Draft NRMP Section 5.b Bassett Creek Bassett Creek Nature Area
Location: 2130 Zane Avenue
Nature Area Size: 7.61 Acres
Description
Bassett Creek Nature Area is a medium sized nature area that is centrally located, and provides
a great connection between neighborhoods and commercial areas. It is located between
residential neighborhoods on the north end near Vale Crest Road and Zane Avenue, and
commercial areas on the south end along Duluth Street. The west side of the park abuts
residential homes, while the east side is adjacent to a Minnesota Department of Transportation
truck station and an office building.
While the nature area is not considered large, it provides an important function by serving as a
natural corridor along Bassett Creek, which is one of the primary features within the nature area.
The adjacent uplands contain numerous specimen oak trees, and are a great example of the
historic hardwood forests that were present in Golden Valley prior to settlement.
The Bassett Creek Nature Area is separated by Bassett Creek, which flows from south to north
through the nature area. It is Bassett Creek Nature Area's primary feature. Much of the Bassett
Creek shoreline has been stabilized for erosion control. A storm water pond is partially located
within the park on the north side. This pond treats water from Vale Crest Road prior to discharge
into Bassett Creek. Access at the north side of the nature area is from Vale Crest Road or Zane
Avenue. From Duluth Street, the park can be entered through a single trail and stairway. At the
top of the stairway, the trail splits into an upper and lower segment, which joins at the north side
to make small loop. The lower trail segment provides several vantage points in close proximity
of the creek. The upper trail takes a higher path along the wooded area, and has views of the
nature area, but also runs along a fenced property line. A picnic area is present on the
northwest side of the park, and contains regularly mowed lawn and a few park amenities
including as waste receptacle, picnic table, and educational sign. Bassett Creek separates the
picnic area from the rest of the Nature Area.
Forest and Woodlands
The majority of Bassett Creek Nature Area is wooded. Along Bassett Creek, the woods are
floodplain forest, dominated by mature box elder, silver maple, green ash, and American elm
GVRM Plan 2015 BASSETT CREEK NATURE AREA page 1
trees. The eastern half of the park is located in a natural bluff, which is dominated by several
very old bur oak trees, and other native hardwoods. The top of the bluff area is sparser, but
also contains about 50% cover of native and nonnative hardwoods. The western portion of the
park contains a number of large oak trees, and may also be part of an oak savanna along the
edge of the historic floodplain.
Buckthorn is prevalent along the bluff, and up to the edges of the creek, but is generally
composed of younger individuals, and is at a relatively low density.
Aquatic Resources
Bassett Creek flows through the park, and is visible from numerous vantage points. The creek
has been protected with a combination of stone and native vegetation to provide bank stability
and erosion control. The channel also splits within the nature area to provide a small hardwood
swamp island.
Wetlands
There is wetland along Bassett Creek, which is composed of a wooded swamp as part of the
floodplain. The wetland floods during storm events,and is also near the water table, which
assists in inhibiting buckthorn establishment. On the north side of the park, near the picnic
area, there is an area that lacks trees and has developed into a shrub swamp. This is a
moderate quality area for the composition of the vegetation, but it provides for diversity in
habitat, and the dense shrubs protect the banks and slow down flows during flood events.
Prairie and Grassland
In addition to the wooded portions of the park, there are areas of prairie on the north side,
associated with the creek and a berm around the storm water pond. The areas were planted
recently and are currently being managed and maintained by a native landscaping company to
ensure their success.
The eastern portion of the park, at the top of the bluff, contains approximately 50% cover by
mixed grassland species, approximately half is composed of native species.
Invasive Species
Within the nature area, the woods include a large percentage of common buckthorn, particularly
on the slopes along Bassett Creek. Buckthorn density has increased since the 2004 inventory.
GVRM Plan 2015 BASSETT CREEK NATURE AREA page 2
Reed canary grass is also present along the creek, but is mixed with native species, and is
limited due to shading from large trees and shrubs.
Table 5.3 Invasive Species Cover Percent Change 2003-2013
Descri•tion %Cover2003 % Cover 2013 % Chan.e
Common Buckthorn 30 50 +20
Site Recommendations
Natural Resources
Manage buckthom (high priority)
Buckthorn is prevalent along the east bank of the creek and within the wooded areas. It is a
relatively young age of buckthorn, but numerous small individuals are present. The native
understory remains present, which provides an opportunity for both management of buckthorn,
and encouragement of a native assemblage which is discourage buckthorn establishment.
Enhance the hardwood uplands (medium priority)
The wooded slope between the two trail levels contains numerous mature oak trees, and some
younger desirable hardwoods. In conjunction with buckthorn removal, the hardwood uplands
could be enhanced through selective removal and reestablishment of more desirable species.
Currently, there is insufficient age structure to allow replacement of the largest trees when they
die of natural causes. A balanced age class would ensure that this high quality wooded area
remains healthy.
Reestablish oakv
sa anna (low priority)
The southeast portion of the park,near the upper trail, contains an area that is a mixture of
grassland and small hardwood trees. Several bur oak trees are present, but most of the trees
are of lesser quality. It is possible to remove some of the undesirable trees, and establish an
area of prairie with fewer oak trees, and manage a small area of oak savanna.
Stabilize erosion along bluff(Medium Priority)
Stormwater runoff and erosion along the wooded bluffs in the Nature Area have formed several
small channels, some of which have been stabilized through placement of concrete. These
GVRM Plan 2015 BASSETT CREEK NATURE AREA page 3
-- I
areas can be stabilized by diverting the concentrated flows that are causing the erosion, and
reestablishing and revegetating the slopes, which will also improve the visual appeal.
Amenities
Install entry signs(high priority)
Bassett Creek Nature Area has no entry signs. Signs should be installed at each of the main
entrances using approved style type. This would be particularly beneficial on the south side, as
Duluth Street provides high visibility, even if access is limited.
Install interpretive sign (low)
There are opportunities to educate the user on a number of topics including wildlife habitat,
water quality protection of Bassett Creek and buckthorn removal and native woodland
restoration.
Upgrade bench (medium priority)
The bench within the nature area on the Duluth side of the nature area is functional but worn
and should be replaced. An additional bench should be installed on the north side. Both should
adhere with an approved bench style for nature areas. This would provide visual continuity
within the nature area system and also strengthen user distinction that Bassett Creek is a nature
area versus a recreational park.
Install trash/recyclable receptacle(medium priority)
The trash receptacle is one of the first amenities viewed upon entering the nature area. As such,
it should not only provide maintenance functionality and efficiency but should also be attractive
and reflect the image of the Bassett Creek Nature Area. They should be located within the
nature area; one on the north side on Zane Ave North and the other at Vale Crest Road and one
at the Duluth Street Entry.
Install pet waste disposal system (high priority)
Bassett Creek Nature Area should include waste disposal systems for their dogs; one at each
main entry. This not only keeps the park clean and attractive but it helps to maintain the water
quality of Bassett Creek.
Improve physical access (high priority)
GVRM Plan 2015 BASSETT CREEK NATURE AREA page 4
One of the primary deficiencies of the Bassett Creek Nature Area is that it is not easily
accessible from one side of Bassett Creek to the other and has an existing trail system that may
limit use by people with disabilities. The trail system should be improved to allow greater user
access. This may include rerouting the lower trail to avoid having to use the steep stairs, and
allow greater opportunity to access the creek and the Nature Area. The City should continue to
work with MnDOT to improve drainage and runoff into the Nature Area.
Improve visual access (high priority)
Another deficiency of the Bassett Creek Nature Area is that it is visible from only a few public
areas, and is potentially overlooked due to lack of recognition that the area is there and public
use in encouraged. More formal trailheads on the north side both from Zane Avenue and Vale
Crest Road and from Duluth Street on the south side would help to make the nature area more
visible. This can be done by installing entry signs and other trailhead amenities (See specific
amenity options above.)
Table 5.4 Bassett Creek Nature Area Improvement Priorities
Priority Management Description Action Qty Unit Unit lost
(H, M, L) Type Cost OrOnion
Floodplain
H forest, and Mixed hardwoods Remove/control 5 Acre $2,000 $10,000
adjacent buckthorn
slopes
Mixed hard Remove undesirable
Forest health, trees, establish
M woods, east diversity mixed age-class of 4 Acre $2,500 $10,000
side
oak trees
Southeast, Oak savanna Remove undesirable
L trees, mixed age- 3 Acre $5,000 $15,000
upper trail establishment class of oak trees
Regrade erosional
Erosion channels along the
Control
M Erosion control
bluff and remove 0.5 Acre $4,000 $2,000
concrete
Entry sign design
continuity through
H Amenity nature area system Install signs at entry 3 Each $5,000 $15,000
and make nature points
area more visible to
the public
M Amenity Natural resources Install additional 1 Each *$3,000 $3,000
education; design interpretive sign
GVRM Plan 2015 BASSETT CREEK NATURE AREA page 5
continuity throughout along the creek
nature area system
Bench design Install new benches
along the trail at
M Amenity continuity throughout appropriate intervals 4 Each $1,500 $6,000
nature area system or at key viewpoints
Trash/recyclable Install waste/
M Amenity receptacle design recyclable trash 3 Each $2,000 $6,000
continuity throughout
nature area system receptacle at entries
Pet waste disposal Install new pet waste
M Amenity system at key access disposal system 3 Each $600 $1,800
point
Formalize public use
Amenity/Trail Improve physical of trail across LOGIS
H Access access property at Duluth St NA
entrance through
easement/agreement
Reroute lower trail,
Amenity/Trail Improve physical Linear
H consider pavement 500 $125 $70,000
Access access Feet
improvements
*Does not include design fees
GVRM Plan 2015 BASSETT CREEK NATURE AREA page 6
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Basset Creek Nature Area- Invasive Speices FIGURE 5.9
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Bassett Creek Nature Area-Existing Amenities FIGURE 5.10
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