09-1094Council File # 09-1094
Green Sheet # 3079598
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
$
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Presented by
AUL, MINNESOTA 3�
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Coancil, as per resolution (CF91-522) approved the Lilydale/Hazriet Island Reg�onal Park
Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Saint Pau] Division of Parks and Recreation has determined the need to update the Lilydale Regona] Park
portion of the Lilydale /Harriet Island Regional Park Master Plan that was created and approved in 1991; and
WHEREAS, Saint Pau] Division of Parks and Recreation organized a design task force consisting of represenTatives from West
Side Citizens Organization, Friends of Lilydale, Friends of Parks and Trails, Friends of [he Mississippi, Saint Paul Dog Owners
Groap, and other interested community members, to assist the Design Team wi[h the development of a revised Site Plan which
is the basis of the amendment to the Metropolitan Council approved Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Lilydale Regional Park Design Task Force recommended approval of the rev�sed Srte Plan on July 1, 2009 with
the understanding that there will be additional Design Task Foroe input opportunities as implementat�on of key elements are
funded;and
WHEREAS, the City of Lilydale approved the revised Site Plan on August 10, 2009; a�d
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Parks Commission approved the revise�Dite Plan on 7uly 16, 2009 and Master Plan Amendment on
September 9, 2009; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul approves and adopts the Lilydale Regional
Pazk Master Plan Amendment and is hereby authorized to submit said master plan amendment to the Metropolitan Council for
review and approval.
Bostrom
Carter
Harris
Helgen
Stark
Thune
Yeas
�1-2 e9
o�..�
Approved by the Office of Pinancial Services
By: '
Appra
�
Adopted by Counci]_ Date ����/�C1G Appro
Adophon Certified by Co icil Secretary gy:
By: � ' /l
Appro M� Da � �
By: v �
Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet �
� 09-109�
)epaAmenUOffice/COUncil: � oate�^�t�ated: Green Sheet NO: 3079598
PR _ Parks and Recreation I 10 SEP 2009 .
' Contact Person & Phone:
Alice Messer
' 266-64'12
' Must Be on Council Agenda by (Date):
21-0CT-09
i
; Doa Type: PUBLIC HEARING
� (RESOLUTION)
, E-DOCUment Required: Y
Document Contact: Alice Messer
Contact Phone: 266-6412
,
Assign
Number
i For
{ Routing
I Order
0 �arks and Recreafim �
1 Parks and Recreation Departm� ent Director �'
2 Citv Attomcy I I Cip� Attornev 400 CH �
3 i�layor's Omce � Mavor/ASSistant 390 CH
4 ,Council 310 CH �
5 City Clerk � City Clerk
Total # of Signature Pages 1 (Clip All Locations for Signature)
, tacuon rtequesiea:
� Approval of Master Plan Amendme�t for Litydale Re�ional Park
Recommendations Approve (A) or Reject (R)
Pianninq Commission
�_
CIB Committee
Civil Service Commission
Personal Service Contracts Must Answer the Following Questions:
1. Has this person/firm ever worked under a contrect for this department?
Yes No
2 Has this person/firm ever been a city employee�
Yes No
3 Does this personlfrm possess a skill not normally possessed by any
current ciry employee�
Yes No
Explain all yes answers on separate sheet and attach to green sheet.
Initiating Problem, Issues, Opportunity (Who, What, When, Where, Why):
Saint Paul Droision of Parks and Recreation had determined the need to upda[e [he Lilydale Regional Park portion of the
Lilydale/Haniet Island Regional Pazk Master Plan that was created and appxoved in 1991.
Advantages IfApproved:
The Master Pfan Amendment for Lilydale Regional Park reflects the revised vision for Lilydale Regional Paxk as determined by the
desigu task force of protechon and enhancement of natural resources within Lilydale.Regional Park.
Disadvantages If Approved:
None
Disadvantages If Not Approved:
Task force approved and desired master plan components will not be �mplemented.
Total Amount of ¢�0.�0
Transaction:
Funding Source:
Financiai Information:
(Explain)
September 10, 2009 4:29 PM
Activity Number:
CosGRevenue Budgeted:
Page 1
�
�. " .
�
�,.>�.�- � , � ,
Lilydale Regional Park Master Plan
(Amendment to Lilydale/Harriet Island Regional Park Master Plan)
09-1094
�
m
�
�
m
�
�
m
�
Prepared by the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Design Section
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 �•••••������� ......................
AppendixA.....................................................
09-1094
Page
1
2
3
4
4
4-10
11
11
12
12
12
13
13-17
18
�
v
a
N
0
�
C7
0
�
N
�
�
�
1
09-1094
This amendment to the Lilydale/Harriet Island Regional Park Master Plan is occurring
due to a proposed change in the plans of the original LiiydalelHarriet fsland Master Plan
completed in 1991, as shown in Figure A.
The revised master plan will address the eleven elements identified for Regional 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 Metropofitan Council and once adopted, will make the City eligible to apply for funding
to impiement plans for the new amenities identified in this plan amendment.
Figure A: 6risting Lilyda/e/Harriet /sland Regiona! Parlr Masfer Plan from September 25, 1990
�
09-.
Lilydale Regional Park is owned and maintained by the City of Saint Paul. The major portior
of the park is located outside the Saint Paui city limits within the City of Lilydale, located in
Dakota County. It is defined by the Mississippi River to the North, Highway 13 located above
the river bluffs to the South, Harriet Island Regional Park to the East and the Pool and Yacht
Club to the West.
Lilydale Regional Park is a 384 acre park which includes the 100 acre Pickerel Lake and an
additional 100 acres of wetland/marsh. No additional parcels are required for the revised
Master Plan.
�� �_
3
09-1094
0
The City of Saint Paul owns and maintains Lilydale Regionai Park. The Saint Paul Police
and Fire Department currently maintains public safety within the park boundaries. 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 adogted
Recreation Open Space Development Guide/Policy Plan.
Based on the 2008 Metropolitan Council Annual Use Estimate of the Metropolitan Regional
Park System, LilydalelHarriet Island/Cherokee Heights Regional Park was ranked as the
10th most visited regional park with 1,089,000 visits in 2008. A third of those visits were
from special events occurring at Harriet Is{and.
The Metropolitan Council 2008 Parks and Trails Survey indicated walking/hiking, picnicking,
playground use and relaxing are the top activities occurring in Lilydale/Harriet Island
Regional Park.
A community wide CommunityAttitude and lnterest Citizen Survey was completed wirater
2007-2008, to establish priorities for the future improvement of parks and recreation
facilities, programs and services for the City of Saint Paul. The results of this survey
indicate walking and biking trails, sma11 neighborhood parks, park rest rooms, Como
Zoo and Conservatory and picnic areas/shelters as the top 5 of 17 facilities requiring
improvement within the City of Saint Paul. The proposed Master Plan for Lilydale will
meet the requested recreational amenities by providing walking/biking trails, picnicking
opportunities and restroom facilities within the park.
See Appendix A for projected site capacity and parking capacity estimates.
The City of Saint Paul obtained the land now known as Lilydale Regional Park through a land
swap agreement with Ramsey County after the Ullage of Lilydale relocated out of the flood way.
In addition to numerous homes and related out buildings, Lilydale Regional Park has been the
location of industrial and commercial operations including a brickyard, automobile salvage yard,
a marina and a demolition landfill. These past uses are still apparent in the landscape through
the large piles of construction debris buried within the park.
Eristing Regional Trail along Water Street
Canoes on Pickerel Lake
The revised Master Plan for Lilydale Regional Park will restore the park to a natural 09-1094
resource based park. Existing contaminated soils and debris will be removed through out
the park and re- vegetated with natural plant communities.
The development concept provides the following design elements which are indicated in
Figure B below.
Entrance Gateway
Water Sfreet lmprovements �;
Regronal Trai! Realignment ' 4 !
Lilydale Road Realignment '.�
Riverbank Restoration 10 � _
Site Clean Up 11
�
�..,.:
�
�
� �3) Fossii Ground
Tiaii Head
Development/
Historical
lnterpretafion
�-,
�12� Erosion Control/
Cave Protection
'� � ' 5�; Boardwalk
�
�7 Picnic Gathenng Area
\ 13 Fishing Pier
��� 114 ��dlife Viewing Platforms
�-' �
`°'' ' 8� Oif Leash Dog Park
� StormWaterTreatmentArea
Figure B: Proposed Site Deve%pment Plan
5
1O- Entrance Gateway 09-1094
A gateway marking the entrance into Lilydale Regional Park from Harriet lsland, witl reflect
the overall vision and aesthetic of the park. The gateway wiil use local limestone and
brick from the former Twin Cities Brick Company to create a dramatic entrance into the
park. invasive plant material will be removed allowing viewsheds of the Mississippi River
to appear from the existing roadway and regional trail. A planted median is also proposed
with native plantings. 5ee Figure C and D below.
�
� i
I
_ ///
� /
d �
�
��/ �
l�'/
/ � y�
/ � �/
//� // i
Figure C: P/an �ew of Enfrance
/ /
/
�
LEGENO
o E%141NG REGIONALiRAII
� PROPOSED EMRANCE SIGN
Q PROPOSEO ME�UN PIAMING
O REALIGNED WqiER SiREP
Q PROP05EO SiONE Cp�UMFI�SPLR RA0. FENCE
O OL�BARSHOPLOCAiION
PRECAST CONC[tE'!E CAP
y Y_' e
EXISTPIG REG[ONAL TRAIL
};
j U __ '-!J __IL__ fp:_—�'_�.j ! •3' 96E' � .
j _ ' _ " - _ " ' ','�t" _" ' _ '_ � _ __ ..2�.'.,� __ - �A
-"-� PATIERNWI'�[{SPLR'S'ICINEF{[JLGH MLAY
aRECA3TCOrv HISTORICTWINqTYH1UCKCOMPANYgRICK
B�E GATf�RIDFltOMFO55ILGR0[MDSITE
SRiG1E I.tMFSTONL 6LOCK WIIH h1ETqL
SECfIpN A-A'-GATBWAYTO LILYDALE AEGIONAL PARk �� �m'GATfACHED (LOCAiE STONe
N07 70 SCALP eROM FaSSIl,6RpUND SIiE)
Figure D: Section of Entrance Gateway
O 2 - Water Street Improvements
Water from the biuffs constantly seeps onto and beneath Water Street.
presence of water on the roadway has resuited in
deterioration of the roadway. A creek bed is proposed along
the base of the bluff to collect the water and divert it to a
nearby collection location preventing further deterioration of
__ _ the roadway.
The existing regional trail
abruptly ends at the entrance
to the fossil grounds and trail
users are forced to share the
roadway for 875 feet, until
the trail begins again past
the Historic Mendota Heights
The constant
6 I Proposed Creek Bed along Water Street Exisfing Aerial �ew of Water Streef
Bridge. Water Street will be realigned further away from the rivers edge and existin�9-1094
regional trail to eliminate the trail and roadway conflicts that currently exist. The realignment
of this section of Water Street will provide a direct connection to the entrance of the fossil
grounds, eliminate existing trail conflicts and bury existing power lines; greatly enhancing
the entrance to Lilydale Regional Park from Water Street. it also places the trail adjacent to
the river creating viewing/overlook opportunities. See Figure E below.
O 3 - Fossil Ground Trail Head Development
A trail head kiosk will provide interpretive signage and a map
of the unique features within the fossii grounds. Rest room
facilities may also be provided at the trail head. See Figure E.
O 4 - Regional Trail Realignment
The existing regional traii will be realigned to provide a
continuous trail through Lilydale Regional Park. Existing
trail conflicts at the Union Pacific Railroad will be eliminated
through the realignment along the Mississippi River. The
realignment will reduce existing trail/roadway crossings from
four to one.
O 5 - Boardwalk
A boardwalk along the northern edge of Pickerel Lake wiil
provide an important pedestrian connection between the main Proposed RaisedBoardwalkfor
picnic area along Pickerel Lake's north edge and the Fossii Canoe Crossing
Ground area. The boardwalk will not block access between the large body of water SW
of the RR bridge and the small body of water NE of the bridge and adjacent to the fossil
grounds. The Department of Natural Resources require that access be maintained for non-
7
r�yu.G c, rroposea rossu c;rountl Trall Heatl and Water Street Improvemenfs
motorized boats on all navigable waterways. Fishing access points will be provide8�bd��e
boardwalk. The boardwalk will also provide access to wildlife observation points along the
shore of Pickerel Lake.
�O6 - Lilydale Road Realignment
Lilydale Road is currently aligned along the edge of Pickerel Lake, limiting the abil�ty to
implement placement of a picnic shetter a{ong the lakeshore without a pedestrian roadway
crossing. The proposal to relocate 2,600 If of Lilydale Road further away from Pickerel
Lake will provide space along the lakeshore for the central gathering and picnic area within
the park. The roadway realignment wili allow for traffic calming measures and storm water
treatment through the introduction of planted medians and raised intersections at internal
trail crossings. Water and sanitary sewer will run under the roadway providing service to the
picnic shelter restroom. Lighting as needed for traffic and park safety will also be provided.
O 7 - Picnic/Gathering Area
A picnic shelter with public rest rooms wiif be provided within the Park. The picnic shelter
is proposed to provide two separate shelters that accommodate 6- 8 picnic tables each.
The shelters will be raised above the floodplain elevation 12' to allow for water and sanitary
service. Additional picnic tables will be provided adjacent to the picnic shelter and along the
lakeshore. The picnic shelter will be designed using sustainable building design techniques,
such as a green roof and the use of local limestone materials. An amphitheater is praposed
along the lakeshore for small group gathering space. It will provide panoramic views across
Pickerel Lake and provide access to the lakeshore trail and boardwalk. See Figure F.
0
- �;m�ra���P`a«'u e,��;k;9io�ai�eH
Figure F. Proposed Lakeshore Gathering Area
A.._..._.__.. . . __.
8O- Dog Park 09-1094
An off leash 8.5 acre fenced dog park is proposed adjacent to the existing Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) boat landing and in an area where extensive site clean up is
required. The dog park will allow for dogs to be off leash within Lilydale Regional Park and
because of fhe popularity of the dog park experience, dog owners and their pets wiil provide
a more constant presence of visitors, thus reducing security issues within the park. Parking
will be provided at the existing DNR parking lot.
9O- Storm Water Treatment Area
A large amount of storm water enters Pickerel Lake from the surrounding neighborhoods via
Ivy Falls. The storm water deposits phosphorus and other nutrients that threaten the water
quality of Pickerel Lake. Storm water is proposed to be treated at the base of Ivy Falls by
routing the water through wetland treatment areas prior to re(ease into Pickerel Lake.
10 - Riverbank Restoration
The existing shoreline along the Mississippi River is lined with bituminous and concrete
rubble. Restoration and stabilization of approximately 2.5 miles of shoreline along Lilydale
Regional Park is proposed. See Figure G below.
k
Exisfing Riverbank Condition Figure G: Proposed Riverbank Improvements
11 - Site Clean Up
There are two large areas within Lilydale Regionai Park where the
old town of Lilydale was buried on site; the old marina demolition
site and the Lifydale dump site. These areas are currently
unusable as park land due to the visible presence of rubble and
sinkholes from settling debris. Removal of the debris areas will
restore the landscape to a natural condition and allow the land
to be accessible by park users. Ciean up efforts will include the
sorting of reusable structural material, including concrete and Existing Marina Demolition Site
bituminous to be used as structural fill for the proposed picnic
shelter to be constructed in the floodplain. After site clean
up, the area will be restored to natural plant communities
as proposed in the Lilydale Regional Park Natural
Resource Management Plan.
72 - Erosion Control/Cave Protection
Ravines along the bluff line exhib+t varying levels of erosion
within Lilydale Regional Park. It is generally occurring
along the mid to upper slope areas with some areas
of incision exceeding 10 feet in depth. Erosion is also
occurring along the walls of the former clay pits used by
�
Existing Site Erosion
the Twin Cities Brickyard. These areas are to be evaluated for stabilization meast�s1094
Estimated cost of erosion control is dependant on preliminary investigation of erosion and
stabilization measures. A field based inventory of eroded areas is approximately $15,000.00.
13 - Fishing Pier
A fishing pier will extend into Pickerel Lake providing accessible fishing access.
1A - Wildlife Viewing PlatForms
Five wildlife viewing piatforms will be constructed in natural
areas allowing park visitors to sensitively view and record
wildlife within Lilydale Regiona! Park. Soft internal nature
trails will provide access and connections between the wildlife
viewing platForms. Interpretive signage will be provided where
appropriate.
Proposed Wildlife Viewing
Many of the design elements listed above can not be P�at�orm
implemented individually as they are dependant on other measures occurring first. Below
is a phasing diagram that highlights the required phasing process and associated cost
estimates. Total project cost is estimated to be $13.7 million. See Figure H below.
Figure H: Site Improvement Phasing Plan
iESPONSE ACiION PtAN (PAP) AND
CONIINGENCY PIAN
E45.pA
MARINA DEMOLI90NSItE 4LYDAlEDUMPSrtE
RESiORAT10N ��: tiy RESiORqiION
8995,Ob()S,CYpCYI � SSW,WO(JO,WJCV)
o.xwcexa�e. �����'' � OESIGN/ENG�NEERING/CD'S
� OF PICNIC SNELiER AND
UOGPARI:CONSiRUCIION ROADRF%Al1�GNMFNi
s���o i
LItTDPIE ROAD 0.EqlIGNMEM
WIiH IItILInES AND LIGHTING
9qMI110N
ENiRANCE GAiEWAY AIONG
WAiERS1REET
$i01.0.W
BURY OVERHEAD POW E0. LINES
ALONG WATER SLREEi (],200')
Esw.tw
fOSSIIGROUND
2RAIL HEA� DEVELOPMENi
Yfo.WO
TRAII CONSIRIICTION
Y �;0.W
�
90AROWAIX CONSiROCiION
unwo
REMOVE GIIARDRAIL AND
REPIACE WIiN SPIR RAI!
FENdNG
U�SWo
PLAiFORMS CAMPSIiEDEVEIOPMENi
E�Sqw
RIVERBANK RFSiORAiION
IZ1/3MILE5)
53 MILLION
KAMISX UUMP SIiE CIEAN UP
SsW,O�opo,wocvJ
� u�u�m�'onn m+� �^Er`p`� �pu�v
Y ncw,wnrtamunamvams. "
SiORM WATER iREqiMENi
PONDS
Ei Muirorv
TOTAL : $73J MILLION
��
r
� �
���
� �.t:�= � �:.A�e:
LilydaVe Regional Park is
located in both Ramsey and
Dakota Counties. The roadway
that runs through the park is
called "Water Street" in Ramsey
County and "Lilyda{e Road"
in Dakota County. Dakota
County and Ramsey County
are currently responsible to
maintain their associated
section of roadway. Dakota
County and Ramsey County
are both in favor of turning
the roadway over to the City
of Saint Paul as a city street.
Saint Paul is hesitant to do so
until roadway maintenance
items have been completed.
This wou{d allow the City of
Saint Paul to control the posted
speed limit and implement
traffic calming measures
as needed within the park.
Discussions between the City of
Saint Paul, Dakota County and
Ramsey County are currently
underway to determine roadway
operations and responsibilities.
� F�a�.'� - Ft�',Fa ���c�,�=''�`�'C 't "I�r��n na .
�� '�'�k�', . ,� ��� t- �, � D a g �
�,�, .�4 �� ,- "' � ��. °- t F4� , e
� 4 " �xr'�i `q&''fa b �, � � -'im'�
09-1094
Currently, there are no public utilities existing within Lilydale Regional Park. Water, sanitary
and electrical service will need to be provided to the picnic area for the public rest rooms and
drinking water. These services will be provided in correlation with the realignment of Lilydale I
Road. Services wil! be provided from the eastem edge of the park and extend from Harriet i
Island.
11
Figure l: Existing County Road Ownership Map
09-1094
The City of Saint Paui, operates and maintains Lilydale Regional Park. Patrolling of the
facilities is provided by the Saint Paul Police Department. Under city jurisdiction, existing city
rules, regulations, and ordinances for its operation and maintenance wiil apply. Estimated
cosfs for operation and maintenance are as foilows:
Estimated Annual Operation and Maintenance Costs
Picnic SheltedRestroom maintenance
Green Roof maintenance`
Boardwalk
Fishing Dock
Natural area detailed maintenance'
Prescribed burning of naturai areas*
Rain Garden maintenance`
Naturalized Lakeshore maintenance*
Annuai Trail, asphalt maintenance
Brush back
Litter pick up, waste disposal
Snow Removal
Trades (carpenter, electrician, plumber... )
$11,900
$1,440
$47�
$135
$25,000
$4,000
$2,600
$3,000
$1,250
$320
$750
$310
$2, 000
Total
$51,176.00
' Reflects maintenance costs after 3 yea� establishment period for natural planting areas.
3 year maintenance period will be included in construction costs at time of bidding.
A Design Advisory Task Force was assembled to help advise the development of the Site
Plan for Lilydale Regional Park. The Task Force provided input and direction to the City r�f
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. A Public Forum discussing the proposed dog park an� a
Community Open House sponsored by West Side Citizens Organization were held to offer
additional opportunities for citizen participation. Ali Task Force meetings were open to the
public and information was posted on the City of Saint Paul web site for additional input.
The Site Plan was approved by the Design Advisory Task Force on July 1, 2009; approved
by the Saint Paul Parks Commission on July 15, 2009 and approved by the City of Lilydale
City Councii on August 10, 2009.
The Friends of Lilydale in association with the West Side Citizens Organization promote
an extensive outreach and public awareness program for Lilydale Regional Park through
their volunteer programs. Friends of Lilydale offer guided fossil digging tours, birding
opportunities and guided hikes throughout the park. The Saint Paul Parks Conservancy
selected Lilydale as their initial park project providing additional public outreach events.
Lilydale Regional Park is also part of Mississippi National River and Recreational Area
12
(MNRRA) and has been the site for periodic river tours by Park Service Rangers. 09-1094
Humbolt Senior High School wili offer an environmental studies program beginning Fall
2009. They will be using tilydale as an outdoor classroom fior studies of the Mississippi
River. Approximately 800 kids from grades 7 to 12 will use Lilydale Regional Park at some
point as part of their educational program, increasing awareness of the park.
� ��
�`� , °�° = !: �
Access to and within the park and associated trails will be designed in accordance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act providing access for persons with special needs. All park-
ing areas wili provide accessible parking with ramps to access trails and other site ameni-
ties. All proposed facilities will be used by all segments of the population and there are no
charges to use these trails and facilities.
The existing fossil ground trail is currently inaccessible to persons with special needs.
The steep grades down the historic brickyard route prevent access for those with disabili-
ties. The proposed traii head and parking lot at the entrance to the fossii grounds will be
designed to accommodate those with special needs, however the fossil ground trail will
remain inaccessible.
, > ���� � �
� r s p �" 9i' 2 � .. a »`.�`.� ` . � * ,�;ii
� �•�F . � ..} .e 4
�r�P6e` e y - x ,. �,z d i i`� � � �` .>h
�.R 9�,� �
v aa'mt...�. �„ ,s3.-..,.�c ,L ...s � `bg`�."rl. �.
Plant Communities
Lilydale Regional Park is located within the floodplain of the Mississippi River. The town
occupied the land until the 1970's when Lilydale relocated out of the floodplain to its current
location on the river blufFs. At that time, the City of Saint Paul acquired the land now known
as Lilydale Regional Park. The landscape has been relatively untouched since Park ow�er-
ship resulting in limited remaining natural areas.
The majority of the park consists of floodplain forest of moderate quality. The canopy
of the forest supports large cottonwoods characteristic of the area with a sub canopy of
elm, green ash, black walnut and black willow. Nonnative trees frequently encountered
include Siberian and black locust. The shrub layer of the floodp{ain forest includes sandbar
willow, red raspberry, black raspberry, false indigo and non natives Tatarian honeysuckle
and European buckthorn. A number of native plant species are found in the ground layer,
however more prominent species include invasive plant species of garlic mustard and reed
canary grass.
The emergent marsh pfant community occurs as a fringe along Pickerel Lake as vegeta-
tion growing within the water. The quality of the emergent marsh is variable with pockets of
good quality plant materiai, but there are also low quality ares with obvious signs of distur-
bance and litter/junk dominated by nonnative plants.
The Maple-Basswood Forest occurs in several areas of Lilydale Regional Park along the
northwest-facing bluff overlooking Pickerel Lake. Past human activities have impacted this
forest type resulting in moderate to poor quality. Obvious signs of disturbance include old
13
�
��T^'
y A\
{
5
� �.� � � � : i
� � �. ,.
,- -'� a � - �.
X �
. �;
1cy 'G �.
_
�� r ea.
���. �'� � . ✓
'°� _
Y a :i �
� y.»
� P </,
e r ...� .. . .
.�..:
a �
^
z ?€ r Sz
�A��
�
roads, debris, and mounds of earth that appear to have been associated with clay rrljy�
A Mixed Hardwood Swamp occurs in two locations within the park. One is on the northwest
side of the railroad embankment at the outlet of Ivy Falls. The out fall has a large amount
of sedimentation resulting in more disturbance and nonnative, invasive species. The other
mixed hardwood swamp location is located at the northeast side of Pickerei Lake by the
railroad tracks. The spring/seep area is sma11 in size, but of moderate good quality.
A Mixed Emergent Marsh is located in the southwest-central portion of the park. The
emergent marsh is of good quality Figure K: Existing pickerel Lake WatershedArea
and dominated by native bur-reed.
Minimal management is required of thi:
area as it is of good quality. It is aiso
the location where Blanding's turtle
has been documented within Lilydale
Regional Park.
Cattail Marshes that are present within
Lilydale Regional Park are considered
a low quafity due to the significant
presence of invasive, nonnative narrow
leaf cattail.
Water Resources
Pickerel Lake receives runoff from
portions of Mendota Heights, West
Saint Paul, Saint Paul and Lilydale.
Ivy Falls Creek provides 90°/a of
watershed input into Pickerel l.ake.
As a result a high amount of sediment
and pollutant loads are discharged into
Pickerel Lake. Groundwater is another
significant input into Pickerel Lake
where aquifers discharge towards the
Mississippi River from the bluffs.
Pickerel Lake and adjacent wetlands
are also part of the Mississippi River
floodplain where Lilydale Regional
Park is used for over bank storage
during flood events. The occurs in a
10-year reoccurrence.
The proposed boardwalk and wildlife viewing areas will be constructed along Pickerel
Lakeshore. The construction of these facilities will allow the public to view wildlife along the
shoreline with minimal adverse impacts to the environment.
Management
The landscape and vegetation within Lilydale Regional Park has been modified by human
activities. The vegetation management focuses on maintaining the quafity of the remaining
intact native plant communities as well as conducting management of "semi-natural"
15
�..a,.��,.a,a,a..a,a�,d�� �Banesmw �.�z
Wi+�kae.�roxivan��a.aiaao�aetc.u�� aaavrw�ro-a
� f -,:
r�
n �
�
$ �,•; fl�fs A ' � '' � -- �a:.
$ "y - c s� �F. s,
� 1�ij� f.a. .F, .
_ "i^l. `�F ...,, �-1 .z�� �
�" ` , - -
�� .� r � _,. .� .z , .
S6+ � �` ;;..
1 �� � . �,`T p , �
j.�e � . . �� ���� 6 '"
�-.�� y�r I < y y �'�= Y \ c� <� ��
� s c.AS ->
,� �� i ' . �. . , � ._
�
f ' �� 3 � � ...
.; ]� ��5�! � � , �
�A �
`,a �� T�
' h $ � / / y�
� f •
�
� .✓� 0� �s'�'"
y ` ,
� �.. :.. �, ` :. .
� � � Pickerel Lake
g k"L" ,� � �„=
1 /' � ,
.. / � F�fi" ! ..
�
� ti
/ � r � `%
;�`�"� � � ��x ��
�, - ! .� t' "�
- +,'�-> 3 ',• y a
✓ �: �
t�� � � � � � � �
a ��
� a �-� ti''a . �
`� �P ,.,- , �Y µ,� �
�� ��� �r- s � �+�,,�. .
e �y' ' ` _. � :�-�
/` �"t� � � - n ' � ,�, '.
o ^ ��
/ . �k �� r'- 3 g..
v`° � " 1 /{ . 'v£ ,� . {n E� .
ry =� q � It�. F � `/� 6 � ��
��Pg ✓r, � 4 ,�" � .z, � �"a`z !
t � t " e. �'"�. -
� ,4 t4a J 3� J � K+
'�F ! 1� 1C N "' •J- F� ��Y �'A k _
' � � {�
�����Cp `� � L.� �������� ��
S tid $ -! .�-'.
�s � H �v
� � � � � ti � —�"SM� ,�"�° � �'��.,,} ',�°M��L��''`4
� �'l - , � �W3'. �.�„° '§,�'+s. �X '� �.
.;*,'a�' � � Y2. ;`#1�- , , k .- �' .a ,� ..
'i�
vegetation cover types to foster improvement of native species composit+on and fun@�o�i9
The management goals for all cover types and management areas include:
• Maintain or improve native (natural) plant communities
• Manage semi-natural cover types towards dominance of native plant species
• Avoid or minimize impacts to existing natural areas during park development
• Plan for infrastructure that enables cost effective natural area management where trails
can serve as firebreaks and/or access points for on-the-ground management
• Provide recreationai and educational opportunities compatible with sustaining natural
community function and integrity
• Carry out surtace water and infrastructure planning both within the park and outside the
park by engaging appropriate stakeholders to reduce erosion issues and for improved
water quafity.
17
g' a��� a�.„� -
' , t._ 3 , i
� ;' ;
'a�'� � _ %y.-;�3 �'� � �_� ; ���.
09-1094
Note: Planned Site Capacities estimates were projected from data gathered by the
Metropolitan Council through the 2008 Metropolitan Council Annual Use Estimate of the
Metropolitan Regional Park System and the Metropolitan Council2008 Parks and Trails
Survey. Projections were based on related activity usages in existing regional parks.
Planned capacities based on summer weekend day usage.
�