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01/16/2014 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION Thursday, January 16, 2014 7:00 p.m. Eagan Municipal Center, Council Chambers Workshop: 6:30 – 6:55 p.m., Conference Room 2A & 2B A. Director’s Updates Agenda I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance 7:00 p.m. II. Adopt Agenda 7:02 p.m. III. Approval of Meeting Minutes on September 16, 2013 and Special Meeting Minutes on October 8, 2013 7:03 p.m. IV. Visitors to be Heard 7:04 p.m. V. Director’s Update 7:05 p.m. VI. Consent Agenda 7:10 p.m. VII. Development Proposals 7:11 p.m. VIII. Old Business 7:12 p.m. IX. New Business 7:15 p.m. A. Minnesota River Greenway-Eagan - Presentation by Dakota County X. Other Business and Reports 7:35 p.m. A. Park Maintenance Report – Steve Taylor B. Forestry Report – Gregg Hove XI. Communications 8:15 p.m. XII. Round Table 8:17 p.m. XIII. Adjournment 8:20 p.m. The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or status with regard to public assistance. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons wishing to participate are available upon request at least 96 hours in advance of the event. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City will attempt to provide the aids. Next Advisory Parks Commission Monday March 17th, 2014 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers TO: Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission (APrC) FROM: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation DATE: January 10, 2014 SUBJECT: Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting January 16, 2014 A meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission (APrC) will take place on Monday, September 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. To ensure that a quorum is present, please contact Juli Seydell Johnson at (651) 675-5006 or jsjohnson@cityofeagan.com or Amy Grannes (651) 675-5322 agrannes@cityofeagan.com if you are unable to attend this meeting. I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL II. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA The agenda, as presented or modified, is in order for adoption by the Commission. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Pages 3-7 The minutes of the September 16, 2013 meeting and the October 8, 2013 special meeting, pending any modifications, are in order for adoption by the Commission. IV. VISITORS TO BE HEARD The Eagan City Council and its Commissions set aside up to ten minutes at the beginning of public meetings to permit visitors to address items of interest that are not addressed on the regular agenda. Items that will take more than ten minutes or that require specific action can be scheduled for a future meeting agenda. V. DIRECTOR’S UPDATE - Pages 8-9 Director Johnson will provide a brief overview of the Park and Recreation’s department happenings for the month. VI. CONSENT AGENDA There are no new consent agenda items to be discussed at this time. VII. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS There are no new development proposals to be discussed at this time. VIII. OLD BUSINESS There are no old business items to be discussed at this time. IX. NEW BUSINESS Planning representatives from Dakota County will present an information update on the Minnesota River Greenway – Eagan segment. X. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS – Pages 10-19 The Commission will hear a presentation by Park Maintenance Supervisor, Steve Taylor, 2013 year in review. The Commission will also hear a presentation by City Forester, Gregg Hove, 2013 year in review. Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 1 XI. COMMUNICATIONS There are no communication items to be discussed at this time. XII. ROUND TABLE The Roundtable is scheduled as an opportunity for Commissioners to ask questions, make requests for future agenda items, or provide informative updates to the Commission pertaining to energy and environment initiatives. XIII. ADJOURNMENT /s/Juli Seydell Johnson Director of Parks and Recreation Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 2 Subject to approval ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION Monday, September 16, 2013 MINUTES OF MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 16, 2013. Commission Members present included Chair Michael Palmer, Member Dorothy Peterson, Member Andrea Todd-Harlin, Member David Wietecki, and Member Nathan Neuman. Member Dennis Thompson and Member Jerry Farlee were absent. Staff members present Director of Parks & Recreation Juli Seydell Johnson, Campus Facilities Manager Mark Vaughan, Fitness and Operations Supervisor Marshall Grange and Office Supervisor Amy Grannes. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Palmer asked Director Johnson if there were any changes to the agenda. Director Johnson stated there were no changes. Member Todd-Harlin moved, Member Neuman seconded, with all members present voting to adopt the agenda as presented. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES Member Peterson moved, Member Wietecki seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve the minutes of the July 15, 2013, as presented. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors to be heard on items that were not on the agenda. DIRECTORS UPDATE Director Johnson gave a brief overview of the monthly department happenings. Director Johnson stated we had a very successful first Streets Alive event on Sunday, September 15, with over 3000 people in attendance. A special thanks to Commission members who attended and assisted at the Advisory Parks Commission booth. Lone Oaks Days is Saturday September 21 and Sunday September 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. This is a free event some kid’s activities and concession require tickets. There are a number of parks and trail overlay projects throughout the City taking place, there may be some temporary inconvenience for users. Recreation is hosting a new youth Halloween costume swap on Sat., Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.-Noon at the Eagan Community Center gym. The event promotes recycling and reusing gently worn youth Halloween costumes and is free. Week of Oct. 7-10, public can drop off a youth costume and receive a ticket to attend the swap to pick out a new “reused” costume. During a recent wind storm some of our parks sustained damage. Blackhawk Park trail had many fallen trees along the trail along with some structure damage at the facilities. Crews are busy working on clean-up and repair. The public art piece, “Metamorphosis” has been installed at the Eagan Art House. Over 20 feet high, weighing nearly 4,000 pounds and sporting a Chevy Orange paint job, the sculpture creates an unmatched awareness of the site and the of vitality of our community. Mayor Mike Maguire dedicated the sculpture by local artist, Melvin Smith. CONSENT AGENDA There were no consent agenda items to be discussed at this time. Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 3 Advisory Parks Commission September 16, 2013 Page 2 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL There were no development proposals to be discussed at this time. OLD BUSINESS There were no old business items to be discussed at this time. NEW BUSINESS Director gave a brief overview of the 2014 Parks and Trails Dedication fees. After brief discussion with Commission Members, Member Peterson moved to recommend to the City Council to adopt the 2014 Parks and Trails Dedication rate schedule with no change from the 2013 rates, Member Todd-Harlin seconded, with all members present voting to adopt the dedication fees as presented. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS Campus Facility Manager Mark Vaughan gave a presentation to the Commission on facility reports for Cascade Bay and the Civic Arena. Mark started with his overview on Cascade Bay. 2013 Attendance was at approximately 120,000 which are consistent with 2012. A new program was introduced this year called Cardio Bay, this focused on creating programs and season pass options for morning activities. Seasonal hiring was successful with many returning employees. Other programs and services were offered at Cascade Bay, lifeguard training/certification through Wise Swim School, Cardio Bay, and a very popular free sunscreen station provided by Health Partners. 2013 Cascade Bay was voted best water park in Minnesota by WCCO viewers. Mark continued his presentation with an overview of the Civic Arena. Most of the revenue generated at the Civic Arena for 2012 was earned from our ice/turf rentals and programs. Skate school was consistent with 2011 with over 1,700 lessons taught, 82 participants in the spring ice show, and 30 skaters for the summer skating camp. Adult hockey league stayed consistent, staff is working on options to make us less vulnerable from registration drops. Mezzanine rentals are increasing from the charter school (Northern Educate School), Parks & Recreation programs, private party rentals, and youth organizations. The Mezzanine offers large open room and renters have enjoyed the option of bringing in outside food. The Civic Arena also offers some dry land training areas which have been very well received. Fitness and Operations Supervisor Marshall Grange gave a presentation to the Commission on the facility report for the Eagan Community Center. The Eagan Community Center (ECC) turned 10 years in 2013. There are special events every month to help celebrate 10 years. Birthday parties at the Blast along with daily attendance increased from 2012. The Community Center offers many options for groups and individuals to reserve space for meetings to weddings the ECC can accommodate almost any event. The fitness center memberships have increase this year with over 86,000 current members. The fitness center offers many programs and group fitness classes, personal training, posture alignment with other programs from healthcare organizations. The ECC conducted its annual week shutdown to perform facility enhancements gym resurfacing, adding and replacing fixtures, installing satellite radio and flat screen TV’s. There are many community event that occurred yearly at the ECC Market Fest, Halloween Hodgepodge, Streets Alive, Art Festival, July 4th Funfest, Senior Expo, Wedding Workshop, and many other private community events. Looking ahead the ECC is working on new options and amenities for members which includes the installation of C.O.R.E. Valley an outdoor recreational exercise area, scheduled an upcoming fitness center open house, offering Pickleball indoors, and a new healthy conversations program. Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 4 Advisory Parks Commission September 16, 2013 Page 3 COMMUNICATIONS There were no communications items to be discussed at this time. ROUND TABLE Chair Palmer was recently out at our soccer and softball fields. He wanted to compliment the staff members who take care of our fields, he stated with all of our weather challenges this season the fields are still in really good condition. After brief discussions there were no further items to be discussed at this time. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, Member Peterson moved, Member Wietecki seconded with all other members present voting to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________ Secretary Date Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 5 Subject to approval ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING Tuesday, October 8, 2013 MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 8, 2013 A special meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 8:10 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2013. Commission Members present included, Member Dorothy Peterson, Member Andrea Todd-Harlin, Member David Wietecki, Member Nathan Neuman, Member Dennis Thompson and Member Jerry Farlee. Chair Michael Palmer was absent. Staff members present Superintendent of Parks Paul Olson and Office Supervisor Amy Grannes. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Member Peterson stated there were no changes to the agenda. Member Todd-Harlin moved, Member Neuman seconded, with all members present voting to adopt the agenda as presented. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors to be heard on items that were not on the agenda. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL Superintendent Olson gave a brief overview of the Cedar Park Commons Development for the Commission. Superintendent Olson stated CSM Eagan, LLC is requesting approval of a Rezoning from RD, Research and Development, to PD, Planned Development, a Preliminary Planned Development to establish a multi-building retail commercial shopping center, and a Preliminary Subdivision (Central Park Commons) to create three lots upon approximately 47.4 acres located at 3333 Pilot Knob Road, lying southerly and easterly of Central Parkway. The proposed redevelopment consists of an open air commercial retail shopping center totaling approximately 455,000 s.f. The plan proposes multiple retail commercial buildings situated around the perimeter, with a cluster of smaller free-standing buildings in the north central part of the site, and a 50,000 s.f. two-story office building on the north end. Developer Tom Palmquist from CSM spoke briefly to the Commission. Developer Palmer displayed a map showing the tree mitigation plan for the Commission to review. Developer Palmquist stated that there was one addition to the plan per the City’s request an addition of a well head on the site, location still to be determined. After further questions and discussion from Commission Members, Member Peterson moved, Member Neumann seconded, with all member present voting in favor of alternative items 1 thru 6, adding number 7 to state “there are no wetlands on this parcel”, as listed below for recommendation to the City Council: 1. Recommend that the Park dedication due as determined by the retail square footage reflected in the approved plan and recognizing a past dedication credit of 37.5%, be satisfied through a cash payment currently calculated at $247, 051. 2. Recommend that the Trails dedication be considered satisfied upon completion of the proposed trail system to the satisfaction of the City Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 6 Advisory Parks Commission October 8, 2013 Page 2 3. The applicant shall fulfill required tree mitigation through the installation of one-hundred seventy- three (173) Category A trees (or an equivalent number of Category A, B, or C trees) as fulfillment of Tree Preservation requirements. 4. The applicant should meet all City stormwater requirements (including Runoff Rate Control, TP/TSS Control and ½” Volume Control). 5. Prior to receiving a grading permit, the applicant should provide the City with soil-boring logs taken within the location of each proposed stormwater infiltration feature, extending 15’ below the bottom of the infiltration feature, to evaluate and ensure suitability for infiltration. 6. Prior to receiving a grading permit, the applicant should enter into a long-term stormwater facility inspection and maintenance agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. 7. There are no wetlands on this parcel. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, Member Todd-Harlin moved, Member Farlee seconded with all other members present voting to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________ Secretary Date Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 7 AGENDA ITEM: X. B. Tree Inspector Report TO: Advisory Parks Commission PREPARED BY: Gregg Hove, City Forester BACKGROUND/HISTORY: The primary responsibilities of the seasonal tree inspector include coordinating the shade tree disease program, administering the buckthorn removal assistance program, responding to customer concerns and general questions, participating in public education initiatives, and assisting with forestry staff projects. During the 2013 season, the tree inspector responded to 161 customer requests for site visits, detected 489 diseased trees, and coordinated 227 buckthorn pickups. Following is the 2013 tree inspector report which details the progress of the shade tree disease program, buckthorn assistance program, and other emerging issues of concern such as two-lined chestnut borer and emerald ash borer. 2013 TREE INSPECTOR REPORT The City of Eagan shade tree disease program has been administered by the Parks and Recreation Department Forestry Division since the early 1970’s and was originally established as a response to Dutch elm disease. Now, the program includes the detection and management of oak wilt as well as Dutch elm disease and is enforced by City of Eagan ordinance Sec.10.20 (Shade tree disease control and prevention). Through this program, the City of Eagan strives to suppress devastating shade tree diseases in order to maintain the valuable urban forests and natural landscapes that enhance the quality of life for people in the City of Eagan. The most effective strategy for managing shade tree diseases is through prevention. In the City of Eagan, promoting the prevention of further spread of Dutch elm disease and oak wilt is only possible through effective detection, public education, and execution of control methods. The City of Eagan forestry staff work diligently to detect most of the Dutch elm disease and oak wilt on public and private property. The City must also rely on private property owners and residents to help in detection; therefore, educating and engaging residents is imperative. Opportunities to educate the public about shade tree diseases include everyday direct contact with Eagan residents, the City of Eagan website, newsletters and other publications, school visits by the City Forester, Arbor Day, Be Green Eagan Night at Market Fest, and Eagan television (E-TV) broadcasts. Through these various methods of public education, residents become aware, informed, and hopefully genuinely concerned about shade tree diseases and as a result may take an active role in detection and control efforts. Records are kept in yearly field notebooks and also in an ongoing Access database, recording Dutch elm disease and oak wilt infected trees on both public and private property. The following statistics are based on the collected data. MEMO Date: January 16, 2014 Agenda Item: X. Other Business and Reports B. Tree Inspector Report Action: Information: X Attachments: X ITEM OVERVIEW: The Forestry Division annually reports on the activities associated with the shade tree disease program and buckthorn removal assistance program. Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 8 DUTCH ELM DISEASE Dutch elm disease is a vascular wilt that grows in the cambium of most elm trees, resulting in a wilt that eventually kills the host tree. American elms have a low resistance and are the most susceptible to Dutch elm disease, rock and slippery (red) elms have moderate resistance, and Siberian elms have high resistance. The fungus can spread in two ways – overland and underground. The overland, or aerial, spread is most common and requires a vector. The vectors are native and European elm bark beetles. The beetles breed in/on diseased elms which are dying or already dead and pick up Dutch elm disease fungus spores. The beetles fly to healthy elms to feed, and in the process deposit the Dutch elm disease fungus spores. Underground spread of Dutch elm disease is not as common and occurs through shared root systems of elms in close proximity. The most widely employed method used to control Dutch elm disease is sanitation, which the City of Eagan promotes and utilizes. Sanitation involves the removal and proper disposal of infected dying and dead elm trees which reduces beetle populations and sources of the fungus. Under the sanitation method, once a tree is detected with Dutch elm disease, the City of Eagan requires the property owner to remove and properly disposed of the tree within 20 days of official notification. Early detection is critical as the first step in the removal process. 2013 Dutch Elm Disease Detection Data During the 2013 season, a total of 287 Dutch elm disease infected trees were detected in the City of Eagan. The tree inspector detected 265 (92% of the total amount) Dutch elm disease infected trees across 153 locations, or infection centers, located on both private and public property. The City of Eagan forestry staff detected 22 (8% of the total amount) Dutch elm disease infected trees in 7 Eagan parks. Compared to 2012, both the number of detected trees and the amount of infection centers decreased. However, the annual difference in the number of detected trees and infection centers is dependent upon many factors (such as recording methods, seasonal change in tree inspector, the amount of residents engaged in detection, and environmental fluctuations) and should not be considered the true trend of the spread of Dutch elm disease in the City of Eagan but rather an indicator of progress in detection. The total amount of detected Dutch elm disease infected trees from 1997-2013 is 5,193 with an annual average of 305 (fig. 2). The total amount of detected Dutch elm disease infection centers from 1997-2013 is 1,490 with an annual average of 88 (fig. 1). Also, the overall average number of infected trees per infection center from 1997-2013 is 3.49 trees. Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 9 Figure 1: The total number of detected Dutch elm disease infection sites for each year from 1997- 2013. Figure 2: The total number of detected Dutch elm disease infected trees for each year 1997-2013. OAK WILT Oak wilt is a tree disease caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum and has the potential to infect and eventually lead to the death of all oak species present in the City of Eagan. Oaks in the red oak family, 46 34 50 34 39 44 89 155 115 36 33 89 84 164 193 132 153 0 50 100 150 200 250 Nu m b e r o f S i t e s Years Total Number of Tree Inspector Detected Dutch Elm Disease Infection Sites 1997-2013 (public and private property) Total Number = 1,454 Annual Average = 86 ---- Trend Line 97 71 129 100 109 118 198 688 446 243 206 401 480 332 468 249 287 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Nu m b e r o f T r e e s Years Total Number of Detected Dutch Elm Disease Trees 1997-2013 (public and private property) Total Number = 4,616 Annual Average = 272 ---- Trend Line Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 10 including northern red and northern pin oaks, have a much lower resistance to oak wilt than oaks in the white oak family, including bur and white oaks. The fungus can spread in two ways – overland and underground. The overland, or aerial, spread requires a vector. The vectors are sap beetles in the Nitidulidae Family. These beetles visit wounds on both infected and healthy oak trees; collecting and depositing oak wilt fungus spores in the process. Underground spread is common and occurs through shared root systems. Oaks of similar species and in close proximity often share common root systems. Most new oak wilt infections are caused by the passing of the fungus from the sap beetles; expanding infection centers through grafted roots. Currently, there are four ways to control and prevent oak wilt. First is through sanitation which helps prevent overland spread of oak wilt and involves the removal and proper disposal of infected trees that may produce oak wilt spores. Second is by pruning oaks only during the months of November through March. Not pruning or wounding oaks during the high and low risk periods (April-October) reduces the possibility of introduction of the fungus by active vectors onto healthy oaks and helps prevent overland spread of oak wilt. The third way is through mechanical/physical barriers – mechanical barriers (such as a vibratory plow) sever root connections between infected and healthy trees and in effect helps prevent the common underground spread of oak wilt. The fourth method is through chemical barriers which can help prevent both the overland and underground spread of oak wilt. Chemical barriers, such as systemic injections of Propiconazole, can act as a treatment for early infected white oaks, and as a prophylactic against the oak wilt fungus for both red and white oaks. The City of Eagan forestry staff has employed all four methods of control and prevention on various public properties throughout Eagan over the years. The method, or methods, employed at each site has been dependant on time of detection, location and quality of tree(s)/site, and availability of resources. To help Eagan residents with the costs associated with oak wilt, the City of Eagan implemented the oak wilt suppression cost share program. The program offers some financial assistance and monetary incentive to encourage Eagan property owners to help in the control and prevention of oak wilt in Eagan. 2013 Oak Wilt Detection Data During the 2013 season, a total of 224 oak trees across 115 locations, or infection centers, in the City of Eagan were detected as being infected with oak wilt. Of the 224 trees, 221 (99%) were in the red oak family and 3 (1%) were in the white oak family. Compared to 2012, the number of detected trees and infection centers increased incrementally. However, the annual difference in the number of detected trees and infection centers is dependent upon many factors (such as recording methods, seasonal change in tree inspector, the amount of residents engaged in detection, and environmental fluctuations). A midsummer wind storm was a contributing factor in the Oak Wilt losses in 2013. The total amount of detected oak wilt infected trees from 1997-2013 is 2,585 and an annual average of 152 (fig. 3). The total amount of detected oak wilt infection centers from 1997-2013 is 1,241 with an annual average of 73 (fig. 4). Also, the average number of infected trees per infection center from 1997- 2013 is 2.08 trees. Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 11 Figure 3: The total number of detected oak wilt infected trees each year from 1997-2013. Figure 4: The total number of detected oak wilt infection centers for each year 1997-2013. 155 101 80 149 126 115 146 220 201 163 123 165 221 118 89 189 224 0 50 100 150 200 250 Nu m b e r o f T r e e s Year Total Number of Detected Oak Wilt Infected Trees 1997-2013 Total Number = 2,789 Annual Average = 155 ---- Trend Line 67 68 44 66 50 50 70 103 98 66 59 65 88 70 53 109 115 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 Nu m b e r o f I C ' s Year Total Number of Detected Oak Wilt Infection Centers 1997-2013 Total Number = 1,316 Annual Average = 73 ---- Trend Line Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 12 Oak Wilt Suppression Cost Share Program In an effort to provide some support to property owners in the often costly management of oak wilt, the City of Eagan allocated a $7,000 budget toward the oak wilt suppression cost share program for the 2013 fiscal year. Residents are reimbursed on a first come first served basis, and applications for cost share reimbursement submitted after current funds are depleted are carried over to the next year. Because of the overwhelming participation of oak wilt management by private property landowners, and subsequent requests for cost share funds, $5,000 was added (from the tree mitigation fund) to the forestry budget in October 2013 to fulfill current oak wilt cost share requests. Through this program, property owners may be eligible to receive up to 25% ($500.00 maximum) reimbursement for each treatment action that may have been recommended or required by the City of Eagan, such as root graft disruption (vibratory plowing), fungicide injection, or removal of potential spore producing red oak trees. In 2013, fifty-two Eagan property owners requested cost share reimbursement and together had spent a total of $50,212 toward either one or more oak wilt control methods (fig.5). The City of Eagan paid out $11,872 in cost share eligible expenses (25%). Most of the total amount spent by property owners was spent on fungicide injections and tree removal. The total amount that has been reimbursed by the City to Eagan to property owners from 2001-2013 is $77,967 (fig.6). 98.3% 94.5% 76.8% 76.1% 90.2% 75.6% 78.2% 75.1% 92.4% 97.8% 98.4% 98.7% 1.7% 5.5% 23.2% 23.9% 9.8% 24.4% 21.8% 24.9% 7.6% 2.2% 1.6% 1.3% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Pe r c e n t a g e Year Percentage of Oak Wilt per Oak Family per Year White Oaks: Average-16% Red Oaks: Average-84% Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 13 Figure 5: Total amounts spent by property owners on oak wilt control methods compared to the amount reimbursed by the City of Eagan in 2013. Figure 6: Oak wilt suppression cost share program budget and reimbursement comparison 2001-2013. Total Reimbursement = $77,967 Annual Avg. Reimbursement = $5,997 $0 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000 Injection Removal $22,770 $27,442 $5,516 $6,356 Total Amounts Spent by Property Owners on Oak Wilt Control Methods Compared to the Amount Reimbursed by the City of Eagan in 2013 Amount Spent Amount Reimbursed $0.00 $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $6,000.00 $8,000.00 $10,000.00 $12,000.00 20 0 1 20 0 2 20 0 3 20 0 4 20 0 5 20 0 6 20 0 7 20 0 8 20 0 9 20 1 0 20 1 1 20 1 2 Year Oak Wilt Suppression Cost Share Program Budget and Reimbursement Comparison 2001-2013 Amount Budgeted Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 14 BUCKTHORN REMOVAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Common or European buckthorn, and glossy buckthorn are two non-native invasive buckthorn species found in the City of Eagan. European buckthorn was first brought to Minnesota from Europe in the mid-1800s as a very popular hedging material. It has since become a nuisance plant that is threatening the vitality of Eagan’s native landscapes, forming dense thickets in forests, yards, parks, and roadsides crowding out and displacing native plants, shrubs and small trees. The Buckthorn Removal Assistance Program (BRAP) was implemented in 2001 to encourage and assist residential private property owners in the control of buckthorn on their own properties. The program is offered at no cost to Eagan property owners and involves the City of Eagan forestry staff regularly picking up and chipping buckthorn that has been cut and collected by program participants. The program is popular and continues to see an increase in the number of new participants each year. In 2013, the tree inspector enrolled 70 new participants in the program making a grand total of 782 participant households in the program. To be considered a participant in BRAP, property owners must complete a brief onetime site visit with the City of Eagan tree inspector. During the site visit, the property owner and tree inspector identify and discuss buckthorn and buckthorn control on the property and designate an area on the property where the buckthorn will be picked up in the future. Once the property owner is considered a BRAP participant they can contact the City and request pickups as needed throughout each season. The City of Eagan Forestry Division dedicates each and every Monday during the months of May through November to accomplish the buckthorn pickups. As of November 22, 2013, the tree inspector conducted a total of 70 site visits and forestry staff completed 227 pickups, and approximately 212 cubic yards of buckthorn were chipped. Site visits and pickups ended in mid November. Lastly, it’s important to note that the City recovers some of the minor costs of administering BRAP. Chipped buckthorn is collected and stored by the City for one year then it is used as mulch at various sites around the City. As a result the City receives cost savings toward the expense of otherwise purchasing commercial mulch products. Emerging Shade Tree Issues of Concern in the City of Eagan EMERALD ASH BORER Emerald Ash Borer, a non-native invasive beetle, was discovered for the first time in Minnesota on May 13, 2009 near University and Raymond Avenues in St. Paul. Subsequent to this confirmed location; EAB has been found in the Summitt neighborhood of St. Paul, Shorewood, and Winona and Houston Counties. This summer was relatively quiet; one new site was reported in Superior, WI. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has caused the death of millions of ash trees across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Wisconsin, and now Minnesota. An infestation of EAB in Eagan could cause extensive ash mortality throughout the City and ultimately lead to major changes in the composition and quality of Eagan’s environment and natural landscapes. Emerald ash borers cause the decline and death of ash trees through their tunneling activities, which are similar to the two-lined chestnut borer. The tunneling activities under the bark hinder a tree’s ability to transport life supporting water and nutrients. Adult beetles also feed on leaves but at this time it’s uncertain what impact adult feeding has on tree health. City of Eagan staff began receiving calls from concerned Eagan residents the very next day the EAB discovery in St. Paul was announced. Since then, the tree inspector has conducted many site visits for EAB as requested by residents and has also actively looked for and examined EAB suspect trees throughout Eagan. So far no EAB has been detected in the City of Eagan. Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 15 City of Eagan forestry staff communicates with residents regarding EAB, creating an EAB info sheet and webpage for the City of Eagan website. Forestry staff has participated in workshops and meetings with other Twin City metropolitan municipalities in an effort to stay informed and to communicate and collaborate on how to prevent, mitigate, and manage what is considered a potential real imminent and devastating episode. The most effective control methods for EAB are insecticide treatments and sanitation. Insecticide treatments may be used to prevent EAB infestations, and sanitation involves the removal and proper disposal of infested trees/wood to reduce EAB populations. In 2012, City of Eagan forestry staff completed preventative EAB treatments with insecticide on high value ash trees located along some selected boulevards and parks. Conclusion Shade tree diseases, such as Dutch elm disease and oak wilt, and invasive exotic species, such as buckthorn and emerald ash borer, have been and will continue to be a problem that is worth managing in the City of Eagan in order to maintain the highest quality natural resources and environment. The staff and programs currently in place in Eagan work to educate and involve the public, and help to suppress the affect of shade tree diseases and invasive exotic species on the City and its residents. Advisory Parks Commission January 16, 2014 Page 16