Draft NRMP Section 1 City of Golden Valley
Natural Resources Management Plan
DRAFT February 11, 2015
Unformatted draft for review
Acknowledgements
City Council
Shep Harris, Mayor
Joanie Clausen
Larry Fonnest
Steve Schmidgall
Andy Snope
Environmental Commission
Jim Stremel
Tracy Anderson `° "'x`'-
Lynn Gitelis ka
Tonia Golanska
Dawn Hill
Larry Johnson A,- ?- t -r Nqty
Debra Yahle
Open Space and Recreation Commission I.
Bob Mattison, Chair
Roger Bergman 4y. N
John Cornelius 40 t
Kelly Kuebelbeck
Gillian Rosenqui;t -1 y
Anne Sa#ert ='x N
Jerry Sandler ' '
Dawn Speltz
Daniel Steinberg
City Staff
Eric Eckman
Jeff Oliver
Lisa Nesbitt
Rick Bimo
Sheila Van Sloun
Al Lundstrom
Tim Teynor
Cheryl Weiler
Consultant
SEH, Inc.
[This will be formatted when the final version is ready for publication]
Contents
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Background
Section 3: Goals, Objectives and Policies
Section 4: Issues and Needs 0 :
Section 5: Natural Resource Management Strateg 'e
Section 6: Implementation
M1se
Appendices
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Planning Approach(to be included)
Figure 1-2 Use of Plan(to be included)
:Vit„
Figure 2-0 Location 'r II chan to Figure �'� +. At
Figure 2-1. Bedrock Ge.e5
Figure 2-2 Surficial Geolo
Figure 2-3 '�
Figure 2, texture
Figure 2=6.Sod Series N.
Figure 2`-6Watershed
Figure 2-7. Su ficial Hydrology -
Figure 2-9 Pre-European Settleieet Vegetation
Figure 4-1. 2013 Land Cover
Figure 4-2 Land Cover Acres Distribution
Figure 4-4 2012 Aerial
Figure 4-3. Existing Nature Areas and Open Spaces
Figure 5-1. Golden Valley Nature Areas Aerial(To be included)
Figure 5-2.Adeline Nature Area Aerial
Figure 5-3. Adeline Nature Area Land Cover
Figure 5-4.Adeline Nature Area Invasive Species
Figure 5-5. Adeline Nature Area Existing Amenities
Figure 5-6.Adeline Nature Area Concept Plan
Photographs
Figure 5-7. Bassett Creek Nature Area Aerial
Figure 5-8. Bassett Creek Nature Area Land Cover
Figure 5-9. Bassett Creek Nature Area Invasive Species
Figure 5-10. Bassett Creek Nature Area Existing Amenities
Figure 5-11. Bassett Creek Nature Area Concept Plan
Photographs
Figure 5-12. Briarwood Nature Area Aerial
Figure 5-13. Briarwood Nature Area Land Cover
Figure 5-14. Briarwood Nature Area Invasive Species
Figure 5-15. Briarwood Nature Area Existing Amenities
Figure 5-16. Briarwood Nature Area Concept Plan
Photographs
.....,.ayyy
Figure 5-17. General Mills Nature Preserve Aerial ..
Figure 5-18. General Mills Nature Preserve Land Otape4
Figure 5-19.General Mills Nature Preserve Invasii ewes
Figure 5-20.General Mills Nature Preserve Existing lies Ats
Figure 5-21.General Mills Nature Preserve Concept Pla :s,
Photographs4.1
Figure 5-22. Golden Ridge Nature Area Ata',l
Figure 5-23. Golden Ridge Nature Area Lan-. Dover%*
Figure 5-24. Golden RidgeNatureArea Inn
as . pees h.
Figure 5-25. Golden Rialilielitattire,Adrea Existin•-7" e e:g,`y
Figure 5-26. Golden Ridge Nature keit Concept `1^ 'vf<"
Figure 5-27 Laurel Avenue anbelt Area A41(scale that shows all three areas)
FigureLe "' .
r
5-28.
uLe�,A�?nue Gr (Ring�pnds)Aerial
Figure 5-1'29-Laurel ivenr4 Gree ;, ature At�9 Ponds)Land Cover
Figure 00. Laurel Avenue Greenbe ure Area(Ring Ponds)Invasive Species
Figure 5-'3f.Laurel Avenue Greenbelt 411.- Area(Ring Ponds)Existing Amenities
Figure 5-32 laurel Avenue Greenbelt NatArea(Ring Ponds)Nature Area Concept Plan
Figure 5-33. Laurel Avenue Greenbelt Nature Area(Cortlawn Pond)Aerial
Figure 5-34. Laurel Avenue Greenbelt Nature Area(Cortlawn Pond)Land Cover
Figure 5-35. Laurel Avenue Greenblatt Nature Area(Cortlawn Pond) Invasive Species
Figure 5-26. Laurel Avenue Greenbelt Nature Area(Cortlawn Pond) Existing Amenities
Figure 5-37. Laurel Avenue Greenbelt Nature Area(Cortlawn Pond)Nature Area Concept Plan
Figure 5-38. Laurel Avenue Greenbelt Nature Area(Brunswick Ave)Aerial
Figure 5-39. Laurel Avenue Greenbelt Nature Area(Brunswick Ave)Land Cover
Figure 5-40. Laurel Avenue Greenbelt Nature Area(Brunswick Ave) Invasive Species
Figure 5-41. Laurel Avenue Greenbelt Nature Area(Brunswick Ave)Existing Amenities
Figure 5-42. Laurel Avenue Greenbelt Nature Area(Brunswick Ave)Concept Plan
Photographs
Figure 5-43. Mary Hills Nature Area Aerial
Figure 5-44. Mary Hills Nature Area Land Cover
Figure 5-45. Mary Hills Nature Area Land Invasive Species
Figure 5-46. Mary Hills Nature Area Existing Amenities
Photographs
Figure 5-47. Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area Aerial
Figure 5-48. Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area Land Cover
Figure 5-49. Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area Invasive Species
Figure 5-50. Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area Existing Amenities
Figure 5-51. Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area Concept Plan
Photographs
Figure 5-52. Rice Lake Nature Area Aerial
Figure 5-53 Rice Lake Nature Area Land Cover
as
Figure 5-54. Rice Lake Nature Area Land Invasive Spe '
Figure 5-55. Rice Lake Nature Area Existing Amenities;;
Figure 5-56. Rice Lake Nature Area Concept PlanTABe included)
Photographs
Figure 5-57.Western Avenue Marsh N Area Aerial1,
Figure 5-58.Western Avenue Marsh N4jea Land Cover I
Figure 5-59.Western Avenue Marsh NaltSeapvasive SpeeisS
Figure 5-60.Western Avenue Marsh Natur4;76rea Sing Amenities..,..,
Figure 5-61.Western Avenue Marsh Nature kroa Conceiptf!an
Photographs '..
List of Tables
Section 1 : Introduction
Why is it so important for Golden Valley to plan for and manage its natural resources? Because
the benefits of being surrounded by a healthy natural environment are many. They include a
clean and abundant supply of groundwater, surface water; clean air to breathe; and a healthy
mix of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, such as forests, prairies, and wetlands. These features
are necessary to promote a vibrant and diverse human, animal and plant community. Although
not always visible, but every bit as important, is their contribution to the quality of life enjoyed by
Golden Valley residents.
While natural resources are part of what makes i$**urban environment of the City—both
public and private -those publicly owned space*that have been identified as Nature Areas,
Green Corridors, and Open Spaces will be the primary focus of this Natural Resources
Management Plan (NRMP).
An overarching goal of this plan is to Ptoviderite City and thecommunity with natural resources
management information, i.e., how to ridone's property of buckthorn, etc.,volunteer
opportunities(nature area clear**), and ineptratiopAptiblicoutreach)with the hope of creating
a public-private partnership to caro for all of thettleen and natural areas within the city-
regardless of ownership
Purpose of the larr*L
The purpose of the NRMPrsto guidedecision makers and staff on how to best manage Golden
Valley's natural resources (wrikeh land,vegetation, and wildlife) based on the community's
vision, goals, objectives, and poticies. It will help determine what actions could best be taken to
help preserve, protect,restore,and enhance the City of Golden Valley's nature areas, green
corridors, and open spaces.
Planning Process
The City of Golden Valley hired Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) in 2014 to work with the
Environmental Commission, the Open Space and Recreation Commission, City staff, and the
public to prepare the Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP). Planning efforts began by !,
reviewing related planning documents including the updated Natural Resources Inventory and
Parks and Land Use sections of the City's 2008 Comprehensive Plan. A community survey was
Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan 2015 INTRODUCTION Page 1
also developed requesting input from residents on the existing nature areas and on their future
desires and needs.
The Plan includes goals, objectives, policies, natural resource management recommendations,
specific nature area management action plans, and an implementation program identifying
specific and achievable projects, include priorities,timelines and responsibilities.
Plan Approach
The planning process goes well beyond reacting to problems after they occur and, for the
purposes of this Plan, the following action steps define the general approach to developing the
plan:
1. Assess the current condition of nahiral resources based on the 2013 Natural
Resources Inventory Update.
2. Review related planning and natural resounie management efforts
3. Garner public input on Golden Valleys natural resources including condition and use
of nature areas and open spaces. '
4. Identify issues and needs based on Pub9c,Environmental and Open Space and
Recreation Cornmisslj ns, Natureakreabelluations,and City staff knowledge.
5. Establish realistic, attainable, and affordable goals, objectives, and policies.
6 Develop a process to implement those goals, objectives, and policies. Develop
management strate �aS and actionplans for specific nature areas, based on an
Adaptive Man@srn
eentvmodel for achieving goals and objectives.
7. Identify opportunities to provide natural resource education and community
involvement, including volunteer opportunities.
8. Identify partnership&and grant opportunities to help the City achieve its natural
resource objectives .
2013 Natural Resources Inventory Update
Golden Valley's desire to develop a natural resources management plan is not a new idea. The
impetus began back in the late 1990s with a discussion among residents, City staff and the
Environmental Commission, which had been established by the City Council. The results of that
dialogue resulted in a list of natural resource based needs for the City. The needs included:
Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan 2015 INTRODUCTION Page 2
• Controlling nuisance(invasive)vegetation in wetland and upland plant communities
within the city.
• Identifying restorable ecological communities on city property.
• Identifying potential green space and greenways.
• Inventorying rare or uncommon plant species.
• Conducting a wetland quality assessment.
It was decided at that time the implementation of managementplans and management
strategies would be the best approach to solving these identified issues. To begin the planning
process, it was determined that the City's natural resources needed to be inventoried. I,
Fortunately for Golden Valley, the 1990's was the beginning of a collaborative effort to complete
vegetative mapping of the entire Twin Cities Metro Area. Participants included the Metropolitan
Council (Met Council), the Minnesota Departmentpf.Natural Resources (l 4pNR), and county
and city governments. Coinciding withthis effort was work done by the MNDNRt develop a
new vegetative and land use mapping system known as the Minnesota Land Cover
Classification System (MLCCS). This method was to be used statewide, and while completed in
portions, it integrated and starn4ardized land use classifications for more effective and efficient
use.
ti
In 2001, by recommendafbn of the'City's Environmental Commission, the City Council issued a
resolution to prepares naturet urces inventory. Golden Valley participated in the MNDNR
"Metro Greenways Planning Gra`t4i that required a 50 percent match from the City. The
following year, the City commissioned EH to complete a natural resources inventory
throughout the city, using the MLCCS claesification system.
An update of the natural resources inventory was completed in 2013, and followed the same
methodologies and land use definitions of the 2002 inventory. High resolution 2013 aerial
photographs were used to review changes to land use in the 10 years between the two surveys.
The two primary purposes were to track the gain or loss of natural areas, and the change in
percentage of invasive species present.
In general, the changes made to the inventory were relatively minor. A total of 73.69 acres of ,
land changed classification, and of that roughly half were clarifications that could be made using
better resolution on the 2013 aerial photographs. The changes constitute a little over 1% of the
Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan 2015 INTRODUCTION Page 3
land area of Golden Valley. A summary of some of the more significant changes are
summarized below.
Area 1 —General Mills: The General Mills Corporation completed a major expansion of their
corporate center. This expansion resulted in an increase of new buildings and parking lot, and a
reduction of forested habitat.
Area 2—General Mills Nature Preserve: The City of Golden Valley completed the construction
of a wetland bank,which added emergent marsh, native prairie,and expanded the floodplain of
Bassett Creek.
Area 3—Residential Development: Several small residential developments occurred. Most
notable is the development of the wooded ridge between Twin and Sweeney Lakes.
Area 4—New Storm Water Ponds: Through completion of the City's Pavement Management
Program, the City added several storm water ponds for additional water qualitgtreatment.
Both the 2002 and 2013 inventories both reviewed the cover pf invasive species within the
nature areas, open spaces, and parks. Of particular Interest Was the percentage cover of
buckthorn, although coverage.of,reed canary grass, purple loosespife, smooth brome grass,
and crown vetch wereelso mead. Between 2002 and 2013,the overall coverage of invasive
species has not chane significantly. Buckthorn,for example, is still prevalent, and can be
found throughoutthe city. Managementefforts, however, have demonstrated improvements.
Decreasing density'aen,be verified in areas where active management of buckthorn has
occurred; Where management h6s40 occurred, some areas are relatively unchanged, or
buckthorn density has increased. Specific changes are discussed in the individual nature area
descriptions, but the overall message is that effective control takes a dedicated program, many
hours of implementation, and is most effective when coordinated at a large scale.
Review of Related Plans, Studies and Programs
A number of planning and management efforts related to natural resources have taken place
within the city of Golden Valley and surrounding area within recent years. This document builds
upon the work done by Golden Valley and other groups and governmental entities. It is
important to understand that this body of work serve as working documents. As such, the intent
of this plan is to complement, not conflict, with information found within these key documents.
Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan 2015 INTRODUCTION Page 4
The following is a summary of the natural resource-related policies, goals, and studies used in
development of the NRMP.
Envision Golden Valley, A Shared Vision for Golden Valley's Future(2002): A Visioning
Guide produced by the City of Golden Valley and the Golden Valley Rotary that summarized
input from the city's residents to create a shared vision on topics such as development,
transportation, community engagement, environment, recreation, and government. The vision of
the NRMP is based in part upon the environmental section of this guide.
City of Golden Valley Comprehensive Plan 2008-2018(2008): A decennial update to its
(1999)comprehensive plan produced by the City. The Plan contains natural resource related
chapters including Parks(Chapter 6)and Surface Water(Chapter 10),.While a Natural
Resources Chapter was not included in this update, a brief section discussing the Nature Areas
and Preserves of the city including objectives and policies was included in the Pants Chapter of
the comprehensive Plan.
Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan(2010):.The plan wagproduced in 2010 and updated
by the City of Golden Valley.in 2012 to outline Golden Valley's objectives and approaches to be
used to meet currentand'anticipated impact of the Emerald Ash Borer(EAB)on the City's urban
forest resource. The`pian is also to be used as a pest management blueprint for staff and
residents to follow.
A Sustainable Vegetation Management Plan for Golden Valley(2012): A report produced by
University if Minnesota students in Cooperation with the City of Golden Valley and the College
of Food, Agricultural and Nature Resources. The study addressed options for sustainable
management of the City's natural resources with the overall goal of creating a plan that would
increase aesthetic and ecological benefits throughout the parks, ponds, and golf course, while
lowering maintenance costs. Students presented their ideas and recommendations to the
Environmental and Open Space and Recreation Commissions, City Council, and staff. One
recommendation was the development of a Natural Resources Management Plan(NRMP),
which the Environmental Commission included as the top priority in its 2013 work plan.
City of Golden Valley, MN, Natural Resources Inventory ti Minnesota Land Cover
Classification System Mapping, Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services
(2008): A city-wide inventory and Minnesota Land Cover Classification System mapping of
Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan 2015 INTRODUCTION Page 5
Golden Valley's natural resources prepared by Hennepin County. The inventory includes a
natural resource inventory, results, and management recommendations. The Hennepin County
inventory is similar to what was prepared by the City of Golden Valley in 2002.
Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC) Watershed Management
Plan(2004): The plan provides information on climate and precipitation, topography, soils,
geology and groundwater resources, land use and public utilities, surface water resource
information, natural communities and rare species, and pollutant sources in the Bassett Creek
Watershed. The plan also outlines issues, goals and policies related to water quality, flooding
and rate control, erosion and sediment control, stream restoration, wetland management,
groundwater, public ditches, and public involvement and information.
Bottineau Light Rail Transit Corridor(LRT)and Station: A proposed dedicated transit way
that would extend from downtown Minneapolis to northern Brooklyn Park The line would travel
through Golden Valley along the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad Corridor..Also
proposed are potentially two LRT stations planned for Golden Valley—one at Plymouth Avenue
and one at Golden Valley Road. While there is an opportunity to create a gateway into Golden
Valley along the corridor, there is concern how its development would impact the natural
resources along the corridor, particularly in the Mary MillsNature Area.
Sochacki Park/Mary Hills/Rice Lake Nature Area Initiative: A 2014 initiative between Three
Rivers Park District,and the cities of Robbinsdale and Golden Valley to explore opportunities for
creating ataint partnership parks complex. The Complex made up of Robbinsdale's Sochacki
Park and.Golden Valley's Maly Hills"and Rice Lake Nature Areas would provide a range of
natural resource based activities including additional trail connections between Sochacki Park,
Mary Hills and Ripe Lake Nature Areas, and the future Crystal Lake and Bassett Creek Regional
Trails. Proposed projects would also include water quality improvement and invasive species
management, an increased vegetative buffer adjacent to the propose Bottineau LRT, and a dog
off leash area.
Theodore Wirth Park Master Plan: A Master Plan for Theodore Wirth Regional Park is being
developed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, with adoption planned for 2015. The
focus of the plan is two-fold. The first is to protect and enhance Wirth Park's unique natural and
ecological resources and the second is ensure that Wirth Park's natural resources will be a
catalyst for recreational and visitor experiences.
Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan 2015 INTRODUCTION Page 6
Public Participation
Community input is key to natural resource management planning including the management of
the city's nature areas. Understanding the needs, desires and concerns help to determine future
priorities, such as, vegetative management and provisions for amenities within the nature areas
such as trails, benches along the trails, water access, habitat education signs, and pet clean-up '.
systems.
Project Committee Meetings
The overall design and execution of the natural resources planning process relied on monthly
Environmental Commission meetings that were open Vthe public and meetings with City Staff.
Meetings focused on the planning process, issues"eed opportunittes;planning element updates
and reviews.
Community Survey
To help inform the planning process,the City of Golden''Wiley developed an on-line Natural
Resources Survey. The purpose was to obtaininput from citizens regarding Golden Valleys
natural resources, nature areas, and open spaces,early on in the process. Questions asked
ranged from which nature areas/open spacesdo people visit and why to user satisfaction with
the quality of the nalate areas. Questions also flaked what Could be changed to improve the
nature areas and what was felt to be most effective in protecting them.The survey also asked if
responders would be interested in volunteer opportunities related to maintaining and enhancing
Golden Valley's nature areas.
Organization of the Plan
The Natural Resources Management Plan is presented in six sections with accompanying
appendices and is described as follows:
Introduction: Describes the Plan's purpose, planning process, approach, 2013 Natural
Resources Inventory Update summary, related planning, study and program efforts, public
participation, and organization and use of the Plan.
Background: Provides a summary of Golden Valley's regional setting and natural history
including geology, geomorphology, soils, hydrology, pre-settlement vegetation, existing land
Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan 2015 INTRODUCTION Page 7
cover conditions, current natural resource management practices and natural resource related
public outreach and education programs.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies: Provides a planning and management framework including
the formulation of a vision statement, along with goals, objectives and policies based on current
conditions and issues and needs identified by the Environmental and Open Space and
Recreation Commissions, city staff, and public input.
Issues and Needs: Provides a summary of key issues and opportunities related to the overall
condition and management of Golden Valleys natural rfloUrces. This section also provides a
summary of issues and opportunities pertaining to the nature areas, green corridors, and open
spaces in the city. Issue analyses and needs assessments are based on results of the 2002
Natural Resources Inventory and 2013 update,review of related planning studies, meetings with
City commissions and staff, community survey and-site evaluations.
Natural Resources Management Strategies:Provides a series of prioritized recommendations
for each city-maintained nature area including vegetation management, restoration,
enhancement and site amenity improvements such as signs, trails, benches, fences, etc.
Implementation: Provides guidance for maintaining accountability, monitoring activities,
procuring funding, developing procedures and regulations, and community education and
involvement.
Appendices;Provides supplemental material.
Use of the Plan
The Natural Resources Management Plan presents a vision for the future management of
Golden Valley's natural resources and a framework for community action. The Plan is derived
through public input and is based on the community vision, goals, objectives and policies. City
Council, commission members, staff, other governmental entities, organization or any citizen
interested in the city's vision for managing its natural resources, particularly Golden Valley's
Nature Areas will find this document useful for understanding the goals, objectives and policies
guiding land acquisition, improvements and maintenance. City staff will use this document to
establish priorities and annual work plans for natural resource related projects.
Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan 2015 INTRODUCTION Page 8