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Draft NRMP Section 4 Section 4: Issues and Needs To understand and anticipate Golden Valley's current and future natural resource planning and management needs, it is important to review the existing natural resource conditions within the City. These conditions include existing land use patterns, land cover, nature areas and open spaces, invasive plant species, current management practices and programs, public outreach and education programs, and partnerships related to natural resources. Land Use Patterns Figure 4.1 shows an aerial photograph of Golden r - .Accor• • the 2008 Comprehensive Plan,the predominant land use pattern in the residential(48°, lowed by 25%cover under the combination of institutional/recreati• `' :: :nd use,which inclu. •e City's schools, open spaces, golf courses, and parks. Undevelop. - eash include ._ iated Nature Areas,open space, and wetlands, c'°;,with open - ••dies comprising .'n additional 3%. . City-owned and manage , re Areas ;_ focus mane: -nt plan, comprise approximately 2.3% • • cover 'n • Fig re 4.2).Additional areas within the city that p - nature ry' -as, but . owned b e city include: General Mills Research Nature Area ( „resd and m. 4 ed by General Mills; Theodore Wirth Regional `„ry ; es) ion` ' -d in ` den Valley and Minneapolis but managed by th-„'ir eapolis Pa . • Re. - on Boa ,a Westwood Hills Nature Center(160 acres), II which ha 1`'.' ;mall portion Go 9.' , alley, but is primarily owned and managed by the City of St. Louis ` ” :" Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 1 Figure 4.1: 2012 Aerial Photograph Legend -- , pie •LAj�a ins , _, `.{�- Land Cover Land cover(Figure 4.2), unlike land use, which is based on function (how the land is being used), is a determination of the physical characteristics, which can be observed from the ground or through remote sensing. Land cover includes naturally occurring or planted vegetation, aquatic resources, forested areas, and areas that have been developed (buildings, roads, bridges, etc.). Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 2 Figure 4.2: 2013 Land Cover Legend .. •.Harr v,.er t.e+ 2013 Land Con,C,asae,eae,on • MO -raeu, -..eeaceoua I.0%....... - 4 i 1 ' 141 4- r" 11 SI I. it 1 , • 1 . ,` ) Al r a e at I , =� ae it II ill _41:eicki I - ,- .4pirif- _ , ,. ® i 4 ,-, riLa wef.,,ir)tr• i_f a'-— 6 / © �.. _ iL The 2013 land cover map is based on an update of the 2002 Natural Resources Inventory. The categories have been defined based on a land cover classification system developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR). Figure 4.3 shows land cover type by acres. Total land cover is approximately 10.6 square miles or 6,754 acres. Developed areas, which may be partially vegetated, comprise about 70% of the land cover, while forests and woodlands comprise 10%, and open grasslands and prairies 4%. Shrublands contribute to least amount of land cover, with an approximate 1% distribution. Overall, developed land and cultural (non-native)vegetation encompass about 81% of Golden Valley's land cover while native-dominated plant communities comprise about 19%. This value is relatively constant over the past few decades, although a goal of the city is to increase the quantity and quality of these natural areas. Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 3 Figure 4.3 Land Cover Type by Acres (Needs correct labels here) [CATEGORY NAME] [CATEGORY NAME] Mixed [CATEGORY', f[CATEG ([PERCENTAGE]) ((PERCENTAGE]) NAME] ([PERCENTAGE]) ([PERCENTAGE]) Native[CATEGORY' > NAME] t. ([PERCENTAGE]) ''';Al Developed Areas ([PERCENTAGE]) Landscaped or Non- native Vegetation ([PERCENTAGE]) Alterations to the natural environment initially through agriculture, and more recently through the residential and commercial development, have altered the majority of historic land cover. Most of the native vegetation has been generally replaced with turf grass, landscaping, and hard surfaces (structures, parking lots and roadways). Nature Areas and Open Spaces Nature areas and open spaces are public lands set aside by the City of Golden Valley for preservation of natural resources, and in many cases for flood storage. These areas provide for passive recreation, visual aesthetics, protection of natural resources, and buffering for water quality improvements. These areas may include trail corridors, areas for wildlife viewing, and other passive recreation uses. The nature areas and open spaces differ from parks. Parks are typically dedicated to active recreation opportunities such as sports fields and playgrounds. Golden Valley's adopted definition by ordinance of a park is as follows: "An open space with natural vegetation and Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 4 landscaping, which may include recreational facilities, designed to serve recreation needs of the residents of the community." Figure 4.4 shows existing Nature Areas and Open Spaces. Other areas shown on the map include trail/walkway easements, City parks, golf courses, and campuses, schools, and other governmental entities open spaces. Figure 4.4 Existing Nature Areas and Open Spaces legend Car pfOEn.::: a«,v.wr�.mm :..iliicL•1.iL�._. _N.Ive Areas _E.:: On E.a.m.m. �' Add schools and reorder. �?�' '' C. Park d Campus 1.1- T 1.)i Other AQsncY [ Opan Wow ` 1 -- _ C.,'°Pen SP.c.Parc. w...* O ,, L!, V ' _�. .-ao 1 ili • .p a r { cr ' u oiQ 1 : cc, '- y; L 1 o a -:;4; p l S ,�� ck .) is 'sc / tiA° o o _ u Q .. 1 : Figure 4.5 lists Golden Valley's nature areas, nature preserves, and greenbelts by acres. The four largest nature areas in the system include Laurel Avenue Greenbelt, General Mills Nature Preserve, Pennsylvania Woods, and Western Avenue Marsh. Together, these four areas comprise 67% of the nature area's total acres. Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 5 Figure 4.5 Nature Area and Open Spaces Area (acres) 70.0 67.3 60.0 50.0 40.0 a, 33.1 u a 30.0 27.0 22.9 21.6 20.0 15.8 15.7 10.0 7.6 9.0 1.2 ' I 1.6 0.0 M P � bP AP �Q �P e\� 0.. 0'.' 0P 0. ey LA. ` e P yye�'c ���a ece. O\0'• P,a 4`a' . Qb P4 CQa 0a (> t� �a�e\ �y\,a eyse�o O'' Qe' ya Nature Areas and Open Space Following are more detailed descriptions of each of the categories shown on Figures 4.4 and 4.5. Nature Areas: Golden Valley's Nature Areas are relatively large blocks of undeveloped land that have been set aside by the City and managed with a minimal maintenance approach to preserve their natural habitats. Nature Preserves: A Nature Preserve is a protected area that is considered important as a habitat for wildlife, flora, fauna or other special features of interest such as unique geological features. The General Mills Nature Preserve is the only one located within the City. The land that comprises the Preserve was donated to the City by General Mills. The Preserve area was developed as wetlands for wetland banking and flood storage purposes. It was protected with a conservation easement through the Minnesota Land Trust and is preserved in perpetuity as a nature area. Greenbelts: Greenbelts, also referred to as greenways, are linear features that may either bypass or intentionally transect urban areas. Greenbelts usually protect higher quality linear Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 6 open space, such as along rivers and streams, or are un-developable, such as floodplain, wetland, storm water ponds, etc. The Laurel Avenue Greenbelt is the representative feature within Golden Valley, and is a linear open space area along Laurel Avenue, that serves to buffer the adjacent low and medium density residential areas from the business uses south of Laurel. The greenbelt is comprised of a series of ponds with perimeter woodlands and routinely maintained turf grass immediately adjacent to Laurel Avenue. Parks, Campuses, Golf Courses, and schools: Parks include Golden Valley's community and neighborhood parks while campuses describe other publicProperty such as city hall, fire stations, and maintenance facilities. Golden Valley currentybas.nine Community Parks and ten Neighborhood Parks(as described in Chapter 6 utdheGolden ` 2008-2018 Comprehensive Plan). The City contains three ation golf coursY a City-owned Brookview golf course; the course within Theb4 a Wirth Regional Parlbehg the private Golden ValleyGolf and CountryClub. Schools within their g,also n open spa !or both active and passive recreational opportunities;although many of t 'schools are privately owned. Easements: Recreation and trail or walkway easements in ,.. n Valley allow public access to private property for the purpose of trail use by the community andlnaintenance by the City which may include t. al and repalgangwirral trails, and tree trimming. Occasionally, the ea t areaso mclude, eet sweeping�and snow removal programs. The General Mills Resea attar*Area is a 57%ore nature area, which is not owned by the t� ti City, but it 4 h` to resitigisthrougha partnership with General Mills. A network of trails througltssooded, grass aktehrubiend areas provide views of ponds and wildlife. The City of Golden Va provides mof ,along a perimeter trail 2-3 times a year. Other Govern I Entity: utter entity owned or managed areas include: Theodore Wirth Regional Park and\Nestwood Hills Nature Center. • Theodore Wirth fional Park The 759-acre park contains over 500 acres within the il, li City of Golden Valley but is managed and maintained by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. A number of natural resource based opportunities exist within the park including those that take advantage of trails through woodlands, ponds and wetlands, Quaking Bog, Wirth Lake, Twin Lake, and Bassett Creek. It is also home to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, and the Wirth Golf Club. • Westwood Hills Nature Center Westwood Hills is 160-acre nature center located just south of 1-394 and east of Highway 169. Approximately 20.79 acres of the park Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 7 are within the Golden Valley city limits. Wood chip and boardwalk trails traverse through the property and around Westwood Lake.Access to the property, including the Interpretive Center, is provided through the City of St. Louis Park. City Open Space Parcels: Golden Valley has 132 parcels of land that can be categorized into open space, highway tumback property, or unimproved rights-of-way. Of those areas, 59 have been designated by the City as "open space". Primary land cover of these areas include turf, trees, mixed vegetation, and stormwater pond buffer vegetation:.Some of the open spaces include water features. The Open Space parcels sometimesifclude a public investment in natural and structural improvements. Amenities „. Nature Areas typically provide opportunities for«preservation, conservation,or enhancement of natural resources, sometimes referred to as"natureig menj d!!such as foie.*woodlands, grasslands/prairies, or wetlands whffealso providing ui brl assive structural amenities. Structural amenities are provided to inerease'3+ser satisfa'l cs2, and can include paved and natural surface trails, boardwalks, overl&MMcs, bandies,fencese,'j[aining walls; entry,way- finding and education s .native pl ,pnd w wing opportunities,waste receptacles for trash* pet droppings, Natural Resource-Related OrdinancesandStandards Tree Pres&ilt4 : Ai adopted ei +ape(See Section 4.32 of Golden Valley City ?ode)written t otect, pmeerve, and enhance the natural environment of the �rx GO nity and to mop ' urag&Uesourceful and prudent approach to the deve nt, redev4epment and alteration of trees in wooded areas? 2. Animal Waste%An adopted city code (See Section 10.33 of Golden Valley City Code)written to promote immediate animal waste removal from public or private property). 3. Feeding of Deer:An adopted city code(See Section 10.34 in Golden Valley City Code)written to control intentional public feeding of deer within the City. 4. Shade Tree Diseases:An adopted city code (See Section 10.50 of Golden Valley City Code)written to protect the health of trees within the city limits from tree Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 8 �I diseases and pests. This includes the prevention and spread of these type of conditions. 5. Lawn Maintenance:An adopted city code(See Section 10.51 of Golden Valley City Code)written to establish minimum standards for lawn maintenance and allow for alternative diverse vegetation types such as those defined as"Native Vegetation" within the ordinance. 6. Application of Fertilizers and Pesticides:An edp ad city code(See Section 10.52)of Golden Valley City Code written to,regulate the amount of lawn fertilizer and other chemicals entering the lakes anattreamatly a result of storm water runoff or other causes. ,44 ) 7. Regulating the Use of Coal Tar-Baited Sealer Products:Affagted city code (See Section 10.54 of the Golden Vallee Cod written to reg the use of sealer products within Go)denValley in ordel eprotect, restore, and preserve the y, quality of its waters. -.M‘flk, 8. Public Sites n4 n Space n a•* '•,t �cro"d8�(See Section 12.30)written tanfiin the Su vision Costo require f{6aeonable pain of a plat or subdivision to be dedicated fo%j?e,alic use es parks, playgrounds, public open space or stormwater areas oi ponds: Landscape Standards:A policy docu't(ient prepared by the City of Golden Valley to `u ablish minimuntetandards relative to landscaping, buffering, and screening where re. . as part of t( development process. 10.Stormwater Management:An adopted city code (See section 4.31 of the Golden Valley City Cade)written to regulate land development and land disturbance activities resulting from erosion and site runoff. 11. Floodplain Management:An adopted city code (See section 11.60 of the Golden Valley City Code)written to provide an overlay district defining the floodplain of Bassett Creek and tributaries, and regulate activities within that overlay. Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 9 12. Shoreland Management An adopted city code (See section 11.65 of the Golden Valley City Code)written to define and limit what is allowed to occur within the shoreland zones of Public Waters within the city limits. 13. Planned Unit Development: In reviewing planned unit development projects, the City enforces design standards for preservation and protection of resources,wetland buffers, and set back requirements. Natural Resource Management and Maintenance Golden Valley is a mature community, and its natural ource gement needs must be considered in light of the age and successions}", "�frof the naturalia.urces. For example, maintenance of a mature, fully canopied hard` d forest may differ froth$ 1oung forest with scattered trees, and considerably less shading o nde Planning for healthy and ecological-iiverseopen spar '*e nature areas, can also provide a beautiful image of the community. This(s e r,', ly true a -+ native plant restoration is completed, or new facilities and amenities are ink t , . Howe ,jt is the long-term care of the resources that exhibits a. .. • mitmem pro al pikes and experiences that adds to the quality of for its resktents. ' c = yr Managing natural resourneaTorgatikrof life is e aced when there is a sustainable management Sego*that ba .u.,�des the nea�(to restore, enhance, and protect the natural resou�with the needioprovidepassive recrional opportunities for the user, such as trails and other amenities. fr Sustainable design and maintenance is any practice that protects and enhances natural resources while providing a realistic expectation for outcomes based on pre-defined goals, existing conditions and measureable changes, and available resources, which may be both physical and financial. The City of Golden Valley has a long history of employing sustainable design into public improvement projects. For example, the City manages its storm water ponds using a sustainable management approach. This approach has been used in Hampshire and Brookview Parks where native vegetative buffers enhance water quality and provide benefits to wildlife habitat, pollinators,water resource education opportunities, and decreased maintenance efforts. The sustainable approach balances the potentially greater costs of initial installation with an Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 10 overall long term reduction in costs and efforts as these naturalized areas require less mowing and maintenance, watering, and specialized care. Nature Area Management and Maintenance Responsibilities Park Maintenance,which is within the Physical Development Department, is responsible for the day-to-day and on-going operations of the City's Nature Areas and open space. There is currently one supervisor, one crew leader, one assistant forester, and five maintenance staff. The primary tasks performed by Park Maintenance staff includR4naintenance along trails within the nature areas and easements, such as mowing, prunintifid relocation or removal of hazardous and downed trees. Trail maintenance is alsnoinpiefed, and includes paving, repair, sweeping, and in some cases, snow removal. B, jorn and othet invasive plant species removal may also be performed by City staff,„ 'er, due to the invasjve nature of these plants, additional resources are needed to sucL ssfully control or reduce the4r impact on Golden Valley's natural resources. Figure 4.6 shows a general mowing and n} nlenance planr r nature areas and open spaces. The majority of mowing is on a weekly' is, ,'ie�Foncenti ,on parks and open spaces that are used primarily for active=rezeation. Witin the Nature Areas',Mowing may also be weekly, but tends to be associated withEfil mainten k .F The City of Golden Valley also corcts with slized professional consultants for the establishment and mamtenartceof natur$egd are"when additional expertise is required. This is typically associated with natui jized storm pond buffers, but can include portions of right-of-Way and natural areas where a native restoration project has been completed. For example,the Briarwood Nattb area tia psmall prairie restoration and a stream bank stabilization projthat are beimaintained by a professional contractor. Figure 4.6 General Mowing Schedule for Nature Areas and Open Spaces Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 11 i City Mowing teA...p N .... public Property water IMAM ' _ t i I) '•1 y...�«..m .��.� .� �-- I in Ljoldt. &hi-.mg —. Srvalley ... , ___1 / � � --` {lia.7-i gyp3 RipiL...1- mit, • M 61-16. _ iii . 7 i i -ii Av. tua 'mak iitipt h40,1 Ike A 1111 1 1� 111111 NEC'. 0 i ma 1411111e-s iwt-4/1 f -%1 ' to ff ti) , - zzi"poliddlitu immoh... Y whor----1 „„,,..,._____ .,.. . , -WI _Iiirdtifaki ruiliArr..- ir. Plinfil -- I” ,°1 i► —tall ". _— :7.3 IMI '1 "' , c__Aaw. tiv As part of the City's Adopt-a-Park program, volunteers help to ensure the nature areas remain free from litter and retain their natural beauty. Invasive Plant Species While Golden Valley has been proactive in controlling invasive plant species, many natural areas including the City's Nature Areas and Open Spaces have been infested with non-native plants including European buckthorn, and garlic mustard, in the woodlands, reed canary grass, giant reed grass, and purple loosestrife in the wetlands, and spotted knapweed and leafy spurge in the grasslands. Refer to 2013 Natural Resources Inventory Update for more details regarding Invasive Species and the Urban Forestry page of the City of Golden Valley's website goldenvalleymn.gov. Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 12 Figure 4.7 Invasive Species Legend M CO,N CC.Yn V]ne•lwn Rf ... t'.•1:-:�- CNNCobenv,,eeywaterBodes - .L ; -; �iFU !4 NHL :I Lend Cover 2019(MLCCS Modified) "• ',yl )nm` ea a Involve Species •ii 1E-rip. 1 B tnon f. Smooch Broom • a L, r11 Co.I vet[n sreo Knaperood • 1€ iurA4 , _Puryk LOOfelNe t:' 'S ■``'a4rtaq tr Peed Canty Grass ...Z. '.II :i \" • .-19,..•7..., 'A a •_.•r A �i # ir _ :lllha .. • J.2 �(t= . - �111'•'Imo hilt * " :::‘:::i '' • %Ir ,� I 11tr ... ■_ a.!1.;fie I R Q{$1. ' Ib Re...� j,�„ n !;,, .,'.• -n.: - ova a f la { 1111 illlllll C;( ,', < t p.t a i r ¢ III t � ung in. �+ +d /)�L .II ;� �. _ I{i i'{. ,•ufnr fuS��I�,UII �tt` -':Ir ,. U1,`,�\. ��, _� 1t{ 71 1,11WANI 1,\14111'01 I II I ii 'ff 4°11110 r at—.=_C, a.R- Out-.I_II l^--_1-i4t-r Q . 11 firk 11'_�PAill �II DRi e 1 �+��� is .mi 3�j 1 ,. : , Ali Id ''' is,° Mr!!i, .�!I 6 �r .' gs t _ :„:4I „.0 i _� iii r: i �i^� , .• -.iil! 1.:1=1. it i • r ...- '' eo �� t� Y. • aT . a. 11,1 ��I, E ale= 1kV-• lueliam 4 L "- ISD .� ': vv., D e a . i , rr J. Table 4.1 identifies the acres that are dominated by invasive species. City-wide, buckthorn is the most prevalent invasive, followed by reed canary grass, and spotted knapweed. While buckthorn is found in many wooded areas of the City, reed canary grass can be found around a number of wetland complexes, and spotted knapweed primarily found around Wirth Lake in the southeast corner of the city. Crown vetch is limited to one area of railroad embankment, which is not located on city property, but is part of a greenway corridor. Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 13 Table 4.1 Invasive Plant Species by Acres Type Acres Buckthom 543 Reed canary grass 84 Spotted knapweed 56 Purple loosestrife 11 Smooth brome 5 Crown vetch 2 Pests Gypsy Moths: These moths are considered by many perte, abe the single most destructive pest of trees and shrubs.While first present in G Valley in 20, none have been found in the area since pesticide treatment by the Min ` eta Department of Agriculture in 2002. Emerald Ash Borer(EAB): Although not presentlillelditriSVcelley at this tine,ft is anticipated SII that the Emerald Ash Borer will threa(Briafe.City's Asli1sea$ in the future. To meet the challenge, the City began developing a cii'i <` sh Bor`ad B) Management Plan in 2010 and updated it in 2012. The plan outhnes*olden' 's objed6ves and approaches to meet current and anticipatedfirr)p$tri' ie EAB e )Jrbdn forest and woodland resources. The Intent kias to pro** City S 'Ihe comMahity with a dynamic pest management guide that tteeld be 'afttly update x new pest management technology evolves. Tree Dk'eases ,< .� < Dutch Elm and Oak Wilt'These aro tree diseases that are caused by fungi carried by an insect from tree to tree. OncetIfe fungu5:takes hold, it grows rapidly in the water-conducting vessels of the entire tree. The d 5sels clog and the tree eventually dies. Once a tree becomes infected, it can be a source of fungi for transmission to healthy trees. Both diseases are a continuing problem within the Golden Valley urban forest. Over the past years, Golden Valley has experienced losses to Dutch Elm disease and is continuing a comprehensive sanitation program to keeping annual losses to a minimum. '.. Public Outreach and Education Building public support for nature conservation and natural resource protection including , invasive species management is essential to managing a community's resources. Especially Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 14 when, in most cases,there is no physical barrier between public and private property. Public outreach and education can help raise awareness of natural areas and wildlife, and the importance of the natural environment to the community and its overall quality of life. Public Outreach The City of Golden Valley uses a number of means to provide information to the residents of Golden Valley including: • CityNews publication: A 16-page bi-monthly publication, produced by the City of Golden Valley and mailed to all residents. Tha'ptlblicationis designed to provide a range of topics to the City's general po an audience that varies by age, education, and level of interest in City` vemment. Natural resource-related topics have included: native vegetation, rain gardens and water quality, spring brush pick up and fall t., leaf drop-off programs, publicimprovementsseoh,es stream restorations,emerald ash borer, nature area and naturatasrg partners\tt ,;development of Natural Resources Management Plans, identificati*inditiaissgement at-invasive species(Buckthom, garlic mustard, Reed panary grass tted knapweed, Leafy spurge), and others. , t • Cable Channel'$6/NorthwOet Commr' y TV: The City of Golden Valley partners with Northwest Community TelevISlon(NWCT)to bring Golden Valley residents a wide variety of programmindtat featurbilydormation about local government, community \activities, and evepts, Theghannel also,highlights special features which include natural resource topics suchas4he Gdklen Valley Natural Resources Management Plan that aired in September 2041 • City Website:Educational information related to natural resources is provided on the City's website that cover topics such as native landscaping and rain gardens, value of urban trees, tree diseases and, pests, tree management tips for homeowners, Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 15 Natural Resource-Related Education While the City of Golden Valley does not have a naturalist on staff, nor any community hosted programs devoted to active or social environmental education, it does partner with the City of St. Louis Park's Westwood Hills Nature Center to provide environmental education programs like "Tuesday Turtles", an interactive nature learning opportunity for ages 4-5 along with other nature-oriented educational programs for all ages including: • Science and Reading • Puppet Story Time • Games and Adventure • Fall Color Paddle on Westwood Lake t • Honey Harvest Discussions have also occurred to collaboratedd�;rth the Three Rivers ParkDistrict to provide educational opportunities and programming in the Rice Lake and Mary Hills Nature Areas. Stewardship/Public Servisf olunteer Programs Stewardship/public service programsbyrdeetn opportunity,for community members to become actively involved in the care of Golden ley's natural resources or areas and include through volunteering: 4 • Storm Drain Inlet Stenciling Prom: Educncomponent of the Surface Water Management Plan that help's to Maiatitpollutanth*rom entering the street storm drains by soliciting volunteers to paint 44Js14'symbol and text'Dump No Waste" near storm drains. Storm Drain Outlet Program; StorA drain adoption program near lakes, ponds, or streams with outlet basins whereby th0 City works with volunteers to report back any operation, maintenance concerns, or prese of illicit discharges. Adopt-a-Park: Public$rvicjprogram that enables volunteers to help keep Golden Valley's parks and nature areas clean and beautiful. While the main focus of this program is picking up litter,volunteers can help City staff by identifying safety hazards, and communicating any issues that arise within the park or nature area. Buckthorn Busting: Public service program related to the Adopt-a-Park in which residents can provide buckthom removal within designated areas. Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 16 Lilac Planting and Maintenance: Local program, where volunteers plant or provide care and maintenance for planted lilac shrubs located throughout the City, Partnerships Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR): Golden Valley partnered with the MNDNR,the Metropolitan Council(Met Council), and Hennepin County to complete vegetative community mapping from 1990s through 2002. Grants have also been awarded to the City from the MNDNR for shoreland buffers and tree plantings. Hennepin County Natural Resources Partnership: In 2014,-Hennepin County started the Hennepin County Natural Resources Partnership to provide a forum for a more holistic and collaborative approach to managing and protecting our land and water resources. Partners include cities, watersheds, and agencies and orggenizations involved with or interested in natural resources management and protection. Metropolitan Council (Met Councililpeekdes partnering With Met Council on the Golden Valley Natural Resources Inventory, the` ity works with the Met Bouncil for the completion of the Comprehensive Plan,whigiincludes anatural mecum,planning component. Adjacent Communitieat Golden Valley has been involved in a number of partnerships related to parks and nature areas.Qpr)laiunity Partners include: Minneapolis (Theodore Wirth Park); St. Louis Park(Westwood Hills EiW ronmental Education Center/Nature Center); and Robbinsdale (Sochackd„Mary Hills, Ride 1Kake fjre Complex). Three River3.(ark District Golden Valley has partnered with Three Rivers District in recent years on a numberbfprojects i4luding the Bassett Creek Regional Trail Master Plan, and construction of the Woe Line Regional Trail, among other initiatives. Bassett Creek WatershedhManagement Commission: Golden Valley has partnered with Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission on a number of restoration projects including Bassett Creek streambank stabilization in Briarwood Nature Area and Bassett Creek Nature Area, and water quality improvement projects throughout the city. The City and the BCW MC also collaborate to establish water quality and erosion control standards related to development. Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 17 General Mills: Golden Valley has also been part of public-private partnerships including the General Mills Research Nature Area. While the nature area is owned by General Mills, Golden Valley maintains the trails, including mowing and tree pruning along the edges. Board of Water and Soil Resources(BWSR): The BWSR holds conservation easements over wetland banks located within the Golden Valley Nature Preserve and Minnaqua Wetland. Other partnerships include: • Tree Trust-a Minnesota non-profit organization with programs committed to helping to , protect and advocate for the urban tree canopy:state-wide.while offering employment training programs to youths and adults. Volunteers assistedthe City in planting shade trees as a way to begin preparing for potential threats from the emerald ash borer. Projects have also been completed within several nature areas, in'et ing a tree planting project in Briarwood Nature Area in 2010. • Minnesota Land Trust—a Minre}sotat)on-profit conservation organization that works with communities and:landownersto protect and enhance land through a number of ways includingraiMervagen easements.Thetityworked with the Minnesota Land Trust to establish a'' ierrnanent easement on a portion of land donated by General Mills to create what is novthe General Mills Nature Preserve. • Hennepin County Sentencing to Service—this correctional program provides manual labor, which can include work on natural resource-related projects, including buckthorn removal, vegetation maintenance around storm water ponds, and litter and debris cleanup hi-nature areasand d open spaces. Community Input Equally important to understanding the existing conditions of the natural resource system, '.. current management and maintenance strategies, and public outreach and education approaches and partnerships, is the understanding of community issues and concerns, needs and desires. The quality of a city's natural resources impacts the quality of life of its people. Listening to those who develop policies(Commission Members), those who currently manage the City's natural resources (City Staff) including nature areas and open spaces, and those who Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 18 appreciate or use the system (citizens, users) is a critical step in the planning process.The wealth of input provided helps to determine future priorities for the preservation, conservation, improvement and management of nature areas and open spaces. Project Steering Committee The natural resources management planning process was guided jointly by Golden Valley's Environmental Commission and the Open Space& Recreation Commission. Both Commissions met early in the process to discuss goals and objectives of the plan and issues regarding the City's natural resources. Issues, concerns and opportunities identified included: • Bottineau Light Rail Corridor and Station—its impacts an opportunity as a gateway to Golden Valley. • Theodore Wirth Park Master Plan—compatibility between the updat 1plan and Golden Valleys Natural Resource Management Plan • Buckthorn Management Plan—need for City endorsement and approval of a buckthorn management planNat would also provide education and management strategies for community reStiehits. would be *nI&tb one ttiathas been developed by the City for stormwater pond vegetative buffering. • Natural Resource Management—needto create a plan that will guide opportunities for servation (particularly Mary Bills Nature Area and General Mills Nature Preserve), protection and enhaqcement. • Sweeney Lake—identify additional opportunities that would help to improve the water quality of the lake (would complement the existing Surface Water Management Plan). • Future Threats by Invasive Plant Species, and Climate Change—provide management strategies that will be cognizant and adaptive to dealing with unknown threats. • Greenbelts—preservation and enhancement of Dakota, Brunswick and Laurel Avenue. • Wildlife and Insects—management(nuisance wildlife species control—Canada geese and Deer)and habitat enhancement for wildlife and insect species, i.e., pollinators. Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 19 • Community Natural Resource Outreach and Education—implementing or revising existing programs and creating and implementing new ones to increase community stewardship of Golden Valley's natural resources. • Inter-agency Cooperation—identify ways to communicate goals and policies of the Natural Resources Management Plan to other agencies in order to achieve positive results. • Funding—identify additional sources of funding to support natural resource project implementation. Following the February 2014 Joint EC and OS&l2 Commission meeting, monthly meetings were held with the Environmental Commission between July and October all of which were open to the public. The meetings provided an opportunity to share ppject progre§ ; nd receive guidance. Drafts of the Natural Resources Management Fiftlintivere presented*joint meetings in November 2014 and in February 2015 to both Commi ns. Natural Resources Community Survey Because natural res9gig tWttt{4y;a community arniattgalexperienced by visiting Nature Areas,the Environmental Commiaston prepared a Natural Resources Survey as part of the planning process.An introduction hf the survey and an on-line link was published in the City's Septem :Newsletter:The non-statistical survey was administered on the City's Website between September 30th and November 7th•'' Forty-three (43) members of the community responded. The survey sought information from the public on a number of natural resources and open space topics,including use, preference, and reason for visiting nature areas, overall satisfaction and natural resource protection. The following highlights the general findings of the survey(See Appendix X for Detailed Survey Results): Question#1:When asked which nature areas(permitted multiple responses) in Golden have the respondents visited,the top four answers among the 42 included: Bassett Creek ISI Nature Area(24 checks) in first place; General Mills Nature Preserve and Mary Hills Nature Area (each receiving 20 checks) in second place and General Mills Research Nature Area, a nature area within Golden Valley but not owned by the city received 18 checks. The Nature Area receiving the least number of visits was Golden Ridge, having received 5 checks. Those responding to "other included natural areas such as Wesley Park Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 20 Woodland, Janalyn Park, Theodore Wirth Park, personal backyard adjacent to railroad corridor, etc. Question#2:When asked which nature area is considered a favorite and why, most frequent answers by the 32 respondents included: • Bassett Creek Nature Area—close proximity to home, kayaking, • Briarwood Nature Area—close proximity to home, is beautiful, creek restoration, trails, wildlife viewing, providesro@hnection to other parks • General Mills Research Nature Area—close proximity to home, large enough for significant walking experience, tine eneugta to support diverse flora and fauna, paths easy to walk on, earofor dogs, vat}y of topography • General Mills Nature Preserve-close proximity to'home, walking • *General Mills Areas—quiet,native plant restorations, houses, pond to observe wildlife ' • Mary Hills Nature Area—close proxi • to home, connects to Robbindale s, Sachacki Park, peaceful,foretAed, privateatnd tucked away, lots of wildlife, fairly large, still feels"wild", great deg diverse walking/biking trails, biking, sloop` • Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area—close proximity to home, destination for '.. biking,'dog can twim in pond • Wee Lake Nature Area—close proximity to home, mixed habitats, skiing, long dock • Laurel Avenue Greenbelt- nice size, close to residential neighborhood,good year round walking • Westwood Hills Nature Center—natural path and beautiful site, *Not specified as to which General Mills nature area Other areas mentioned include Luce Line Trail because it is long and interesting, James Ford Bell Nature Area. Question#3: When asked why a nature area is generally visited, the answers showed that exercise was the top reason for visiting, followed by view nature and wildlife, relaxation, *other Education was reported as the least reason for visiting the nature areas. Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 21 'Other included reasons such as walking or exercising dogs,biking,running,etc. Question#4: When asked about satisfaction of the quality of Golden Valley's Nature Areas and Open Spaces, the answers showed that the majority were satisfied while a few were very satisfied and only one was very dissatisfied. When asked to explain their answers, many reasons were given but typical answers for being '.. satisfied included: • The quantity, beauty and proximity of nature areas, gr wild and open spaces within the City • The walking trails, ponds, and wildlife • One of the reasons for living in Golden Valldt • Provide diversification to asphalt and ercial space The following provide typical reasons for responde of t satisfied wittrte quality of Golden Valley's Nature Areas and Open Spaces: • Need for increased/better bucktttgir1 ,pl • Need of additional effort/fundingrotedt �pp t> rpl areaeas.#rpm invasive species (buckthorn, purPleldM4Strffe, etc ) lli `v' • Concern about the future of Mary Hil& Area duelb light rail • Need for additional amenities,e.g., beraes along trails within nature areas for resting and wildlife viewing, additional we'slrecyda0de containers in Nature Areas • Need for bettermaintenahee of trails,pattioularly snow removal in the winter • Need for larger siz t nature`areas • Need for more native Jegetated'ahM less mowed areas Question #5:When asked what should be done to improve Golden Valley's nature areas and open spaces,the following suggestions were offered: Protection Protect more open spaces within the City Restoration Improve soil to sustain native vegetation; dump collected '.. residential leaf debris on woodland floor Add pollinator or edible plants to enhance landscapes or native plant restoration sites Decrease mowed areas and increase native plantings similar to Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 22 what has been done in Brookview Park Restore un-used ball fields or large areas of open space within parks to native vegetation Maintenance Add mulch or rock to non-paved trails to make them less muddy during rain and snow Eliminate use of pesticides and herbicides Invasive Species Remove buckthorn and garlic mustard prior to restoration of woodlands Wildlife Management Control deer population Wildlife HabitatIncrease attention to wildlitumottaq.yelain downed trees Pets Enforce leash and dor.te pick-ups; trails can be un- walkable in the sprue Nature Area Amenities Install pet waste staL.t -t nature area entrances: . Provide a1ldttional bench .kb..yails Provide t.,, t ...rking are``'a Trails Complete tr o." ' s,conne to other trails r � Recreation Create dog pa sand cd t`" ity gardens A ;�_ ne to :.7tu ..a Accessibility Make "sett Cree re accessible To Partnerships lapreaaeRartaershipae Three Rivers Park District to help p and pr mattSal resources and mitigate against a javashM49acies Education. Educate chetex s on buckthorn identification and removal practices i cre a volunteer program to help educate public on invasive ' species Funding Seek grants to help community control buckthorn Marketing and Signage Market Nature Areas and include identifying and way finding signage to and within Nature Areas Question#6: When asked a from list of ways to protect Golden Valley's natural resources including: Education; Laws and regulations; Volunteer conservation/protection; Financial or other incentives; Acquisition of land or easements,the results showed that responders felt the most effective way to protect Golden Valley's natural resources would be to acquire land or Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 23 �.. easements and the least effective way would be to provide financial or other incentives. However, based on the reasons given below, education seems to be important to those responding to the question: Education Citizens need to understand the importance of good conservation Many are unaware of nature areas, marketing them will make residents more*Ware of them; organize tours of them Education is reap control buckthorn on private property :. :".. '. Somele will always abuse a nature area but most rcewill not they know/understand tlppurpose Without o ; g i ion of the yOtilger generation, best plandlifftllesworld will not protect natural Sucatt8l'lnc1udingure to nature, is the key to • Wit? de fpm S ., ti;, ' people for these areas and for „is 44 tVit tt conti , .ge p1u " wwaging volunteers to work in ,{•- them a ' fucation' uld go hand in hand with laws and regilfelipdp Laws and Regulations *"- ?,Have laws and regulations in place and not sure what Vold modified to greater effect We need authority to show citizens that it is important to preserve environmental integrity Regulations are required to control buckthorn on private property Laws and regulations need to be in place so the efforts oft education and conservation/protection have some teeth Laws and regulations are in place but need to be tweaked from time to time Volunteer Conservation/Protection Having natural areas in City ownership gives permanence, using volunteers(adopt a park)gets folks Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 24 I directly involved Volunteers are essential because city cannot afford to maintain Without"ordinary citizen involvement", the best plans in the world will not protect natural resources '. Volunteers need to be armed with education in order to change people's minds about protecting natural resources Getting people inVoWed is great but only a handful ever volunteer for anything-,. Financial/Other Incentives Financial Mcentives work vyohders People Won't just do what is right unless they benefit front it directly, Acquisition of Land or Easements There is ani oppDttunity for the cittWpurchase pdvatq Lard in the city forgreen and open spaces ,iertf tW,more land In Golden Valley for parks or nature areas` . „ ForNtsth lti to krsaved for park use 407, to Golden Valley Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 ISSUES&NEEDS Page 25