3. GV to MPRB DRAFT
To: Superintendent, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Copy: MPRB Commission
From: Environmental Commission or City Council?
Re: Natural Area and Stormwater Management in Theodore Wirth Park
Dear Superintendent Miller,
Theodore Wirth Park is precious natural, recreational, and economic resource for the City of
Minneapolis and its adjacent western suburbs. Many of Golden Valley’s citizens consider its trails,
forests, lake, and golf course to be important assets to their quality of life. Further, much of the Park
lies within the City of Golden Valley. For these and other reasons, we believe it is in Golden Valley’s best
interest to maintain an engaged and active awareness of the well-being of the park and, when
necessary, to comment on its management.
The May 22, 2011 tornado damaged a significant number of trees in Wirth Park, and removal of fallen
and damaged trees by MPRB staff and contractors was undertaken during December 2011. During that
period, Golden Valley staff received numerous emails and calls from the public expressing concern
about the extent of the tree removal and wetland disturbance resulting from this work. Because of the
importance of Wirth Park to Golden Valley and its citizens, we wish to echo these concerns and offer our
assistance in addressing them.
Park planning documents indicate that much of Theodore Wirth Park is designated as Forested Natural
Area, and the MPRB’s Natural Area Management Plan outlines standards for management of these
areas. Golden Valley citizens expressed concern that the response of MPRB to the tornado damage was
not consistent with these standards. We encourage MPRB to review its natural area management
standards and policies, and consider improvements to these processes to better meet the goal of
sustainable natural area management within the Park. Golden Valley staff and citizens would welcome
the opportunity to participate in such an effort.
Public concern was also expressed regarding impacts of the December 2011 work in the wetlands in the
southeast quadrant of the intersection of Wirth Parkway and Glenwood Avenue. Following a field
review of this work that included representatives of the City of Golden Valley and the MPRB, it was
determined that the work already underway required a City Stormwater Management permit. MPRB
ceased its operations, applied for a permit, and a permit was issued by the City of Golden Valley.
The preceding sequence of events highlights the need for improvements in coordination within MPRB,
including more timely review of the potential impacts of maintenance activities and implementation of
best management practices for projects directly impacting, or in the vicinity of, wetlands within the
Park. We encourage MPRB to review its wetland management standards and policies, and consider
improvements to these processes to avoid the need for after-the-fact permit issuance in the future. The
City of Golden Valley also requests that MPRB repair the two storm sewer outlet pipes and eroded
channel identified in the southeast quadrant wetland during the site visit.
We look forward to further discussions with you regarding these concerns.
Thank you,