Mr. Andy VonDuyke's thesis which is a brief overview of • management activities at the Peltier Lake heronry from 2004 -2007. 5 DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2008 Mr. Bor stated that Deb Barnes from The Citizen will be writing an article for the paper on the herons. B. Earth Day 2008 Upcoming Earth Day Celebration is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 19 from 9:30 a.m. — 11:30 a.m. There will be a celebration open to the pubic at Wargo Nature Center from 12:30 — 2:30. Mr. Asleson asked board members about possibly volunteering to set up an education booth at Wargo. Ms. Andrzejewski volunteered to have an educational booth again this year. C. Comp Plan Update. Mr. Asleson updated the board on the progress of the Comp Plan. Mr. Bor stated the comp plan process has been a noble effort in planning. Mr. Asleson stated our Resource Management Plan interacts with our Comp Plan. There is a desire to bring new business to the city, create additional tax base, and not make this process burdensome. The whole green concept is intended to identify and produce a user friendly enhancement while still allowing growth in the community. Board members stated they would like to see a better name for what is called the "Green Infrastructure System Plan." Board members feel the wording is not perceived in a positive way. It is all in the marketing and is concept that sells. It was stated that the comp plan is a reaction of how people feel about the community and the Environmental Board is a key player in this process. Board members stated they thought the presentation was balanced and overall the Comp Plan Process has been presented well. D. Middle School Update Mr. Asleson stated he inventoried and added trees into the Global Positing System (GPS) at the Middle School. He stated the Boxelder trees will be removed at no charge. 7. ADJOURN It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on March 26, 2007. There being no further business, Ms. Brown moved to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Ms. Bor seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 6 DRAFT MINUTES • • ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2008 Transcribed by: Lisa Hogstad Community Development Secretary 7 DRAFT MINUTES • Agenda Item 5A • • Environmental Board Meeting Date: March 26, 2008 Topic: Additional Goal Consideration, Blue Thumb Program. Background: Goals for 2008 were adopted at the February 28th Environmental Board Meeting. Staff requested a delay in bringing the goals to the City Council so that an additional goal consideration could be made, the Blue Thumb Project. Analysis: The Blue Thumb project is a Rice Creek Watershed District planting initiative that addresses clean water. From the RCWD web page: The Blue Thumb program is an online outreach program with A to Z information to help residents plan and plant native gardens, raingardens, and shorelines with native plants. The Blue Thumb program was started by the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) as an outreach program to help residents do their part to protect water and to help cities meet strategic water quality improvement goals and federal Clean Water Act mandates. The Blue Thumb partnership combines resources and helps partners present a unified, public education message that saves both water resources and tax payer dollars. Blue Thumb is specific to water - quality friendly gardening activities, but the model can be easily transferred to other regions. In Minnesota, the program continues to grow, and shows potential to reach to other parts of the Midwest — no need for other government entities to reinvent the wheel. Blue Thumb partners are a group of professionals from local governmental units (watershed and conservation districts, cities, counties); non - profit and community organizations; the University of Minnesota Extension; and nursery and landscape professionals. The Blue Thumb program Partner Agreement is included as Attachment 1 Dawn Pape from the RCWD will be present to further discuss the Blue Thumb program and answer questions. Recommendation: Recommend adding Blue Thumb to the 2008 Lino Lakes Environmental Board Goals. This is a good opportunity to meet our NPDES goals and address wildlife back yard habitat issues. Attachments: 1. Blue Thumb Agreement • • • • • 2008 Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement December 20, 2007 • • OilVe 1 T..........mmmonimilioi„,/1 /4 111P PLANTING FOR CLEAN WATER' • • Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement pg. z Table of Contents Primary Signature Logo Logo +Tagline 2 Signature Sizing Minimum Size Clear Space 3 Signature Colors PMS Colors 4 -color process RGB equivalents 4 Typography /Font Usage Primary Typeface Secondary Typeface 5 Program Overview 6 Terminology 7 Definitions 8 Blue Thumb Program Goals & Strategies 9-z z Partners' Agreement • • • • • Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement The Blue Thumb Logo • • The Blue Thumb Primary Signature Logo + Tagline • Ttit4ftIP PLANTING FOR CLEAN WATER Primary Signature The Blue Thumb logo is a visual expression of the program and what it represents. When used consistently, it will build recognition and awareness of the program. The primary signature includes the Blue Thumb logo and the tagline "Planting for Clean Water ", set in the typeface Tarzana Narrow. To properly position the program in the mind of the public, the tagline should be used in conjunction with the logo at least once in all program communications. It has been created specifically for Rice Creek Watershed District and must never be recreated or modified in any way. Basic Guidelines: The Logo + Tagline should be used at least once in any communications piece, whether printed or electronic. If the name of the program is used with the tagline, a trademark symbol C' ) should be used. However, if just referring to the Blue Thumb program, no trademark symbol should be used. All versions of the logo must be reproduced without alteration from approved electronic artwork files, provided by Rice Creek Watershed District. Artwork shown in his manual is for illustration purposes only. To acquire approved logo files, contact Rice Creek Watershed District at (763) 398 -3070 or bluethumb@ricecreek.org. Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement x x x x Primary Signature Minimum Size 15/32" 0/114C TkNmi) PLANTING FOP CLEAN WAT':P — 6.5 pt. Tarzana Narrow Primary Signature PLANTING FOR CLEAN WATER' Logo Oilvf Ttu'r$$l x x x Signature Sizing & Minimum Sizing To ensure legibility of the Blue Thumb Logo + Tagline, the signature should never be used smaller than 15 /32" (measured from the left edge of the "B" to the right edge of the thumbprint in the logo). The "Planting for Clean Water" tagline must be no smaller than 6.5 pt. in the Tarzana Narrow typeface. For formats that won't accommodate the Primary Signature at this minimum size, the Logo alone may be used close to a text reference stating the full program name, "Blue Thumb, Planting for Clean WaterTM ". Clear Space To ensure visual impact and legibility of the Primary Signature, a minimum clear space must be preserved around the mark as shown in the diagrams to the left. When possible, additional clear space is preferred. The size of the space is based on the height of the capital letter "B" in the logo. Typography and other design elements should not be positioned within the clear space. • • • • X010 Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement 11 8 P rt = rts Agleam = nt For All Blue Thumb Partners: The below signatures indicate that has agreed to become a partner to the Blue Thumb — Planting for Clean Watern4 program in accordance with the terms described in this Partner Agreement. Improper use of the Blue Thumb program as outlined in this Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement may result in suspension from the Blue Thumb Partners. By: By: Partner representative Date RCWD Representative Date For Nurseries and Garden Centers, Installers & Designers Only: Nurseries and garden centers selling native plants will be expected to supply and /or use native plants as defined in the Blue Thumb Standards Manual: sales of "native plants" must be local ecotype native plants. This means plant material propagated from original sources no farther than zoo miles (30o for trees and shrubs) from the projects. Improper use of the Blue Thumb program as outlined in this Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement may result in suspension from the Blue Thumb partnership. The below signatures indicate that has agreed to become a partner to the Blue Thumb — Planting for Clean Water programTM in accordance with the terms described above. By: By: Partner representative Date RCWD Representative Date oo8 Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement - 1. Blue Thumb Logo: The Blue Thumb — Planting for Clean WaterTM logo was created to be an attractive, visible, and memorable component of the Blue Thumb program. Promotional materials used for the Blue Thumb program all bear the logo and the same signature colors, look and style as outlined previously in this document. 2. Sharing Materials: A courtesy copy of all Blue Thumb promotional materials created by partners shall be shared so we create a collection of materials for all partners to utilize. Directions for Sharing Large Files that Cannot Be Emailied - FTP upload: Go to ftp: / /data.ricecreek.org Type in username: rcwd_ftp password: ricecreek Put the materials you are sharing with the Blue Thumb logo on it in the Blue Thumb Share folder within the "upload" directory. They will then appear at http : / /data.ricecreek.org /upload Email Dawn at dpape@ricecreek.org when you're done uploading so she knows it's there and she can transfer it to the "library ". You can find other partner materials at bluethumb.org/files. Click on "Partner Materials." 3. Definitions and Terminology: It is important that we are all giving a consistent message to the public. Therefore, the definitions and terminology outlined in this Blue Thumb Standards Manual must be adhered to in order to be a Blue Thumb partner in good standing. 4. Continuing Education: Partners will be expected to continue their education in native plants, raingardens and shoreline stabilization by attending trainings on these matters. 5. Program Support: To ensure that the Blue Thumb program keeps moving forward and we achieve our goals for 2008 outlined on page 8, partners will be expected to use their strengths to support the Blue Thumb program and incorporate Blue Thumb activites into their normal activities. Partners will need to complete a minimum of 3o action hours during 2008 or donate $1,500 to the program. Any combination of hours or monetary contribution is acceptible, i.e 15 hours and $ 75o. Each action hour is counted as a $ 5o contribution. "Action hours" are defined as any action that promotes or furthers the development of the Blue Thumb program. Partner action hours can be satisfied in a wide variety of ways such as, but not limited to: participating in Blue Thumb work groups, putting up a Blue Thumb sign at a project, promoting Blue Thumb in conjunction with your business'/ organizations display, hosting or participating in Blue Thumb workshops, writing articles, press releases and /or advertisements that relate and /or promote Blue Thumb goals. Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement • • • • Three - color: Blue, Green and Dark Gray PLANTING FOR CLEAN WATER Two- color: Blue and Green 1311Ve TtikrhP PLANTING FOR CLEAN WATER" One-color: Blue or Black on light background 13,1t4e T1trl) • PLANTING FOR CLEAN WATER* EP,Ive Tkkrhb PLANTING FOR CLEAN WATER' Reversed White on dark or black backgrounds PLANTING FCR CLEAN WATER. Signature Colors The Blue Thumb signature colors are Blue Thumb Blue, Blue Thumb Green and Blue Thumb Dark Gray. The Primary Signature should appear in all three PMS colors whenever possible. When not printing with three colors, preferred two- and one -color versions appear at left. When used with a dark color, the logo should be reversed to white as shown. Blue Thumb Signature Colors: Blue um Blue PantoneTh coated 748 Pantone uncoated 7468 CMYK: C -94, M -i6, Y -7, K -z8 RGB: R-o, G -117, B -154 Websafe color: #o06699 Blue Thumb Green Pantone coated 37o Pantone uncoated 37o CMYK: C -64, M -5, Y -loo, K -24 RGB: R -91, G -143, B -34 Websafe color. #669900 Blue Thumb Dark Gray Pantone coated Cool Gray to Pantone uncoated Cool Gray it CMYK: C -38, M -29, Y -ao, K -58 RGB: R -97, G -99, B -1o1 Websafe color: #666666 Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement Celestia Antigua Regular ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzi 2345'67890 Celestia Antigua Italic ABC DEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTU VWXYZ abcde fghijklmnopgrstuvwxyz i 234567890 Celestia Antigua Semibold ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopgrstuvwxyzi234567 890 CelestiaAntiqua Caps ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdef ghij klmnopgrstuvwxyz 1234567890 Meta Normal ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopgrstuvwxyzl234567 890 Meta Medium ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopgrstuvwxyzi234567 890 Meta Bold ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopgrstuvwxyzl234567 890 Typography /Font Usage Consistent use of type is a key element in creating a cohesive look across all Blue Thumb communications. At all times use of the following typefaces is recommended: The primary typeface for all Blue Thumb materials is Celestia Antigua. This font should be used for large amounts of body copy. The secondary typeface is Meta, used for headlines, subheads, minimal copy and whenever a distinct contrast to Celestia Antigua is desired. • • • • Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement co_: 1arneis' Ageeme /3/114C Y PLANTING FOR CLEAN WATER' 9 Name Company /Organization Address City State Zip Phone Fax Website Email Description of organization and logo to be included on the website (You may email this section to dpape@ricecreek.org): Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement 8 Blue Thumb Program Goals & Strategies Program Goal The Blue Thumb program was created to improve water quality and habitat. The program will promote the use of plants, primarily through retailers, as an alternative to turf, to reduce stormwater runoff and as a method for stabilizing shorelines. Strategies to Be Implemented in 2008 to Reach Program Goal 1. Outreach and Education on Native Gardens, Raingardens and Lakeshore Stabilization using Native Plants a. Promote Blue Thumb via website b. Promote Blue Thumb via a minimum of So workshops and presentations to residents and stakeholder groups in zoo8 c. Implement a "train the trainer" program on giving presentations d. Promote Blue Thumb via a minimum of no press releases e. Promote Blue Thumb via a minimum of 3o newsletter articles f. Promote Blue Thumb at a minimum of 6o events (e.g. State Fair, county fairs, "green" fairs, lawn and garden shows, etc.) g. Promote Blue Thumb in libraries, city halls, yard signs, Blue Sky Guide, media campaign, 2009 calendar II. Private Industry a. Collaborate to effectively promote native plantings and raingardens b. Develop various display and promotional methods that fit the needs of private industry partners c. With retailers, monitor marketing techniques and adapt accordingly d. Collaborate to identify methods that make it easy for residents to purchase plants (e.g. plant drop -offs, plant sales etc.) e. Incorporate Blue Thumb plantings in public spaces (with signage from the private company as well as Blue Thumb) - schools, city halls, libraries, parks, shops... f. Have the The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens" available for retail III. Work with other agencies to expand the Blue Thumb program: a. Give presentation(s) to other agencies to introduce concept b. Have cities and other MS4s use the Blue Thumb program to help satisfy their federal Clean Water Azt mandates (SWPPP requirements). IV. Website Development a. Create a page where partners can enter their action hours b. Blue Thumb "library" page for partners only c. Create a virtual tour of the Blue Thumb projects d. Create a new online video for the "how -to's" of native gardens and lakeshore stabilization Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement 5 Blue Thumb Program Overview Overview The Blue Thumb program was created to encourage homeowners to use native plants in gardens, plant raingardens, and stabilize shoreline property with native plants to improve water quality. The Blue Thumb program does not encompass all best management practices (BMPs) such as pervious and porous pavers, rain barrels, etc. Although the program was created by Rice Creek Watershed District, it is intended for use throughout the Midwest. A steering committee, consisting of representatives from various Blue Thumb partner organizations, sets program goals and determines the strategic plan for the program. • • Main Components of the Blue Thumb program: • • I. User - friendly website BlueThumb.org A. Partners of the Blue Thumb — Planting for Clean WaterTM program will be on the Blue Thumb website on all applicable pages, i.e. partners, stores, grants, new stories). II. Collaborating on Educational and Outreach Efforts A. Educational and promotional materials available for purchase. Materials include raingarden guide, banners, brochures, bookmarks, posters, stickers and table -top kiosks. Go to bluethumb.org/files to download the order form (pdf document) and then fax it in to Dawn Pape (763 -398- 3088). We are looking to develop whatever promotional material partners find useful such as plant tags. B. Partnerships The Blue Thumb program strengthens educational efforts in both the public and private sectors through the collaboration of local governmental units (watershed districts, conservation districts, cities, counties), non - profits, gardening organizations, schools, universities, extension services, private sector nurseries, garden centers, landscapers, contractors and consultants. Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement Terminology When discussing the three areas of the Blue Thumb program, they should be listed either from least to greatest direct impact on water quality (native gardens, raingardens and shoreline stabilization) or from greatest to least impact on water quality (shoreline stabilization, raingardens and native gardens). Sample Descriptions of the Program Areas I. Design Native Gardens They are beautiful, cost less and require less maintenance than a regular lawn. Once established, native plantigs need little weeding, watering, mulching or mowing. II. Create a Raingarden Filter dirty stormwater from streets and rooftops before it enters our lakes and rivers. The main purpose of a raingarden is to absorb storrnwater runoff Therefore, both natives and non - natives are acceptable in raingarden plantings. III. Stabilize Shorelines Roots of native plants are long so they anchor the soil and filter out pollutants as well as discourage geese from congregating. In stabilizing shorelines with plants, native plants must be used. To avoid confusion with other programs, it is important to keep terminology consistent. When covering the three main areas of this program, only use "acceptable terminology ": Acceptable Terms to Describe the Blue Thumb Program Areas — Native Gardens — Native Plantings — Raingardens (one word) — Stabilize shorelines — Stabilize shorelines with plants or plantings — Stabilize shorelines with native plants or native plantings — Shoreline stabilization with /using plants /native plants /vegetation Terminology to be Avoided in Describing the Blue Thumb Program Areas — Natural plantings — Rain gardens (two words), rainwater gardens, water garden — Vegetated buffer, lakescaping, aquascaping. shoreline buffer, buffer zone or any other term • Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement • • • Definitions Background Better landscapes result from a balanced mix of turfgrass lawns and /or other traditionally manicured portions with areas that can use plants that require less maintenance. How the balance is made depends on what is appropriate for the overall situation. Also, what is appropriate for one part of a yard may be completely inappropriate in another part. Many factors should be considered in making planning decisions for any landscape project. Some of these are: • site conditions such as soil type and shade; • functional or use requirements such as play areas and structures; • surroundings such as shorelines, wetlands and /or neighborhood culture and environment; • personal tastes and interests of the land owner(s); • local codes, association covenants and other'requirements placed by government agencies. Some places that are good candidates for using lower maintenance plantings are shorelines, wetland buffers and raingardens. There are various options for landscaping these areas. One very desirable and increasingly popular option is to use native plants. Native plants are important to use because of their low maintenance, soil stabilizing, stormwater retention abilities, and wildlife attracting characteristics. It is also very important to help reintroduce the hundreds of wonderful plant species that were "here first ". What is a "Native Plant "? Generally speaking, all species are native to someplace. But, people have taken many plants with them as they have emigrated around the world. In landscaping terms, "native" refers to a plant species that is used in a location or region where it grew before people began moving plants around. In the US, this means before the time of settlement by Europeans. Many species are known to occur across relatively wide ranges of geography, climate and environmental conditions. It is commonly understood that sub - groups of these species became adapted to various local conditions within these wider ranges. These are called "local ecotypes ". It is desirable to use the best adapted plants for a landscape project. Local ecotype native plants are clearly well adapted to local conditions. Therefore, Blue Thumb projects using native plants require local ecotype native plants. This means plant material propagated from original sources no farther than zoo miles (30o miles for trees and shrubs) from the project. Certain projects, such as ecological restorations, may require sources closer than this. What's the difference between a native plant and a "cultivar "? Many kinds of garden plants result from a breeding program or a deliberate process to select for certain desirable characteristics such as flower color. These plants are called "cultivars ". The word is derived from "cultivated" and "variety". They are usually given a unique name. Most turf grasses as well as annual and perennial bedding plants are cultivars. There are cultivars that have been selected and bred from species native to the U.S. too. Their genetic make -up is considered to be somewhat narrowed and altered from the original source material. Therefore, cultivars may only be used in those Blue Thumb projects that specifically allow them. Raingardens are an example of where cultivars could be allowed. Shoreline stabilization plantings and native gardens are an examples of where only local ecotype natives plants are to be used. Why are distinctive regional landscapes important? An intriguing aspect of landscaping and gardening is that you have to work with what you have. For the most part, soils and climate conditions are givens. This means that a yard in Minnesota is fundamentally different front one in Arizona, or even Iowa. It should look like it too! However, the cultural forces of uniformity that give us identical big box stores and fast food restaurants across the land also tend to create a bland sameness in the style of our landscapes. While mass producers and marketers lower costs and broadens availability, it also turns something special into a bland commodity Lowest possible up -front cost and standardization is fine for cars and electronic toys. It is questionable for food, a big threat for native plants and a disaster for regionally distinct, environmentally beneficial landscapes. One size definitely does not fit all and lowest price is not always best. Time and money invested into a quality landscape that promotes clean water benefits everyone. It's a lot less expensive to keep pollution out of our lakes and rivers by planting for clean water than it is to clean our waters up later. drafted by Blue Thumb Partner, Karl Ruser Landscape Alternatives, Inc. A Triumphant Return: BringMg The Great Blue Herons Home By Kristin Walters LINO LAKES - A few miles north of Main Street, where Cen- terville meets Lino Lakes, there was once a natural habitat the likes of which is found in few places on earth. Peltier Island used to be the home of thousands of herons — a place they returned to each spring, where year after year they built their nests and waited for their chicks to hatch and grow. These herons are a historic part of Lino Lakes, and Peltier Island's heron rookery was the reason why. Over the years, the birds have become the namesake of a local elementary school and neighborhood road. In addition, the blue heron serves as the focal point in the city's logo and for Blue Heron Days, its annual.com- munity festival. according to local residents) the rookery on Peltier Island has been nothing short of spectacular. In fact, it was once the second -larg- est waterbird colony in central Minnesota. Bird lovers found cause for alarm in the late 1990s, however, when the rookery expe- rienced a mass exodus. The num- ber of nests went from thousands to nearly none. A Rookery On The Verge of Dis- appearing A number of passionate peo- ple have spent the last eight years trying to figure out why so many of these birds left, and how to bring them back. The birds are expected to make their annual return this week, and many are- hoping this year's numbers of PHOTO COURTESY OF WAYNE LEBLANC Metal flashing was installed on heron nesting trees on Peltier Island in an attempt to reduce the incidence of chick mortality due to predators. Pictured are Tim Payne ion the ladder) and Lino Lakes Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson. The herons chose Peltier Island because it provides a perfect bal- ance of everything a heron needs: enough tall trees for an entire colony to live together, easy ac- cess to food and nesting materi- als, and an isolated, quiet locale where they can raise their families in peace. Since it was officially "discov- ered" in 1989 (and much earlier, nests and hatchlings will be something to celebrate. Local resident Wayne LeBlanc is one of those interested parties. LeBlanc has lived on Peltier Lake since 1979, and recalls the her- ons' heyday. "There were thou- sands of nests before — think about that, thousands." LeBlanc said. "Now we're talking 30 or 40. It's been on the verge of ex- tinction, so this [expected come- back) is really encouraging." LeBlanc has been around long enough to recall other species that also nested on Pel- tier Island, like Great Egrets and Black- Crowned Night Her- ons. According to LeBlanc, the Night Herons are one species that never returned. "Every eve- ning they would fly by, and make this peculiar `quark' sound," he said "It's an ancient, prehistoric sound, and I miss it." The potential to lose the her- ons altogether is just one of the reasons he feels such an urgent need to protect the colony to- day. "I've made it my life's hobby to study the lake, the watershed, and what it all means;' he said. "We need to preserve it for fu- ture generations' enjoyment." LeBlanc was instrumental in creating the Peltier Lake Associa- tion, and worked with the cities of Lino Lakes and Centerville to establish a no -wake zone near the island, protecting both the her- ons and the water quality overall. He also volunteers on the Her- on Task Force and through the Stream Health Evaluation Pro- gram (SHEP) in the Rice Creek Watershed District. LeBlanc is a retired software en- gineer, and has never shied away from details and data. Recently, he overtook • responsibility for monitoring the Great Blue Her- ons on Peltier Island from Andy Von Duyke of the University of Minnesota's Department of Fish- eries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. Von Duyke had been leading the observations of the heron population on the island since 2004. Von Duyke began studying the herons as a graduate student, in a funded study designed to find the cause of their sudden decline. After carefully installing sensitive time -lapse video cameras into the island's 80 -foot high trees, Von Duyke was able to gather video evidence that showed preda- tors like raccoons invading the herons' nests. His research also showed predators like crows and great - horned owls were to blame; however, Von Duyke and others believe that predators weren't the only factor. In the second year of the study, Von Duyke and a team of volun- teers plus people like City of Lino Lakes Environmental Specialist Marty Aselson (see photo), be- gan taking action. They attached metal flashing to the trunks of Mabel Hut& 1iirnc 1 nni The Great Blue Herons of Lake Peltier in Lino Lakes and Centerville tradi Day. They will be welcomed back this year by many who are anxious to see re establrsh their rookery on Peltier Island. trees in order to deter raccoons, and also trapped and removed some raccoons and opossums. The next year, they made some adjust- ments to the flashing to make it even more successful, and contin- ued to remove a small number of predators. These efforts continued through 2007, and the popula- tion has begun to bounce back: the number of nestlings increased from 4 chicks hatched in 2005 to 43 chicks in 2007. Another person who was re- cruited by the DNR to help track heron activity on the island until he passed away in 2006 was Lino Lakes resident Art Hawkins. I-Iis t s' daughter, Amy Donlin, accompa nied him on a few occasions, as did her daughter and mother, Betty. Hawkins was a waterfowl biologist by training, and during his career was a pioneer of waterfowl surveys in the United States and Canada. "The herons kept hirn very active and involved up to his 92nd year," Donlin said. "It was a wonderful connection for him." "Dad would go four or five times per week, quietly park in [Peltier Lake resident Ron Mari - er's] bean field, arid make obser- vations on his clipboard," Don- s lin said. "He'd watch every bird that left and where they were