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2004-05-24 EC Agenda PacketAGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Conference Room Monday, May 24, 2004 7:00 P.M. I. Call to Order II. Approval of Minutes — April 26, 2004 III. Buckthorn Initiative IV. Management Plans for Golden Valley Nature Areas — attachment V. Recycling Program VI. Program/Project Updates — ➢ Bassett Creek Park Pond ➢ Hennepin County Sheriffs Site ➢ Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants ➢ TH 55/Boone Avenue/General Mills Boulevard ➢ Wirth Lake. Berm Repair ➢ Minneapolis Off -Road Cycling Advocates (MOCA) — attachment ➢ Proposed Developments VII. Commission Member Council Reports VIII. Other Business IX. Adjourn GAEnvironmental Commission\Agendas\052404.doc GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes May 24, 2004 Present: Tracy Anderson, Dawn Hill, Christopher Kaisershot, Alan Kuentz, Jon Pawluk, Sara Peterson Absent: Rich Baker, Jeff Oliver - City Engineer City Staff: Al Lundstrom - Environmental Coordinator I. Call to Order Kuentz called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. II. Approval of Minutes - April 26, 2004 No changes. MOVED by Hill, seconded by Kaisershot, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the April 26, 2004 meeting as submitted. III. Buckthorn Initiative Staff will provide a memo to Council asking for direction regarding the South Rice Lake Association's request to remove buckthorn from the South Rice Lake Nature Area. IV. Management Plans for Golden Valley Nature Areas (Attachment) Commission Members agreed to review the Comprehensive Plan information provided at the April Commission meting and develop individual management plan recommendations. V. Recycling Pro -ram Staff is working with the Cities of Plymouth and Minnetonka to consider changes in the curbside recycling program. The existing contract expires on December 31, 2005. VI. Program/Project Updates Hennepin County Sheriff's Site — Has not closed; waiting on title from County. Bids have been opened. The Council is set to approve the PUD on June 15. Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants — Geotechnical reports in to the MPCA. SEH is studying the results. TH 55/Boone Avenue/General Mills Boulevard — This project is separated into two contracts. Wirth Lake Berm Repair— Staff is waiting for the feasibility report to be completed. Proposed Developments — No new developments at this time. VII. Commission Member Council Reports Peterson attended the May 18 Council meeting, as Baker was unable to attend. She stated that the City's trail policy was discussed at this meeting. Peterson mentioned that she addressed the Council on behalf of the Commission. She stated the Commission's desire for the City to maintain flexibility to allow for unpaved trails, particularly in nature areas. Peterson read the specific language that was incorporated into the policy revision. Anderson asked the reason the Commission was advocating against paving trails. Peterson responded by giving an overview of the Commission's past discussions about this issue. Anderson replied that she walks in the General Mills Nature Area, which is paved, each day. She stated that prior to the paving, the trail washed out every time it rained, and every spring the trail was miserable to walk because it was soft and muddy. Anderson said that since the trail has been paved, it is partially plowed in the winter. She continued that now more people are able to use the trail, and they are able to use it year-round. Peterson asked Pawluk and Kaisershot if they had any reaction to this issue. Pawluk mentioned he uses the Mary Hills jogging trail, which is a mix of paved/not paved, all the time. He added that the paved trails are much better, especially in the spring and fall, because people are able to use them regardless of the weather. However, in the winter, the paved areas are icier than the gravel sections. Pawluk stated that he feels a mixed-use trail is a good idea. He mentioned his mother who was confined to a wheelchair and in a nursing home, and being able to utilize the trails in a nearby nature area because they were paved. Pawluk continued that this allowed him to be able to get his mother out to experience some of the nature aspects. Peterson said that it was important to hear everyone's opinion and perspectives, particularly now that there are so many new members on the Commission. She added that the Commission's decisions need to reflect the Commission as a whole. Kaisershot noted the section of the Commission's policy revisions that addressed wildlife and wildlife habitat. He stated that there seems to be an equal amount of wildlife diversity existing along the paved trails as along the unpaved trails. He commented that he and his wife see just as many deer and fox. Additional discussion continued for several minutes. 2 VIII. Other Business Items of Other Business: ➢ Lundstrom reminded Commission Members that the City Council would be hosting the Commissions' Recognition Dinner on May 26 at 6:30 pm at Brookview Community Center. ➢ Lundstrom asked about the June agenda. Topics will include an update on buckthorn from the upcoming Council/Manager meeting and management plans. The recycling program will be added to program/project updates. ➢ Anderson asked about recent activity on Mendelssohn. Lundstrom replied that Twin City Tree Trust is planting shrubs and vines in association with the TH 169 sound wall. No additional business was addressed. IX. Adlourn The next scheduled meeting will be on June 28, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 1AA,44 � 9:2:� Tracy E. Ph Administrative Assistant Department of Public Works 3 A o� PIT OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION Agenda Brookview Community Center Monday, June 28, 2004 5:15 PM Call to Order II. Roll Call Liz Elder Roger McConico Chuck Cahill Jim Vaughan Jim Johnson James Heine III. Agenda Changes or Additions IV. Approval of Minutes — May 24, 2004 V. Virtual Tour — Luce Line Trail — Boe Carlson VI. Park & Open Space Bus Tour Future Luce Line Trail Golden Oaks Park Wesley Park General Mills Research Area Medley Park Hampshire Park Wildwood Park/Olson School Pennsylvania Woods Honeywell Little League Area Sandburg Ball Fields St. Croix Park/Bassett Creek Trail Scheid Park Briarwood/Unity Ave. Trail/Minnagua Pond Area Gearty Park Stockman Park Rice Lake Trail Mary Hills Nature Area Glenview Park Natchez Park Davis Community Center Lions Park Western Avenue Marsh Brookview Park VII. Adjournment Tom Zins Jerry Sandler Tom Kuelbs, Jr. bralle OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION Meeting Minutes Brookview Community Center Monday, May 24, 2004 7:00 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER Sandler called meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. 11. ROLL CALL Present: Open Space and Recreation Commission: Jim Vaughan, Tom Zins, Jim Johnson, Liz Elder, James Heine, Chuck Cahill, Jerry Sandler City Staff.- Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation; Sue Cook, Recreation Supervisor; Sheila Van Sloun, Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant Others: Jim Slettebak, Golden Valley Little League Absent: Open Space and Recreation Commission: Tom Kuelbs, Roger McConico 111. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS None. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — April 26, 2004 MOTION: Moved by Cahill and seconded by Johnson to approve the minutes. Motion carried unanimously. V. GOLDEN VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE UPDATE — Jim Slettebak Jim Slettebak gave details on the program and updated the Commission on its events. He stated that participant numbers have gone up in the last few years, and added that Little League has been in Golden Valley for 49 years. Slettebak said the league is for Golden Valley boys and girls ages 7-12 and consists of three divisions. The Major League is for ages 10-12 and consists of 5 teams with 12 participants on each. The Minor League is for ages 9-12 and consists of 4 teams with 12-13 participants on each, and the Blue League is for ages 7-8 and consists of 8 teams with 12 participants on each. He stated that there are 208 participants registered this year, adding that 208 also registered in 2003, 196 in 2002, there are 208 participants registered this year, adding that 208 also registered in 2003, 196 in 2002, and 188 in 2001. Sandler added that in the 70's there were 300+ registered participants. He believes the current numbers are a result of community population changes and the addition of many more youth activities. Slettebak stated that end of season tournaments are usually done by July 4. He said that they usually have 3 teams that participate in post -season tournaments after July 4. Slettebak said that Little League also has a Gold League tournament for the Minor League division which consists of 40 teams from 6 surrounding cities and takes place late June and early July on fields from participating cities. Slettebak explained that the league uses numerous fields throughout the city and stated that the league is pleased with the support from the Golden Valley Recreation staff, as well as, for the outstanding condition of the fields by the Maintenance staff. Slettebak then gave details on long and short term goals for the league including the impact on the Honeywell field area if the water treatment plant becomes a reality and how that would affect the ability to add a second little league filed, a second batting cage, permanent restrooms and off street parking. Slettebak then mentioned the possibility of lighting additional fields and adding concessions. Vaughan asked about female participants. Slettebak stated that there are currently about 10-14 in the league, one of which is 12 years old and plays in the Major League. Tom Zins added that he feels that Little League is a really good program and is to be commended. RECREATION REPORT — Sue Cook Cook updated the Commission on programs going on in the following areas: Davis Community Center, Youth and Mites Basketball, Adopt -a -Park, Adult Softball Leagues, Tennis activities, Concerts in the Park, and NEW Summer Day Camps. Cook then gave details on the upcoming "Welcome Back to Brookview" event to be held on June 7 at Brookview Park. She discussed the Concerts in the Park and distributed flyers advertising summer programs and happenings. Vaughan asked Cook if signs were provided for those that adopt a park. Cook explained that signs are provided, as well as, recognition in the brochure and on the City's website. Sandler asked about the responsibilities of the Adopt -a -Park participants. Cook stated that at a minimum they do general clean-up of their areas in the spring and fall, as well as, keep city staff informed on concerns regarding the parks. Sandler inquired about funding for the Concerts in the Park. Cook stated that the Golden Valley Federated Women's Club made a generous donation for the Concerts. The Commission thanked Sue for an outstanding job. 11. OLD BUSINESS 1) Sidewalk & Trail Policv Sandler and Jacobson reviewed with the Commission the revised Sidewalk and Trail Policy as approved by the Council at their May 18 Council meeting. The policy incorporates input from 2 both the Open Space and Recreation and Environmental Commissions, along with language pertaining to state and federal accessibility requirements. Sandler then asked the commission how they felt regarding the paving of the trail in South Tyrol Park, discussion then focused on the Commissions previous recommendation to the Council regarding the paving of the South Tyrol trail. Discussion then focused on the Commission's previous recommendation to the Council regarding the paving of the trail. MOTION: Moved by Zins and seconded by Johnson to reaffirm the Commission's previous recommendation to the Council to pave the South Tyrol Park trail. Motion carried with six ayes and Commissioner Heine abstained from voting as he was just recently appointed. 2) Envision Golden Valley No report. VI11. OTHER BUSINESS None. X1. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Elder to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Cit GoTJlden alley Date: June 17, 2004 To: Thomas Burt, City Manager Memorandum Public Works 763.593.8030 / 763.593.3988 (fax) Through: Jeannine Clancy, Director of Public Works From: Al Lundstrom, Environmental Coordinator Subject: Buckthorn Removal Proposal Staff has completed a Natural Resource Inventory for the City of Golden Valley. The inventory provides detailed information including the location and quantity of invasive species throughout the community. The City's Environmental Commission has reviewed the inventory and is in the process of developing a program and recommendation to the City Council regarding the management of buckthorn on public and private property within the City. In the meantime, Jan Olfe, a member of the South Rice Lake Association has submitted a proposal to staff and the Environmental Commission to remove buckthorn within the South Rice Nature Area during the summer and fall of this year. The Association is planning to use the expertise of Janet Larson, BS Urban and Community Forestry, who is recognized as an expert in the management of buckthorn in the Minneapolis area. The written proposal and verbal conversations with Ms. Olfe have resulted in a request for assistance from the City for the following: 1. Permission to remove buckthorn and other invasive species from public property. 2. Funding for the chemical treatment of the larger stumps that cannot be removed by a stump/root puller. 3. Funding and assistance with the hauling of the brush piles generated by the removal projects. 4. A staff person to attend and assist with the proposed summer and fall projects. Ms. Olfe would like to begin the South Rice Lake project in June or July. The existing City Code, attached for reference, currently does not allow for the removal of trees and other plants on City right-of-way at this time. G:\WORD\FORMS\MemoForCouncilltems.doc Staff would also like to note that no budget exists for the other items requested by Ms. Olfe. Given the proposal from Ms. Olfe and the status of the Environmental Commission's study, staff will: 1. Inform Ms. Olfe that permission cannot be granted to her under the current ordinance to remove buckthorn from City property. 2: Request that the Environmental Commission conclude their study in six months. The Commission will be asked to evaluate code revisions, program requirements, financial impacts, re -vegetation requirements, etc. to support a buckthorn removal program. Attachments Buckthorn Removal Proposal, Janet Olfe, South Rice Lake Association (1 page) Buckthorn can be controlled or reduced, Janet R. Larson (4 pages) List of City Code Sections related to this discussion (1 page) Proposed Project Location Map (1 page) SECTIONS OF GOLDEN VALLEY CITY CODE RELATED TO PLANT REMOVAL SECTION 7.04. SPECIFIC REGULATIONS. Subdivision 1. Trees and Plantings. The Director shall have control and supervision of all plantings, shrubs and trees upon or overhanging all right-of-way. It is unlawful for any person to plant or remove trees or other plants which are on city right-of-way except sod and low lying plants not greater than 12 inches in height above the ground. SECTION 10.50. SHADE TREE DISEASES Subdivision 8. Public Property. Any elm tree, dead elm wood, oak tree or dead oak wood on property owned by the City which is a public nuisance as provided by Subdivisions 1 or 2 of this Section shall promptly be removed under the supervision of the City Manager at the expense of the City. SECTION 10.51. CONTROL OF WEEDS AND VEGETATION. Subdivision 1. Unlawful Acts. B. It is unlawful for any owner or occupant to cause, permit or allow poison ivy, ragweed, or other poisonous plants or plants detrimental to health to grow on any such lot or land. GAExecutive Summary\2004\Buckthorn Removal Proposal.doc " > Buckthorn Removal Proposal In an ongoing effort to clean South Rice Lake and its surrounding Rice Lake Nature Area, the members of the South Rice Lake Association are proposing that we have one or more work days to attempt to eradicate Common and Glossy Buckthorn from this park as well as the shores of Basset Creek that border the park The banks edging Bassett Creek are a particular problem, because erosion could ensue upon removal of these bushes/trees. Another concern is that we only work to remove buckthorn, not other native species such as chokeberry, black cherry, dogwoods, etc. We are, therefore, planning to use the expertise of Janet Larson, BS Urban and Community Forestry, who has become an expert in the eradication of buckthorn from Minneapolis and surrounding areas. (See attached) She, along with other Hennepin County Master Gardeners will work to identify and flag trees that must remain to bring this area into a healthy and easy maintain ecosystem. Many of the trees will be removed where erosion is not a problem by hand pulling and by using buckthorn pullers. Many others will be cut and treated to maintain their root systems that are holding the banks of the Creek in place. Of course, it is important NOT to cut during the spring flush period. As you can see from the attached articles, the season for working to eradicate Buckthorn begins in June 1 and extends through winter. Our work day(s) need to correspond with the city's schedule to pick up the brush piles when the work is completed. Notes on South Rice Lake Association ❑ Our association is continuing with the education program within this watershed to inform residents of Best Management Practices to reduce phosphorus and other contaminants that may collect in our sewers and then in our lake/pond. This has been an ongoing effort that will continue. (South Rice Lake tested as the highest phosphorus content in the 7 county metropolitan area in 2000.) ❑ For the fourth year, residents are testing the water for the Met Council to follow up on our attempt to improve the water quality of this lake. ❑ We are purchasing 2 buckthorn pullers that can be used by residents in our area to control the reentry of tree seeds into the park by removing the source from their yards. What we need from you: ❑ Communications regarding brush pick up dates (one in summer, one in fall); ❑ Recommendations on the chemical to be used (we assume Rodeo) for safety around the wetlands and creek. Do you have a supply of stump treatment that we can use or do we purchase our own products? ❑ Are there any other safety precautions that the City can assist us with or would like us to be aware of (vests, ribbon to mark the work area, goggles, etc.)? For further information, please contact Janet Olfe at 763-522-2082. Buckthorn can be controlled or reduced Buckthorn can be controlled or reduced Janet R. Larson, Spring 2002, Minnesota Plant Press 21(3) Page 1 of 4 Control or reduction? Where buckthorn has not completely infested an area, control is a reality. Where it has created a near monoculture throughout a sizable area, reduction might be a better reality than control. A single stem of buckthorn cut down to the ground and not chemically treated will re -sprout from the stump and grow many new stems up to six feet in a single season. In one to two years, the plant can be producing fruit again. "If you cut it, you just anger it," says Norm Erickson of Rochester. This aggressive re -growth must be stopped or the plant will soon reach its former size, take up more space, and continue to exist indefinitely. Chemical treatments For larger buckthorn control projects, some type of chemical treatment is the best control method. It is important not to treat during the spring -flush growth period. This is a time when the plant is using its stored energy reserves to grow, from the break of dormancy in late March until about June 1. During the spring -flush, the plant generally does not store energy, it spends energy. Chem}cal treatments work best when the plant is dormant or transporting sugars to its root system (storing energy). Summer, autumn, and winter are the three seasons when chemical treatment of buckthorn is effective. Late September through November is a convenient time, since buckthorn leaves remain green and attached, while leaves of our native plants are turning color, falling, and gone. When using herbicides, always follow label instructions and take recommended precautions; be certain that your chemical is labeled for your site. Cut stump treatment During cutting and brush -hauling operations, stumps are easily lost under leaves and debris. Marking stump locations with wire flags, similar to those used by utilities to mark underground pipes or wires, is helpful when it comes time to locate the stump for treatment after an area has been cleared. Secure the flags well, so they will not be dragged away with the brush. Stumps can be chemically treated with a paint brush, a wick applicator, or with an ultra low volume spray nozzle and wand. It is very important that bark on the sides of the stump, including exposed root flares, be treated as well as the top of the stump. Under the bark, many latent buds have the capability to re -sprout with vigor. Chemicals are most effective if applied within 24 hours, but can be applied up to 48 hours after the cutting. Frill cuts with chemical spray Wound the bark with an axe at a 45 -degree angle around the circumference of the tree, to create a frill. It's not necessary to girdle the stem completely. Then apply herbicide spray to exposed cut areas and adjacent bark. This is an effective method when trees can be left standing. Consider this method especially when buckthorn has overtaken steep slopes. If you physically remove all the buckthorn, you set the site up for erosion. This method works well on stems greater than 4 inches in diameter. Basal bark treatment http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/biology/mnps/papers/Larson2002213.html 4/12/2004 Buckthorn can be controlled or reduced Page 2 of 4 When mixed with a diluent (a solvent that may contain dye that can be mixed with some herbicides), ester formulations of Triclopyr can be applied directly to the bark at the base of the tree to provide effective control. Spray the lowest 1 1/2 feet of bark around the entire circumference of the tree. For diameters 2 inches or less, only one side of the stem needs to be sprayed. This is a fast, effective way of controlling trees up to 6 inches in diameter on large sites. Dead trees can be left standing or cut at a later time. Garlon 4 and Crossbow are effective brand-name chemicals for basal bark treatment. Herbicides that work well 1. Roundup (now off patent; Glyphosate active ingredient) = Razor, G1yStar Plus, others. Mix with water for stump, frill and foliar applications. • A 25 percent solution is needed for stump and frill methods. • A 3 percent solution is needed for foliar spray. 2. Rodeo (now off patent; for aquatic use; Glyphosate active ingredient) = Aqua Neat, others. • Same rates as Roundup apply for Rodeo 3. Garlon 3A (Triclopyramine active ingredient) = Ortho Brush B-Gon - Mix with water for stump and frill applications. 4. Garlon 4 (Triclopyr ester active ingredient) = Crossbow, (Pathfmder is ready -to -use) - Mix with diluent or kerosene for stump, frill, and basal bark treatments - Mix with water for foliar applications Tordon is not recommended. Spraying in a buckthorn thicket 1. In densely infested areas, use a hand-held tank sprayer; backpack sprayers can be difficult to negotiate through the woods. 2. An ultra low volume spray wand can cut chemical use by 75 percent. 3. Wear appropriate clothing when using chemicals, especially when mixing concentrate. Use neoprene gloves, not latex, cloth, or leather. Wear goggles or safety glasses when mixing chemicals. Be sure to read and follow label instructions. Mechanical control Mechanical control is not possible with large infestations of buckthorn; it is extraordinarily labor- intensive. The following methods are recommended for people who wish to avoid chemicals and have small areas to clear. Hand pulling Pulling plants out of the ground by hand works well for stems 1/2 -inch diameter or less. The soil must be moist, or your efforts will be frustrating and with very little result. When the soil is dry, the plants won't budge. If they do budge, they break off, leaving the root system intact. To remove, pull at the base of the stem lightly to loosen the soil, then pull again to dislodge the plant from the ground. When you pull buckthorn, you will discover buckthom's dense, black, highly successful, fibrous, root system. Digging With a sharp shovel blade, it is possible to cut the roots around small stems (about 1 inch in diameter or less). Stomp your shovel blade into the ground up to a foot away from the stem, and pull the shovel handle back; this will sever roots, but may need to be repeated. Do this all around the stem until all lateral roots are severed. There will likely be a couple of central roots to cut, too. This method works well with single -stemmed plants, but is quite difficult with shrubby individuals that have re -sprouted after a previous cutting. Wrenching http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/biology/mnps/papers/Larson2002213.htm1 4/12/2004 Buckthorn can be controlled or reduced Page 3 of 4 A few tools are available on the market to facilitate the manual leveraging of a woody stem or stems out of the ground. With a steel clamp or claw, a stem is grasped; then the tool handle becomes a lever, bending the stem down and lifting the roots out of the ground. Tools range in size and will pull stems up to 2 inches in diameter. The largest tools are heavy and need to be wielded by large, strong individuals. Some communities have organized to purchase various wrench sizes and have made them available for free rental from local hardware stores. Continuous cutting Cutting buckthorn without chemically treating the stump is not recommended unless there are only a few plants to remove and you are willing to re -cut new sprout -growth nearly every week for the entire growing season and beyond. Continuous cutting will exhaust the plant of its extensive energy reserves. It may exhaust you, too! Tin can method This approach, developed by Steve Glass, University of Wisconsin Arboretum, is only recommended for very small removal projects and for stump sizes small enough to fit under a metal can. Find a can large enough to fit over the stump and root flare. Cut the stump 1 to 2 inches shorter than the height of the can. Since buckthorn re -sprouts from latent buds under the bark, including stump bark, it is important that the inverted can cover all exposed bark. Drive long nails through the can into the stump to secure it in place. Sprouts that grow into the can will not have enough light and will die.l Leave the can in place for one to two complete growing seasons. Burning John Moriarty, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department, reported on a study he conducted with Hennepin Parks to control buckthorn in Carver Park. Burning can be a good technique for forest or park -like settings, but is not really practical for homeowners. Burn timing is very critical, and it maybe difficult to coordinate factors such as ground fuel, moisture, wind speed in the woods, and approval from the local fire department Fire is a management tool, but it will not eliminate buckthorn. A recent study out of DePaul University explains why it is difficult to bum in buckthorn -infested sites, due to the rapid degradation of the leaf litter. Overwhelmed by it all? If you've worked in a heavily buckthorn -infested area, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Don't give up. Buckthorn has had decades to get a root -hold ahead of those of us who would like to eliminate it. However, with the control methods described here, total elimination is not really a possibility. These plants are simply too widespread, and the volume of their biomass is staggering. The cost in terms of human -power, time, equipment and funds is unreasonably high in economic terms. Reduction of the critical mass is a possibility. Following are my suggestions for those who would like to do something, but have limited time and budget. Prioritize. Doing something is far better than leaving the invasion unchecked. Priorities for a limited budget 1. Partner with conservation groups, neighborhood groups, your municipality, volunteers. 2. Search locally for potential grant funding, then write grant proposals. Ask local businesses and foundations for assistance. 3. Survey your site to find treasure pockets of remaining native plants. Clear around these plants first to release them from their buckthorn competition. Protect them during cutting and removal. Sometimes these natives are very, very small, but when they are freed, they bounce back with new growth. Find a iocal native plant expertto help you with identification. Mark them with flags. 4. Protect quality areas that are only marginally infested. http://www.stolafedu/depts/biology/mnps/papers/Larson2002213.html 4/12/2004 Buckthorn can be controlled or reduced Page 4 of 4 5. Remove female buckthorn first. Mark them in late fall, when full of fruit, for later removal. 6. Prioritize removals to be in high-profile areas (along bike paths, parkways, play areas). 7. Publicize what you're doing. Put up informational signs in the project area, distribute flyers to nearby residents, write an article for your local paper or association. 8. Stop to answer questions of all those who inquire. Hope for a biological control "Good news came this month," wrote Cynthia Boyd in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Sept 26, 2001, "in a $20,000 report commissioned by the state Department of Natural Resources from the Center for Applied Bioscience International in Delmont, Switzerland. The 100 -page research paper includes a list of 14 insects that are possible natural predators (of buckthorn), thus potential control agents." According to Luke Skinner and Jay Rendall, coordinators in the DNR's exotic species program, the feasibility study was completed in August, but the entire study may take up to 10 years to complete, provided funds to continue the research materialize. The next step will be to test the 14 species and determine which ones harm buckthorn exclusively. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to: DNR Buckthorn Research Fund, Exotic Species Program, 500 Lafayette Rd., St Paul, MN 55155-4025. A Web page within the MN DNR Web site contains buckthorn biocontrol research updates at: www.dnr.state.mn.us. (Search on buckthorn biocontrol). The herbicide information given in this article is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement is implied. http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/biology/mnps/papers/Larson2002213.html 4/12/2004 go