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08-423Council File # OS � � �'3 Green Sheet # 3052390 RESOLUTION OF 2 3 4 5 Presented by PAUL, MINNESOTA r WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council, as per resolution (CF93-892 approved the Burlington Northern Regional Trail Corridor Master Plan, and WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council, as per resolution (CF 00-389) approved the renaming of this corridor to the Bruce Venm Regional Trail, and 6 WHEREAS, the Division of Parks and Recreation has been worldng for several years with the Lower Phalen Creek 7 Group to acquixe and make improvements to city properties lmown as the Sruce Vento Nature Sanctuary (including 8 properties to be acquired), Bruce Vento Regional Trail Connector, and the Payne /7th Trail Access, 9 WHEREAS, the Division of Pazks and Recreation has also been worldng for many years with several community 10 groups and other Saint Paul City Deparhnents to acquire, design and construct the Eastside Heritage Park (formerly 11 Phalen Arcade Park) and the Phalen Boulevard Trail Connector. (CFQS-299) 12 WHEREAS, the Division of Parks and Recreation has prepared a master plan amendment to the Bruce Vento 13 Regional Trail Master Plan (Exhibit A) for submittal to the Metropolitan Council which includes the above 14 referenced park and trail additions. These properties will become Regional Park Facilities once this amendment is 15 approved: 16 ❑ Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary (including properties to be acquired) 17 ❑ Bruce Vento Regional Txail Connectoc 18 ❑ Payne /7th Trail Access 19 ❑ Eastside Heritage Pazk (Formerly Phalen Arcade Park) 20 ❑ Phalen Boulevard Trail Connector 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 ao WHEREAS, if this amendment request is approved by the Metropolitan Council, it is the intenrion of the City to purchase property located at 293 Commercial Street in Saint Paul for the public purpose of removing existing blight and providing land for the future conshuctlon of the Bruce Vento Interprerive Center; and WHEREAS, said properry additions to the Bruce Vento Master Plan were recommended for approval by the Parks and Recreation Commission March 2006 (Resoluhon #06-07); and WI�REAS, the Lower Phalen Creek Group has been informally working with City staff and Trust for Public Land (TPL), to secure the purchase of said property, and WFIEREAS, it is the intention of the City to purchase said property from TPL, based upon a fair and reasonable value as determined by an independent appraisal, negotiated and agreed to between the properry owner and TPL; and WAEREAS, the Division of Parks & Recreation intends to seek grant funds from the Metropolitan Council Land Acquisition Opportunity Fund for 75% of the cost of said property; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul approves and adopts the Bruce Vento Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment and is hereby authorized to submit said master plan amendment to the Metropolitan Council for review and approval. bg��a� 41 FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Saint Paul, that the City hereby requests and concurs with 42 the participation of the Trust for Public Land in the acquisition of 293 commercial Street to ensure preservarion of 43 this properry for a use compatible with the Nature Sanctuary, and 44 45 FURTHER RESOLVED, that proper city officials are hereby authorized to enter into and participate with the Trust 46 for Public Land in the negoriations for said properiy, 47 48 F'IlVALLY RESOLVED, that the Parks and Recrearion Division is authorized to accept, if approved, gant funding 49 from the Metropolitan CounciPs Land Acquisirion Opportunity Fund for this purchase. 50 Adopted by Council: Date '��pa� Adoption Certified by Co il Secretary BY� // /lsli�// �is.�Cfa�J Apgcoved' , Date � '.�' � � By pp �v��ry . % Requested by Departme t of: I��y'�C e � � �t; r.ri�- ' � �,-`- By: 9��i�. � Approved by the O�fice, of Financial Ser�ic°� B — ' Approved by City f�r..,, aiey � �� By: t/` � Appro y Mayo f ubmissi t cil By: � Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet � �-�fy� PR —Parks and Recreation Co�tact Person & Phone: Jody Martinez 266-6424 Must Be on Council Agend� 23-APR-OS Doc. Type: RESOLUTION E-DOCUment Required: Y Document Contach Contact Phone: 'IS-APR-08 � Assign Number For Routing Order Total # of Signature Pages _(Clip All Locations for Signature) Green Sheet NO: 3052390 U azluandRecreation � 1 arks and Recreafim De artment Director � 2 ' Attorne 3 a or's Office Ms or/Assisffiut 4 ounc7 5 ' Clerk Ci Clerk 6 arks and Recreation Jod Martinez Action Requestetl: Approve Resolution to amend the Bruce Vento Regional Trail Master Plan into the regional park system and concurring with Pazks Commission Resolution 06-07 to adjust the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary boundary to include additional properties to allow for construction of an interprerive center, entrance azea and space for pazking and to approve a grant submittal for purchase of said propertytothe �Qtroplitan Council Land Acquisition Opportunity Fund. Approve (A) or Planning Commission CIB Committee Civil Service Commission Answer 1. Has this person/firm ever worked under a contract for this department? Yes No 2. Has this person/firm ever been a city employee? Ves No 3. Does this person/frm possess a skill not normally possessed by any current city employee? Yes No Explain alt yes answers on separete sheet and attach to green sheet Initiating Problem,155ues, Opportunity (Who, What, When, Wfiere, Whyj: Many new trails and pazks have been constructed or planned near or adjacent to the Bmce Vento Regionai Trail. It is advantageous to formally add them to the Regional Park system through a masterplan amendment process so that Regional Park maintenance and operation funds can supplement local funds. In addition, the Lower Phalen Creek Group has been working informally with Tmst for Public Land and City Staff to acquire property ad}acenT to the Sruce Vento Nature SancNary for putposes of an Interpretive Center, parking and entrance azea. Lastly, Parks & Recreation intends to purchase properry from TPL and will seek funding for this acquisition through the Metropolitan Land Acquisition Opportunity Fund and other soucces. AdvantageslfApproved: Master Plan will be submitted for approval by the Melroplitan Council, and if approved, operation and maintenance fiwding for St. Paul will inccease. The Trust for Public Land will be able to negodate a fair price for the desired property for future ownership by the City. City staff will be able to request grant funding to purchase proper[y from TPL through the Land Acuisition Opportunity Fund. Disadvantages If Approved: None Disadvantages If Not Approvetl: City will not be able to receive additional operation and mainteuance funds, pruchase needed property or submit a grant to the Metropolitan Land Acuisition Opportunity Fund to acquiie needed property. Trensaction: Funding Source: Financial Information: (Explain) ActiVity Number: CosHRevenue Budgeted: April 15, 2008 5:49 AM Page 1 �: ..�. �� t"�4S � ��C�`��1(�I� �;t3t7I�11S�#t�t� 3043 E.�i3T Hati fuxaex, 25 W. 4th S`trseT, 3aini Pavf, ivLN SSt f32 -{S52)25b-640t� RESOLUTION 06-07 WI3EIZEAS, the Saint Paul Pazks and Recreation Commission ("Commission") is an appointed body established to advise the Mayor and Cify Council on long-range and city-wide matters related to Pazks and Recreation; and WI�REAS, the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary Master Plan boundaries need to be revised to reflect the desired acquisition of additional properties to allow for the construction of an interpretive center, entrance and necessary parking; and WI3ERAS, the Lower Phalen Creek Task Force, Audubon Minnesota, City Council and City Staff have all been working together to facilatate the acquisition of these properties to complement and enhance the newly constructed Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary- a 27 acre former brownfield and RR yard converted to a beautiful natural area; and WHEREAS, we have been involved 'ua discussions with adjoining properry owners and also with the Minnesota Legislature about adding certain pazcels of land to the Bruce Vento Naiure Sanctuary to facilitate the future construction of a nature interpretive center; and now, therefare, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul Pazks and Recreation Commission recommends for approval that the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary master plan boundaries be revised to reflect these properry additions. Adopted by the Saint Paul Parks and Recreatiott Commission on Approved: Yeas � Nays � Absent: Resolution 06-07 Attested to by: Staff to the Parks d Recreation Commission � � � '� �f .. .. . ... � � � y �x. _w�" V �� } Y� �` JY4 7 � ¢Sa. a �"�,�,9� X' C'w '2n ,: �. n .. y . : �} �� `��' `' � -�* ; �� ...�s`-�` �S"^'�� #�� _ �aa"�.c �-:" G.'� '. � �� . �� a ,�,� � ,, -- x ��. �� _ �. ��': ��'1f . � � !. �' SAI�T %AfiS_ Table of Contents ...................................... Introduction.................................................. Boundaries and Acquisition Costs Stewardship Pian ...................................... Demand Forecast .................................... Development Concept ......................... Conflicts.......................................................... Public Services ......................................... Operations...................................................... Citizen Participation ................................. Public Awareness ..................................... Special Needs .............................................. Natural Resources �� •••...�� •• .................... b��{�3 Page 1 2 3 3 4 4-8 9 9-10 10 11- 12 12 12 13-16 � su � rn 0 -�, C� O � .,. cD � �-. � � - � � ��"`�� This amendment to the Bruce Vento Regional Trail Master Plan includes the incorporation of the Sruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, Bruce Vento Regional Trail Connector, Payne/Seventh Trail Access, Eastside Heritage Park, and the Phalen Boulevard Regional Trail Connector. The locations of the proposed plan additions are shown on the map below. The plan amendment will address the eleven elements identified for Regionai Parks and Open Space Master Plans in the Metropolitan Council Parks and Open Space Development Guide/Policy Plan. It is specifically intended to meet the criteria required by the Metropolitan Council and once adopted, will make the City eligible to appiy for funding to implement plans for the new areas identified in this pfan amendment. 2 ��3 Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary is defined by Keliogg Street on the North, BNSF Railroad/ Warner Road on the West and Commercial StreeUlndian Mounds Regional Park on the East. It is a 27 acre park acquired by Yhe City af Saint Paul Parks and Recreation from BNSF Railroad in 2002 at a cost of $2,170,000.00. This amendment also identifies additionai properties adjacent to the Sanctuary to be acquired for development of an Interpretive Facility. Bruce Vento Regional Trail Connector Bruce Vento Regionai Trail Connector is a 2.0 mile bicycle and pedestrian trail connection to the Bruce Vento Regiona{ Trail. The trail connects Bruce Vento ftegionai Trail to indian Mounds Regional Park via Commercial Street, Lowertown via Fourth Street, Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and the Sam Morgan Regional Trail along the Mississippi River. The traii is constructed on property owned by the City o4 Saint Paul and Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority. Payne/Seventh Street Trail Access Payne/Seventh Street Trail Access is on the site of a former auto sales lot acquired by the City of Saint Paui in the mid-1990's. Located south of the intersection of Payne Avenue and Seventh street, it provides parking and pedestrian access to the Bruce Vento Regional Trail. Eastside Heritage Park Eastside Neritage Park is a 5 acre park acquired by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation as part of the development of the Phalen Corridor Project. The park is located west ofArcade Street at the intersection of Phalen Boulevard and Neid Lane. Phaien Boulevard Regionai Trail Connector The Phalen Boulevard Regional Trail Connector is a 1.5 mile bicycle and pedestrian trail which connects the Gateway State Traii West of Interstate 35E to the Bruce Vento Regional Trail at the intersection of Phalen Boulevard and Neid Lane. Y � � i S l=' J f* E k i . ._}»� , - \`.:-, i5" ' The City of Saint Paul owns and maintains the Bruce Vento Regional Trail Connector, Phalen Boulevard Regional Trai{ Connector, Eastside Heritage Park and Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. The Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation advised the appropri- ate law enforcement agency, the Saint Paul Police, of its ownership and requested their cooperation in maintaini�g public safety. There are no non-residential uses or collection of revenues from such uses planned at this time. Should such uses occur in the future, revenues will be utilized consistent with the adopted Recreation Open Space Development Guide/Policy Plan. 3 �� The Bruce Vento Regional Trail was used by 26% of all regional trail users in Ramsey Cous�ty in 2005. The extension of tha Sruce Vento Regional Trai{ system wiff provide an important link to the Sam Morgan Trail, Gateway State Trail, downtown Saint Paul and Indian Mounds Regionai Park. A 2005 Visitation Estimate by the Metropolitan Council estimates 218,500 visi•ts to the Bruce Vento Regiona! Trail within Ramsey County. The Sam Morgan Trail received 186,400 visits in 2005. These figures were based on a 4 year average of visitation data ftom 2002 to 2005. Overali trail usage increased in Saint Paul by 4.8%. Based on a July 1988 study by the Metropolitan Council, it was estimated that annual traii use could increase by 25% when a rivertront link is provided to the Bruce Vento Regional Trail. There have been no demand forecasts prepared for the new Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and Interpretive Facility, however, with its rivertront location in the heart of a major environment, this interpretive center/nature sanctuary would be the only site of its kind in the entire Midwest. Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary � Site remediation activities and construction of the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary began in 2003, folfowing the acquisition of the majority of the sanctuary in 2002. Although this brownfield site suffered from years of industrial use, it was believed to offer extreme potential for redevelopment as a nature sanctuary and historical and ecological Interpretive Center. The property contains the site of Carver's CavelWakan Tipi, a Dakota sacred site; and is the location of Saint Paul's first brewery, the Northstar Brewery. {n addition, it was the � �,,� _ x ., ,�r. .; site of one of the largest railroad maintenance yards in the E' upper Midwest and in pre-european times it was a major riverfront wetland fed by natural springs from the adjacent ,- '�' sandstonebluffs. _�,.,��,ai` �� '"f° � Completed development activities include excavation and removal of contaminated soils, excavation of historic cave openings from the brewery and Carver's Cave, daylighting of natural springs, creation of wetlands and ponds, so+! remediation, and extensive planting of native plant material to restore the site to a pre-european state, Some remnants of the past railroad use have been retained. Existing caves have been protected for future interpretive and educationai activities and foundations of the old brewery have been located for future interpretation. Local and regional trails weave through the site making all � t �� - �'�'�� e 5- r �� k ,�� ..� .. ��.. � �.� . 'i �.. . . ;, � :.�,.,.-,��.' �/ � :. ,,�� l �`�` 3` i . . �_ ,, v � „ , ��,. �; � �-� �" . t. ,. s � «s:;e`�v �� _.,a.�.de�� .. '�`, ✓ _ ,+'�.. �l�'�% l. . � ... ��' f: - z - ^�„i�,a'_._ r �.. . ✓� „'��;: � - . ^xwR... � � Bruce Vento Trail Extension The Bruce Vento Trail Extension project is a 1.5 mile paved bicycle and pedestrian trail that extends the existing Bruce Vento Trai4 providing access to Lowertown in Saint Paul, Indian Mounds Regional Park, Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and the Sam Morgan Regional Trail, which is part of the National Scenic Byways Trail system along the Mississippi River. With the exception of the link to the Sam Morgan Regional Trail, the Bruce Vento Trai{ Extension project was completed and opened to the public in 2007. ° ;�[ \�� i (� ��fL � � I \�`— <i ��'�� _ - �). ,��K . � V��, ' ��` ��; A %i� �' �\�✓� �''� j ��-:" r' /�,f°`` . �-"`� . _ � s os��t e� �� ;�,;,., \ %- � � � ;-i: � � � �.�. � t ° ��--, , ;�' , . ;; ��- . � O b � � oG %�' �� r % ;�. c_ � � C � ,>%� � � ,��, < �' �� {,� a ), .c� �_c �� ; ��,. ,� .,,. <-a �� z✓ . ��A,., '�'-� � \.�^�� ya� � �.��-- , �_� l �\ ( A " \ • \ l � �:4,�, � ., `��-\ �� `�� Payne/Seventh Trail Access The Payne/Seventh Trail Access project was comp�eted in the mid-1990's on former auto sales property acquired by the City of Saint Paui. It serves as a parking lot and trail head facility for the Bruce Vento Regional Trail . C:� �_ --�— ��:��.� . �,. u _ � �� :� �;� � ' , . � � � �.� �'` < i � �� 3 =� /,��,�„� .-�;� � - ,r%..�y :� -- .._./�.,.. /._. � � ��.`�� ' - . �� ..s . � �� r= �+ / -^" . -._�i�'".�"� =""a�,s�°�� s• i� � y' � -�� , �T :. y'� ' � ry �:i ;� � F /' � ,:,.�. . � ✓, �� ..,.;a�[al�ie �aep2• � �: � �. iv "�� o ��, � B p � i \ � : � ,�'� . . , �. H��i � \ '�� 4 F. �' l._' � � � �� ; `�� x�y �� . �.l.:. .. ��Y ? b� '� �n bS��a3 Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary The o�ly conflicts involving the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary is the location of adjacent industrial property. The City of Saint Paul along with Trust for Public Lands is currentiy in negotiations with adjacent property owners for the acquisition of property to construct the Interpretive Facility. Land with contamination issues wili be resolved upon acquisition of the property. Bruce Vento Trail Extension There are no known conflicts with this project . Previous conflicts with adjacent landowners have been resofved when construction was completed. Payne/Seventh Trail Access This property has been under ownership of the City of Saint Paul since the mid-1990's and there are no conflicts with adjacent property owners or land uses. Eastside Heritage Park All confficts with adjacent prnperty owners were resoived at the time of property acquisition. Phalen Boulevard Regional Trail Connector There are no known conflicts with adjacent land uses or property owners. Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary Reconstruction of Fourth Street in 20�7 provided a needed new access from downtown to the Nature Sanctuary property. Upon acquisition of additional property for the Interpretive Faciliiy, access road , sewer, water and electricai hookups wiil need to be provided and will be instailed at the time of construction of the new Facility. Utilities are located in adjacent access roads. Bruce Vento Trail Extension No additional pubfic services will be required, with the possible exception of electrical at the time the pedestrian bridge is constructed over Warner Road. All other public services were completed with trail construction in 2007. Payne/Seventh Trail Access This facility is complete. No additional public services are required. 0 Eastside Heritage Park �-��-� Utifities were extended to the Park with the construction of Phafen Boulevard and Neid Lane. No additional public services are anticipated with the exception of required utility hookups to the proposed restroom facilities. Phafen Soulevard Regional Trail Connector No additional public services are anticipated. This project is largely complete. The City of Saint Paul, operates and maintains the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, Bruce Vento Trail Extension, Payne/Seventh Trail Access, Eastside Heritage Park, and the Phalen Boulevard Regional Trail Connector. Patrolling of the facilities is provided by the Saint Paul Pofice Department. Under city jurisdiction, existing city rules, regulations, and ordinances for its operation and maintenance will appiy. Estimated costs for operation and maintenance are as follows: Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary Cutting natural areas Natural area detaifed maintenance Trail, asphalt maintenance Litter pick up, waste disposal Snow Removal Trades (carpenter, electrician, plumber Bruce Vento Trail Extension Turf maintenance (6 ft either side) Brooming — two passes Snow removal, sanding Litter pick up, waste disposal Brush back Annual trail, asphalt maintenance Seal coat 7 yr, reclaim 21 yr, program Phaien Boulevard Regional Trail Connector Turf maintenance (6 ft either side) Brooming — two passes Snow removal, sanding Litter pick up, waste disposai Brush back Annual trail, asphalt maintenance Seal coat 7 yr, reclaim 21 yr, program Eastside Heritage Park Custodial duties TurF, shrub & tree maintenance Litter pick up, waste disposal Trail, asphalt maintenance Snow removal, sanding Trades (carpenter, electrician, plumber.. Utility costs 48 hrs 100 hrs 30 hrs 104 hrs 12 hrs 20 hrs 12 hrs 6.5 hrs 25 hrs 70 hrs 6.5 hrs 6.5 hrs NA 10 hrs 6 hrs 20 hrs 55 hrs 6 hrs 6 hrs NA 150 hrs 60 hrs 80 hrs 20 hrs 16 hrs 20 hrs NA $2,600 $6, 500 $1,500 $5,200 $6�0 $2,000 Total = $18,400 $800 $330 $1,200 $3,50� $330 $500 $6,000 Total = $12,660 $700 $300 $1,000 $2,300 $300 $500 $4, 800 Total = $9,900 $5200 $3,000 $4,500 $1,000 $1,300 $2,000 $1,500 10 � Tota� = S�s,soo ,t f t,� 5 :� , °, ;. � � � t � -{ € � Y�: a ,� ��:`,� �. Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary An extremely active and involved publiclprivate group of citizens and City of Saint Paul staff organized as the Lower Phalen Creek Project, has directed the acquisition and development of the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary over the past seven years and continues to be involved. Citizens have been involved in a!I aspects of the project ranging from initial concept design to the removal of invasive plant species. A summary of community involvement is provided in Volunteers for Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary Table. Bruce Vento Trail Extension bb-r�� A community m2eting and design workshop was held in 2003 to solicit input on alternative trail alignments. Additional meetings involving locai agen- cies were also held to receive input on historical, environmen- tal and transportation issues associated with the project. Currently, the National park Service in conjunction with Saint Paul Parks and Recre- ation has been meeting monthly afong with a Citizen design advisory group to devefop a design for the finai portion of the Trail extension — the pedes- trian bridge over Warner Road. Phalen Boulevard Regional Trail Connector The Phalen Boulevard Regionaf Trail Connecfor concept was developed as part of a two year study by a public lprivate orga- nization of citizens, business groups, neighborhood organiza- tions, school officiafs and City staff called the Phalen Corridor initiative. Extensive community ; meetings and workshops were heid over a period of two years to develop a design for a new Phalen Boulevard. These trail connections evolved as part of that study with the purpose of creating a trail system that safely responds to the needs of the community. 11 Eastside Heritage Park �jq Neighborhood meetings have been occurring since 20�2 to gather community input on the design of Eastside Heritage Park. These meetings and workshops have resulted in design for Easfside Heritage Park that reflects the needs of the adjacent community. 12 The Lower Phalen Creek Project in association with Saint Paui Parks and Recreation has promoted an extensive outreach and pub(ic awareness pro- gram for the sanctuary. Volunteer groups have been an integral part in site clean up and pianting. Numerous articfes have been published regarding the development of the Nature Sanctuary increas- ing public knowledge and awareness of the project. Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary is a4so part of MNRRA and has been the site for periodic interpretive tours by Park Service Rangers. Bruce Vento Trail Extension, PaynelSeventh Trai4 Access, Eastside Heritage Park and Phalen Boulevard Regional Trail Connector Trail extensions will be public+zed in city maps, brochures, and on the City's webpage. Metropolitan Council wiil aiso promote the projects through maps and information of area park and trail systems. Access to and within each of these trails and parks are designed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act providing access for persons with special needs. Ail parking areas provide accessible parking with ramps to access trai{s and other site amenities. A11 of these facilities can be used by all segments of the population and there are no charges to use these trails and facilities. ! Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary r y r :; r .; e �. 4 } ' � e,. x, /i-° - i,.�./ I�F Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary bg - �-�3 The Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary was once a combination of floodplain forest and open wetland. However, previous operations from filling and industrial pollution have made it impossible to restore all of the land to its condition prior to European Settlement in the 1850's. Refer to Figure 1 for Existing Vegetation. Surtace and groundwater were both present at Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary prior to European Settiement, however the hydrology ofi these resources have been altered. Currently, half of the nature sanctuary is located within in the 100 year floodplain. Two major springs discharge at the toe of the bluff. They are Montana Bill's Cave and Carver's Cave. Both springs flow along the base of the bluff and outlet into an existing storm sewer. Refer to Figure 2 for Ground Water Profile. The vegetation management plan selected for Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary includes a mix of woodland, savanna, prairie and wetland, Proposed communities are seleeted to mimic the natural communities that would be expected to occur based on site characteristics. Refer to Figure 3 for proposed planting areas. //�\ \ r�� °�.\ \ \ \ \ \ / \ ,�— Figure 1 : Existing Vegetation .,,, � � "�\ , :�b«P�.'n;�,a.;s °` o ° ; ��..o�,o o .w�,.,�,�,.,��,.s.� �° �:e�.o:;��::ro "'�,m.,` « � °„"M. ° ":'� °,"o..,,.n � w �� A � � �,,, .. .v ��.,aW�, \ ��ry �� w��n� �� p � ti�� ..� a� � �„ w�Ya�, iV l�ssiss�° --- _ = pp� �iysr .!... . ... . ., . Key. ��;: Old Field �= Bluff/Rock Outcrop � Deciduous Woodland with Concrete Slab � Deciduous Woodland w/out Concrete Slab � Floodplain Forest �-- Planted Prairie at Mounds Park � Parking LotAreas �� Seepage Springs and Pr�posed Wetland Area 13 y �� "ear Fj \ \ s � K . y � C �Q \ �"E'�4i'i&�:� � w.�wbco�Mwm� N ��«.�.�.�� N Pm1�BamGa�Y n�a�s /�/ iourwnooapdn �v'no=u �U'j Fntlrmea _ 30 0 — 30 Fw4 � V�_ Figure2: �'�'�'= Groundwater Profile Bili's Cave The topography of the bluffs require specific vegetation management. Dry Sand-Gravel Prairie is proposed along the top of the Mounds Park Bluff line, while on the steepest slopes, Bedrock Bluff Prairie is proposed. This wifl help preserve the outstanding vistas along the Mississippi bluff line. The majority of the site is within the floodplain resulting in fluctuations of water levels. During the spring, the site may be under several feet of water due to snow melt runoff and precipitation rates. Later in the summer, the site may be very dry. The dry/mesic prairie mix is designed to accommodate both extremes. Dry Oak Savanna wi41 occupy portions of the site near the toe of the bluff. Existing trees will be preserved to provide canopy cover as well as habitat for wildiife. The Dry Oak Savanna will be a transitional area located between the toe of the bluff and Dry/Mesic Prairie. Oak Woodiand is proposed for the middfe to lower slopes of the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. This area was dominated by invasive tree and shrub species. Existing buckthorn and invasive shrubs are removed initially to protect the existing slope. Grasses and forbs are broadcast seeded and inter planted between existing trees. After one or two years of establishment, invasive trees can be removed. A variety of vegetation treatments are proposed around the stream and wetland. These include a Mixed Hardwood Seepage Swamp for portions of the wetland associated with spring water discharge at Montana Bill's Cave, a Tamarack Seepage Swamp, and a Wet Prairie and Wet Meadow for deeper, open water marsh areas. A `� S - C p$� ( A,� �: -� ' ��.. "+ �. '=� ' . ��` Pmp�tttl NeGra! Camnu nitles p e.m«kexmr,�m. � avoixsavaxd O arswc,e..ivam. p oM�a•mm�: Q FinaGP��Gwc.\ Q OakWwG�M Q We[Pnh10 � WeSmeNVu � Tmwrecx9repqSwerrp Q MIWNaNwxtl9eepege5wmp � Emaqon[NarsM1 i v, R��,�,. . . vwe�..N.ea, �meo�marr wi�seu�l^oo� r� �onrm.n�ew ; k�✓ xwrt.ss i bovpxNewPaN 0 3p0 Fett bOtO1F9 A 4�0110.Cf5 Key: �' Sedrock Bluff Prairie ; Dry Oak Savanna �' Dry Sand Gravel Prairie �` Dry/Mesic Prairie �'� Floodplain Forest � Figure 3 : Proposed Naturai -._._ Communities � � �. ' A �' Oak Woodland �l Emergent Marsh ��,z Wet Prairie ��,= Wet Meadow � Tamarack Seepage Swamp ' Mixed Hardwood Seepage Swamp Mixed Emergent Marsh will occupy the deepest portion of the wetland and will inc{ude areas of open water with submerged aquatic p4ants. The exiting cottonwood forest will be built upon with the introduction of floodplain grasses and forbs. This area is called the Floodplain Forest. The vegetation plan for Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary will protect existing vegetation, provide a diverse habitat for wifdiife, and maintain water quality on site. Creating a diverse mix of natural communities that mimic the historic ecosysterr5s will create greater diversity for wildlife. To maxim+ze the benefits to wildlife from plant communities, emphasis will be placed on woody and herbaceous species with a high value for wildiife food and cover. I1.7 Bruce Vento Trai{ Extension ��V �� in the early 1860's, a natural valiey formed by the Trout Brook and Phalen Creek was converted into an industrial rail corridor. Material was brought into the site filling the flats of the former delta associated with the waterways. Existing creeks were channelized through canals, culverts, and underground sewers. Wetlands delineated on site where determined to be a resuit of roadway construction and were not naturally occurring. Prior to recent traii construction, groundwater seeps collected on the roadway and discharged into the Trout Brook Canal. Rebuilding of Fourth Street has red+rected this water away from the roadway. Payne/Seventh Trail Access When this site was developed in the mid-1990's, contaminated soils were removed and the site was planted with native materials. Recently, a rain garden was developed on-site with the Capitol Region Watershed District to treat water from the parking lot. Eastside Heritage Park Plans for this new park calf for pfanting of native vegetation and creation of raingardens to filter water from the parking lot and development of interpretive signage to explain the raingarden concept. Phalen Boulevard Regional Trail Connector Phalen Boulevard Regional Trail Connector is compatible with and complements the existing fand uses and protects existing natural resources. 16