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Draft NRMP Section 5.h Pennsylvania Woods Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area Location: 2301 Rhode Island Avenue North Nature Area Size: 22.92 Acres Description Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area is a primarily wooded area surrounded by three large ponds. It is located within a mix of uses including residential, office/commercial and industrial areas in the north central section of the City. An internal loop trail system connects to the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Forest and Woodlands The majority of land cover within the Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area is the three large ponds. The remaining portions of the site are wooded,with a mixture of green ash,box elder and oak trees. A central portion of the site contains a remnant representation of maple-basswood forest, which is of higher quality. This remnant forest is located on an elevated hill in the center of the site. Wetlands Wetland is present within the Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area as three large ponds, which are part of the DeCola ponds chain. These are deep water habitat, and have very little to no wetland fringe. Aquatic Resources Although classified as wetland, the three large ponds within the Pennsylvania Woods are an aquatic resource. These ponds, known as DeCola Ponds A, B, and C, are part of a larger drainage system which extends into New Hope and Crystal and flows downstream into Bassett Creek. The three cities have been working collaboratively to study ongoing flooding issues in the DeCola Ponds and Medicine Lake Road/Winnetka areas, and are evaluating long term flood mitigation solutions. One of the potential long term solutions involves excavating portions of the lower quality upland areas around the northwest pond to create additional flood storage. While the aquatic resources in this nature area may expand, it is anticipated that the higher quality forest and woodland areas would remain. GVRM Plan 2015 PENNSYLVANIA WOODS NATURE AREA page 1 Prairie and Grassland No significant areas of prairie or grassland are present within the Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area Invasive Species Buckthorn density is moderately high within the nature area, and has increased in density since the 2003 inventory. Table 5.13 Invasive Species Cover Percent Change 2003-2013 Descri•tion %Cover2003 % Cover 2013 % Chan•e Common Buckthorn —Maple 30 50 +20 Basswood Common Buckthorn — Mixed 40 60 +10 Deciduous Woods Site Recommendations Natural Resources Manage buckthorn (high priority) Buckthorn is present within the nature area,but is at relatively lower density thanother natural areas. Maintaining a low density would be an ongoing goal for this area. Manage big woods(high priority) The center of the Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area contains an example of the historic maple basswood forest that was present in Golden Valley prior to settlement. Maintaining this high quality area is recommended to be a priority. This would be accomplished by removing competing species, maintaining a healthy understory, and facilitating reproduction. Amenities Install entry signs (high) Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area has one entry sign along 23rd Avenue North. Signs should be installed at each of the main entrances, including residential access off of Pennsylvania Avenue North using approved style type. Install educational sign (medium) Pennsylvania Nature Area has a significant area of woodland and open ponds. Both attract wildlife and provide excellent educational opportunities. Locate a sign at an entrance to the woodland and along a trail that provides a significant view of a pond. GVRM Plan 2015 PENNSYLVANIA WOODS NATURE AREA page 2 Upgrade bench (medium) There are two bench styles within the nature area. One is a heavier wooden structure and the other the more typical style currently being used in Golden Valley—simple metal and wood construction; both are relatively new and in good condition. When the time comes to replace, they 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 Pennsylvania Woods is a nature area versus a park. Upgrade trash Receptacle (low) 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 Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area. Two should be located within the park; one off of 23rd Avenue North and one at the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance. Install pet waste disposal system (high) Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area should include waste disposal systems for dogs; one at each main entry. This keeps the park clean and attractive and helps to maintain water quality. Improve maintenance access (high) Maintenance staff is responsible for inspecting, removing debris, and maintaining the outlet pipe that exits the northeast pond. There is currently an unpaved access. This access could be paved to provide a safer, more reliable route for maintenance crews while improving the aesthetics and viewing opportunities for the public. Table 5.14 Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area Improvement Priorities Priority Management Description Action Qty Unit Unit Cost (H, M, L) Type Cost Opinion H Upland Manage buckthorn Remove buckthorn 2 Acre $4,000 $8,000 woods Maple- Maintain high quality Maintain maple- basswood woods basswood community 3 Acre $3,300 $10,000 forest Improve maintenance Pave maintenance Amenity access to the northeast access and provide $ H pond bench and viewing area Provide continuity of H Amenity entry sign design Install new sign at 2 Each $5,000 $10,000 through nature area entries system Provide natural Install 2 types of M Amenity resources educational educational signs 2 Each *$3,000 $6,000 opportunities (woodland/storm water) M Amenity Provide continuity of Install new benches 4 Each $1,500 $6,000 GVRM Plan 2015 PENNSYLVANIA WOODS NATURE AREA page 3 bench design through along the trail at nature area system regular intervals or at key viewpoints Provide continuity of trash/recyclable Install new waste/ L Amenity receptacle design recycle trash 2 Each $2,000 $4,000 throughout nature area receptacle at entry system Provide dog walkers H Amenity with pet waste disposal Install new pet waste 2 Each $600 $1,200 system at key access disposal system point • *Does not include design fees GVRM Plan 2015 PENNSYLVANIA WOODS NATURE AREA page 4 �.. - g , k s f t i :4 ... ...., gip • .,4 - d • WO 5 4 .. , a . t t f 0 y s i \ I , t t sue n .�s •w w R 1uR s as t k6 o 1 t t I 0 ,I. .,.:_.1,._,,,:i: {t, t FP r Legend . y Nature Area Boundary — �;- .. . zoo 400 .. Feet �� � s Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area-2012 Aerial FIGURE 5.47 r 1,. '.'il i l L V Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan Y . +w .. - :^.het * land Cover Acres Percent Maple/Basswood Forest 2.78 12.15% • t,. Mixed Hardwoods 6.22 27.12% Open Water 13.42 58.56%It Paved 0.06 0.25% Turf 0.44 1.92%l' . • TOTAL ACRES 22.92 ao4,Qo% sk 0 It I a S 1 ;: I: k t p 0 P 1 N z ., s i..k.. ......s a�,r...�.�.. ,iY --�- r s w r 1 t , V s 4 Legend..,.»ter ,..®r »a�rYti�Pry . rr w*,o.w.�-a w..•r ar...�ws�»,,..mim,y,�: `, Nature Area Bounda , Land Cover ' Turf y+dq ..Y ., j _ Maple/Basswood Fores r , Open Water _, ,-.1r k_0161, : ! ' t _: Mixed Hardwoods Alt �. 4 11111 Paved ,. 1 1 y+ ":, 4, , ,S iii 'yai '.E 200 400 #i v . ^ ' . 1 Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area-Land Cover FIGURE 5.48 aall veV Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan e tt "` ,5, ;fi r 8 _3 _ 4 *.. ., p...-r•wwur r�,r.IW��w1Yy w+:.w ArMw44U�i4wrii/pf*MMM r.M eUt' �.�Asn t i I,�... i — ,- t I t 11 'j t 4 fi '.... w 1 I } Y c 1 14 t 1 —, �D 1 w w9 I Y - . . I \ t'.. ms's' I 1 I t I • i 1 1 s. (i 1 . 1 I 1 .. Y Ii? 4 -- Legend Nature Area Boundary Invasive Species and Percent Covered e• - � ti , A Buckthorn 50-75% x - , 200 400 1**.;'" .1.„,„ . ^ r...0 Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area-Invasive Species FIGURE 5.49 Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan • SI.verv.1 VU7e-t1 101°Ite QM% 1114` _ ________ =_ , _ Symbol Key ! ,, , a .p ign � n �~ Ent ' opp.,,, • pan Access " '' Bench � � � � � � �«r �� :;� � � Social Trail r Trash Receptabie ; Q. ti "$a ±] �4 v N € y p-61YYY Y.YI YY.Y Y�YIYYY Y'il tai YYat Y C S Y Y f Y Imo.Y YYY• I # ! i • ' 1 la "'i•.' "'i• • 9 tF 1 , 1 • 1 0 f ; i 1 I • 1 ill € I ; 1 .� ` _ ' ' Legend , . Nature Area Boundary Trail Material 1 r 1 •. .. Land Cover — Asphalt E-a - Turf isiimowilli. Boardwalk Maple/Basswood Forest Concrete riot • , , tu, , Open Water Limestone 4 Mixed Hardwoods 1110 IN Me In• Stairs 4 I .;-4-4 ; 9 Paved Stairs-Wooden t „.. Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area-Existing Amenities FIGURE 5.50 Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan � �� 3 Symbol Key Entry Sign Natural Surface Trail _' < Dog Waste Disp Sys t. ' , Trash Receptable 9 �" !l L Educational Sign ;, :_ Bench i u . ris....�0 I ! '' 1,4 l t a. I e l l 3 Y 0 l ,0 00 0 `•;r z i , 0 2 144 -a a tt Legend lit ' Nature Area Boundary Trail Material . 0 " 7. i 0/001 Land Cover - - Asphalt ter, 1 Turf Boardwalk k „ Maple/Basswood Forest Concrete Q., , ...4 10" ill&Al 11041 g, a I Open Water Limestone Mixed Hardwoods ----• Stairs Paved • Stairs-Wooden 3 + .. 0 200 400 Feet & s 4 Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area-Concept Plan FIGURE 5.51 ‘..a1.°1 Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area - Photographs - r` it _ Pkf ri ,,K , ,. . -• 4 r y • y, • tr J -,.. pA p A�- Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area-Photographs - .� y 1. 4. fw l 4 III • µ 04,. -,# /r4M;t.A ik lot, - - 1 . . , z._ , , , ....,. :w ,, ......_, .N :.., ,_,..,. .. ....4: ,,... ,:.....tt......„..„., , .. . ..„_ ..;- _, ...„:....;.. ..:7f,....„.... ,,,, ,a' s-,,2 Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area - Photographs . . ..,:f-i*:;:,,.'!,':4,.(', ',. ;,'•1'...4 04;Y,,, ., ... .. .... -- - -' . 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