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Draft NRMP Section 5.1 Section 5: Management Strategies Introduction The management strategies for natural resources presented in this section are based on an Adaptive Natural Resources Management Approach. Adaptive management is the process of simultaneous managing and learning about natural resources. Adaptive management is used in situations where you have resources that are responsive to management activities, but acknowledges that outcomes have some uncertainty. The process follows a sequence of application, measure the outcome, adjust based on what has been learned, and reapply. This dynamic approach allows for greater flexibility, and over time, a focused approach that will provide results in a more efficient and effective manner. Management Strategies Management strategies are typically employed for the resource that is desired to be maintained or improved, and tend to be specific for each resource. The following sections outline specific management strategies for the resources present within Golden Valley. Water Resources (Streams, Lakes, Ponds and Wetlands) The City of Golden Valley has an abundance of water resources, and has placed an emphasis on protecting water quality and managing water quantity. Plans are in place to provide these protections, including the Comprehensive Plan, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, the requirements of the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, and their respective watershed management plans. Bassett Creek is the primary waterway through the City, and includes the main stem, which originates at the outlet of Medicine Lake, and the Sweeney Branch, which is n the southern portion of the City, and flows through Sweeney Lake. Combined, the two streams have a length of approximately 9 miles within Golden Valley. Other waterways and ditches are also present within the City but tend to be small drainageways, overflows, or ditches. While some of these waterways have naturalized, they are not traditional aquatic resources. GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 1 Primary lakes within the City include Sweeney, Twin, and Wirth Lake. Sweeney and Twin are recreational lakes, and have partially developed shorelines. Wirth Lake is a natural environment lake, and is within Theodore Wirth Park. In addition to the lakes, there are numerous wetlands, ponds and smaller water features. Constructed storm water ponds are also numerous aquatic features, and many have been naturalized to provide a wide range of functions beyond storm water treatment. Management Strategies 1. Maintain shoreland zone and setbacks for aquatic resources. When possible, establish native buffers to further protect the resources. 2. Manage Bassett Creek as a natural watercourse, which includes allowance of flooding where no damage would occur, allow stream meander where no harm is present, and allow instream habitat in the form of hard substrate and woody vegetation. 3. Naturalize storm water ponds through use of native buffers, planting of trees and shrubs, and use of multi-cell designs to provide diversity of habitats. 4. Complete wetland replacement, when required, within the City limits. Native Forests Historically, land cover in Golden Valley was dominated by woodlands and native prairie. While the majority of the prairies are gone, remnants of those old forests, or similar communities to what was historically present remain in some of the nature areas and preserves. In general, three types of forests would be historically present within Golden Valley. Oak savanna: Oak savannahs are fire dependent communities dominated by few, but mature, bur oak trees with a native prairie understory. As fires would naturally pass through, young trees and shrubs would not survive, while the older fire resistant trees and grasses would persist. In the absence of fires, these communities have grown to include these older mature trees, but have been overgrown with pioneer species such as aspen and box elder. With the increased canopy, the forest floor becomes densely shaded, and the prairie grasses no longer persist. Many of the wooded portions of the city, including those now used for residential development, contain some very old bur oak trees, which were likely part of an oak savanna historically. GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 2 Big woods: Where fire was less likely to occur, forests dominated by sugar maple, basswood, and elm dominated. These woods tended to be closed canopy, but allowed openings for oaks, ash, ironwood, and bitternut hickory to co-exist. The heavily shaded forest floor supported a diverse assemblage of spring ephemeral wildflowers and ferns. Buckthorn invasion has taken a heavy toll on these communities, and has changed the ecology of the big woods ecosystem. Remnant big woods communities are rare, and no longer remain in Golden Valley, although portions of Pennsylvania Woods and some privately owned properties have similar communities, and are a close representation. Floodplain forest: Although not nearly as extensive as what is present along major rivers and waterways, Bassett Creek has an associated floodplain community, which provides a transitional habitat from wetland to upland. Historically, the floodplain forests were dominated by flood tolerant species such as silver maple and cottonwood. These species remain today, but lesser quality species such as box elder and black willow have increased in abundance. These species grow fast, tend to be weaker, and have shallow root systems, which makes them prone to storm damage and becoming uprooted. Management Strategies 1. Protect high quality areas, and communities indicative of pre-settlement conditions 2. Manage forest health to maintain representative oak savanna, big woods, and floodplain forest communities. 3. Restore and re-establish oak savanna, big woods, and floodplain forest communities. 4. Where hazardous to human health and safety or property, remove fallen trees, otherwise allow natural processes to occur uninterrupted. An exception to this may be tree removal following large storm events, where widespread cleanup may be required. Cultivated and Landscaped Vegetation Much of the vegetation species within Golden Valley are native, or have developed on their own, although portions of the city have been planted or manipulated. Vegetation on private property is managed by property owners, consistent with City Code. Management Strategies GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 3 1. No vegetation identified by the State of Minnesota as a noxious weed or invasive species shall be allowed to be intentionally planted with the City. Ornamental plantings are allowed, but it is encouraged to use native species to the extent practicable. 2. When possible, planted communities should mimic what was historically present prior to settlement. 3. Existing plant communities that may not be representative of pre settlement communities, but still provide ecological value (ie pine plantation) are allowed to persist. 4. Diversification of species is encouraged. Wildlife The City of Golden Valley provides great opportunity for watching wildlife. Common animals that can be seen in Golden Valley are typical urban species, including numerous songbirds, small mammals, and deer. Species such as deer, Canada geese, raccoons, turkey,and skunks have increased in this area since these animals do well around moderate human development. Other species that are less tolerant of coexisting with humans have declined.. Management recommendations for wildlife in the city are provided below. In general, appropriate management of the nature areas will help improve populations of desirable native animals, and improve citizen relationships with wildlife in general.' Preservation of high quality natural areas will provide spaces for wildlife, which in turn provides opportunities for residents to observe wildlife. A positive correlation exists between the size and quality of the habitat, and the populations and quality of the associated wildlife. In general desirable wildlife will benefit from other recommendations in this plan. Diverse forests, prairies, and wetlands will improve habitat for many native animals. Nuisance Wildlife Wildlife can become nuisance, when they are overpopulated, or degrade the natural areas or property. Education on wildlife and wildlife management is essential. Deer: Deer are viewed both positively and negatively depending on experience and relationship with the animals. Deer are currently managed in accordance with the City's Deer Management Plan. In addition, feeding of deer is prohibited by City Code. GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 4 Coyotes: Coyote populations are increasing rapidly in metropolitan areas. As scavengers, coyote will eat anything they can find, which can include pets. Management of coyote may require professional trapping or relocation if populations are sufficient to provide a human health hazard. Turkeys: Wild turkey were extirpated (no longer present) in Minnesota following settlement. In the early 1970's, wild turkey were relocated to southeast Minnesota, and have become one of the most successful projects the MNDNR has developed. Currently, wild turkey are widespread, throughout the state, including populations within urban areas. With the lack of predators, the urban turkey has few threats, and behaviorally differs from the more elusive rural cousins. Turkeys that have acclimated to living around humans can be problematic. The primary means of avoiding conflict with turkeys is to avoid feeding them and establishing areas where they become comfortable around humans. Long-term management of wild turkeys within urban areas is to provide a less inviting habitat. If populations remain too large, a permit can be obtained to physically remove turkeys. Canada geese: Geese are a nuisance on manicured lawns and when fed regularly will become permanent features. Direct population impact measures such as direct removal may be effective, although relocation can be difficult, and humane disposal is generally not accepted. Hazing, physical barriers,and chemical irritants can be effective for a time, but geese may acclimate to it. The best means for control are to discourage them by removing or reducing their preferred habitat. Buffering water bodies with native vegetation barriers is perhaps the best technique for managing geese. It also provides habitat for other birds and helps water quality in lakes and streams. Maintaining native vegetation around all open water and creating buffers greater than 25 feet wide will be most effective. Establishing these may be difficult if geese are already using the area, though temporary wildlife fencing (snow fences) will help. This practice will deter geese from congregating and using the site. Raccoons: Raccoons are scavengers like coyotes. Fencing and other exclusions can be effective. Skunks: Skunks are nocturnal and hunt for food during the night. Food for skunks includes insects, small mammals, worms, vegetation, and where humans are present, pet food, bird GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 5 food, and garbage. Skunks are undesirable in large numbers due to their protective scent, and the potential to carry rabies. Muskrats: In general, muskrats are aquatic and have little interaction with humans. These small animals, however, can become problematic when they overpopulate storm water ponds, where they can block outlet structures, and interfere with vegetation management to construct their lodges. The primary problem of muskrats is their tendency to burrow into the banks of ponds and streams, which can cause erosion, destabilize the banks, and cause the systems to leak if they damage the perimeter walls. They can be a serious problem on golf courses, where they can cause significant economic damages. Human Encroachment Living next to a Nature Area or a City-owned open space can provide the resident a unique opportunity to access and enjoy the natural resources that are in close proximity to them.. Because there often is no fence or indication that the property is owned by the City, it is often difficult to know where private property ends and public property begins. Unfortunately, when homeowners expand their yards into nature areas, parks, or publicly owned open space, it becomes an encroachment. One encroachment may seem trivial, but multiple encroachments can have significant impacts on the natural resources. The following lists a number of the most common encroachment activities: • Removal of vegetation • Planting vegetation of any type • Mowing • Dumping of trash, yard waste, other debris • Constructing various types of structures, including sheds, fire pits, and play structures • Composting • Collection and storage of firewood These type of activities can seriously impact a nature area or open space by: • Destroying or damaging wetlands, mature trees, and native vegetation. • Spreading invasive plants. • Threatening wildlife and/or their habitats. • Negatively impacting aesthetics and user experience within the nature area. GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 6 Management Strategies Encroachment may be intentional or unintentional, therefore management should start with education and identification of where property boundaries are located. This may include providing information to adjacent property owners, identification of boundaries with placards or other indicators, or placement of permanent monuments. The following are potential management strategies that may be employed to deter encroachment. 1. Provide mapping of nature areas, open spaces, and city parcels on the city website so residents can research their property limits, and ownership of adjacent parcels. 2. Initiate an educational campaign through website, media, fliers, etc to inform residents of the extent of the problem and ask for voluntary compliance. 3. Direct contact through mailing or site visits. 4. The City may identify the property lines, and place markers to indicate their locations. 5. If compliance is not achieved, the City may consider means of enforcement, such as fines. Specific Nature Area and Open Space Management Strategies/Recommendations Nature Areas Management Priorities Within each nature area, specific natural resource improvement opportunities have been identified. These are unique to each area, and identify which priority actions could be considered for that particular area. The priority is based on the following descriptions. High Priority: Opportunities for projects that are required to protect critical resources that are in imminent harm if improvements are not made in a timely manner. Medium Priority: Opportunities that are important to protect a resource, but provide less benefit than high priority, or opportunities to protect a resource that is under no imminent threat. GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 7 Low Priority: Opportunities that are still valuable, but would primarily enhance existing resources that are already of good quality, and are not under imminent threat. Open Spaces (City-owned open space parcels) Management Priorities It is understood that each of these parcels is unique and may need to be further assessed based on previous and current use of the parcel. Generally, Open Space parcels are intended to be left in a natural state, but exceptions may be made where the parcels have been historically managed or maintained in a more manicured state. Management priority is generally less than Nature Areas, although goals of invasive species management, establishment of native vegetation, and enhancement of natural resources remain for all natural areas within the City. High Priority: Opportunities for open space parcels that are being considered for inclusion as future nature areas,or adjacent to nature areas, and include areas required to protect or buffer a critical resource. Medium Priority: Opportunities that are of direct benefit to the open space parcel, but also provide enhancement of adjacent areas. These provide less benefit than high priority, or opportunities to protect a resource that is under no imminent threat. Low Priority: Opportunities that are still valuable, but would primarily enhance existing resources that are already of good quality, and are not under imminent threat. Amenities While healthy and beautiful native vegetation communities may be seen as natural amenities within a nature area, other amenities or structural elements are typically provided to enhance the user experience. These amenities may include trails; bridges; entrance, wayfinding, educational or interpretive and enforcement signage; boardwalks, observation decks; waste and recycling receptacles, pet waste systems, benches, gates, bollards or fencing; duck, bird or butterfly houses, etc. All provide an opportunity for visitors to be part of the natural experience, not just viewing it from the perimeter. Amenities can add to the overall aesthetics of a nature area or a park. The general design theme of a nature area may range from one that reflects a more "rustic" or"earthy" appearance GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 8 similar to those constructed by the National Park Service during the 1930's to a more contemporary theme that balances the contemporary urban context with the natural landscape. Materials may include wood, re-cycled wood, plastic or composite products, stone, granite boulders, metal, iron, etc. but still should reflect the idea of a "natural landscape" and not an urban plaza or streetscape. Most importantly, whatever design and materials are agreed upon by a community should be used throughout the Nature Area system. To celebrate the unique identity of a nature area, preserve, or greenbelt; versus a park, the key structural elements (particularly benches and signs) should be of a different, yet complementary, design palette (different objects that fit well together)than those used in the park settings. Establishment of consistent themes for parks, Nature Areas, and Open Space signage and amenities will allow users to visually distinguish between the types of recreational places. Nature Area Wayfinding and Amenity Design Guidelines Although not necessarily site specific, general wayfinding signs can also be provided throughout the City. These signs will orient and navigate the visitors to each of the nature area sites, and will serve as points that tie all of the nature areas together as one system. The City may want to develop and adopt design guidelines for general entrance and wayfinding signs and specific nature area signs and amenities. Nature Area Amenity Management Priorities In order to determine the importance of amenity improvements or installations within the Nature Areas, three priority categories have been created and are defined as follows: High Priority: Projects that will improve visibility, safety, cleanliness and the use of the nature area. They include, entry signage and benches where none exists, interpretive and/or wayfinding signage at key areas within the nature area, pet waste disposal stations, and recycling receptacles. It may also include constructing or relocating hard or natural surface trails for better access, safety, or accessibility. Medium Priority: Projects that will improve the aesthetics of the nature area and improve user use and understanding of the nature area. GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 9 Low Priority: Projects that will enhance the beauty and functionality of the nature area but are not of immediate concern. They include installing new entry signs and benches in nature areas or replacing existing signs and benches that need replacement. As these amenities reach their life expectancy, the City should replace with amenities approved in an adopted Nature Area & Open Space Wayfinding and Amenity Design Guidelines. Nature Areas and Open Space Plan Not only does the Natural Resources Management Plan provide strategies and recommendations on how to manage and maintain the existing natural resources within the City, but it is also a forward planning document that guides the expansion of existing nature areas and development of potential future nature areas. The Nature Areas and Open Space Plan(Figure 5.1) builds upon the existing nature areas and open spaces within the City. It also reflects the community vision, goals and objectives that were developed during the development of this plan. It draws upon previous and related planning studies as described in Section 1 and community input discussed in Section 4 relating to "increase the size of existing nature areas", and to "protect natural resources by acquiring land or easements". The following nature areas could be expanded in size in the future, through partnership, agreement, easement, or land acquisition, as opportunities arise: • Golden Ridge Nature Area—natural area to the west owned by Hennepin County, natural area to the east owned by General Mills. Explore partnership or other arrangement. • Briarwood Nature Area—through acquisition of floodprone properties. • Briarwood Nature Area—adjacent areas to the west are owned by the Briarwood Townhomes and trails are used by the public. Formal agreements or easements could be established. • General Mills Nature Preserve—formalize agreement or easement with Brookview Condominiums to the east for public trail use. • Bassett Creek Nature Area—formalize agreement or easement with LOGIS (public consortium of cities) to the south. MnDOT property is located to the east. GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 10 • Proposed Minnaqua Greenbelt (discussed later in this section) - through acquisition of floodprone properties. Figure 5.1 Nature Area and Open Space Plan Need to update this to show areas of expansion and change city of valley 111 ese 8 000 reel Exislirg NaUxe Arens,Open Spaces andOpen Contors Fgure 431 GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 11 The following Open Space Parcels have the potential to be elevated to a Nature Area status based on size/scale, use, and the amenities and public investment present: Minnaqua Greenbelt -Similar to Laurel Greenbelt in that its several parcels connected by trails/walks/green space -comprised of 4 parcels and public rights-of-way, including: -Minnaqua Wetland parcel—a wetland bank with permanent BWSR easement and professional native vegetation management -Minnaqua Pond parcel—a pond opening within Bassett Creek, native vegetation management -Regent and Westbend parcels—professionally managed vegetation in wet meadow, wet prairie -These parcels have trails, benches, signage, professional native vegetation management, flood storage function; they were each designed and constructed per engineered plans. Xenia Nature Area -parcel with regional pond, bench, signage, chimney swift house (by permit/maintenance agreement), sidewalk on south, trail on east extending up to Glenwood, wetland mitigation on east side of Xenia Avenue (within parcel boundary, but not accessible by trail), median plantings/streetscape, professional native vegetation management Dahlberg Nature Area -parcel with regional pond, occasional public events on upland area along Meadow Lane -potential to add bench,signage, trail, professional vegetation management, etc. The following open space parcels have public investment present but fewer amenities than the parcels above, and are generally smaller in size. Therefore, it is recommended to keep these categorized as Open Space Parcels, but assign names to reflect the public investment in these spaces: Boone Open Space—(710 Boone Ave) - Boone Avenue Flood Storage Pond, Flood Levee, & Lift Station, professional native veg mgmt., sidewalks on two sides, paved maintenance access to lift station, opportunity for educational signage Madison Pond - small water quality and rate control pond, professional native veg mgmt Golden Hills Pond —parcel with regional pond, professional native veg mgmt., retaining wall, opportunity for educational signage South Tyrol Pond - small pond, professional native veg mgmt., signs, plantings, boulders Library Hill (10th and Winnetka)—stream bank stabilization, native veg mgmt, boulder plaque for Golden Valley Federated Women's Club, sidewalk on north, streetscape on west, near city campus and library, opportunity for overlook with bench and educational signage The following open space parcels have generally not received investment or amenities, but provide ecological and water resource value, or have that potential, plus the potential for GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 12 increased vegetation management, benches, signage, short natural surface trails, etc. should the opportunities arise in the future. Therefore, it is recommended to keep these categorized as Open Space Parcels, but assign names to recognize the ecological and water resource value: Idaho Wetland (between Highway 55 and Glenwood) Georgia Open Space (Georgia and Glenwood) Ardmore North and South Ponds (Ardmore and Glenwood) Janalyn Pond (Janalyn Circle) Meadow Pond (Meadow and Glencrest) Plymouth Avenue Open Space (west of Boone, between Luce Line Trail and Railroad)— existing wetland areas Orkla Open Space (former"tree farm" property)—potential wet prairie or filtration basin, community garden, or potential development opportunity. GVNRM Plan 2015 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Page 13