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3 <br />1.0 Executive Summary <br />Rachel Development proposes to construct a residential development in Lake Elmo, MN, known as the <br />Eberhard project (or Project). The area within the Project boundary is approximately 78 acres. A portion <br />of this area will be occupied by housing, lots, roads, and associated infrastructure (the Site). The <br />remaining areas will be established with a high diversity of native prairie and wetland plant species to <br />provide wildlife habitat and pollinator food sources throughout the growing season. The overall goal of <br />this prairie restoration plan (the Plan) is to highlight goals and objectives for vegetation establishment, <br />outline seed mix options, and describe vegetation management approaches within the prairie and <br />wetland areas. This perennial, native vegetation is expected to stabilize the soil, improve soil health, <br />and provide habitat for native wildlife. The homeowner’s association will maintain this vegetation to <br />control invasive and other unwanted species and to provide habitat for native insects and other wildlife, <br />such as the rusty patched bumblebee. <br />2.0 Vegetation Establishment Plan <br />2.1 Goals and Objectives <br />Rachel Development’s primary goals related to vegetation management are described below, with the <br />related objectives to meet the goals. <br />•Goal 1: Establish native, perennial vegetation within the restoration areas within the Site (not <br />including single family lots, roads, and infrastructure). <br />o Objective 1a. Design seed mixes appropriate for this region and expected conditions in <br />the Project area, with a diversity of grasses and forbs where appropriate. <br />o Objective 1b. Use plant species that provide habitat and nectar sources throughout the <br />growing season for native pollinators. <br />•Goal 2: Provide soil stability and improve soil health over the duration of the Project. <br />o Objective 2a. Quickly establish vegetation to minimize the duration and extent of bare <br />soil. <br />o Objective 2b. Include diverse native plant species that stabilize soils, improve soil <br />health, and sequester carbon with deep and varied root structures. <br />•Goal 3: Minimize invasive species, noxious weeds, and other undesirable species on the Site. <br />o Objective 3a. Establish and selectively manage plant species that do not require <br />extensive maintenance, provide complete cover, and minimize invasion of undesirable <br />species, such as noxious weeds. <br />o Objective 3b. Plan for long-term monitoring and maintenance to quickly detect new <br />infestations and effectively control undesirable species. <br />3.0 Site Description <br />3.1 Site Overview <br />The proposed Project is located in Lake Elmo in Washington County, Minnesota. The site is surrounded <br />by residential developments, except for the east side, which is bordered by Lake Elmo Park Reserve. The <br />Site is made up of a contiguous block of land, covering approximately 78 acres in total.