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9.C.1. PRSR 02-11-2004~~~ G . /, ver MEMORANDUM TO: Park and Recreation Commission FROM: Michele McPhersor~irector of Planning DATE: February I I, 2004 SUBJECT: Consider Recommendation Re: Consultant to Complete NRI Attachments • Greenway/Natural Resources Inventory Request for Proposal • Proposal Submitted by Bonestroo and Associates Request With the Council's concurrence, staff distributed requests for proposals to nine qualified firms. On January 20`h, the Ciry received six proposals in response to our request. The responding firms included Barr Engineering, Bonestroo and Associates, Ecological Strategies, Emmons & Olivier, The Kestrel Design Group, and Peterson Environmental Consulting. The proposals ranged in price from $33,500 to $114,000. The Greenway subcommittee, comprised of Commissioners Nystrom, Paige, and Polston-Hork, in addition to staff, reviewed the six proposals and ranked them on a scale from 1 - 10 on the following components: ^ Project Understanding ^ Relevant Experience ^ Project Approach ^ Cost of Service ^ Clarity of Proposal The points were averaged and the subcommittee interviewed the top four firms on Tuesday, February 3`d. The four firms interviewed were Barr Engineering, Bonestroo and Associates, Emmons & Olivier, and Peterson Environmental Consulting. After interviewing the consultants and discussing the proposals thoroughly, and comparing the length of project time, cost of the proposal, the clarity of the proposal and the number of public and Memo to Park and Recreation Commission Natural Resources Inventory February I I, 2004 Page 2 Park and Recreation meetings, the subcommittee has selected Boonestro and Associates as the preferred consultant to complete the Natural Resources Inventory. The following table compares the four consultants and the four evaluation points: Consultant l' Cost 'Length of Project Clarity of Number of Public: Proposal and Commission 1-I0 'Meetin `s Barr Engineering $47,063 April-October 7 None 2004 7 months Bonestroo & $33,430 March 2004- 9 Four; two are Associates February 2005 public open 12 months houses Emmons & $66,972 April-November 6 Eight, monthly Olivier 2004 attendance at 8 months Commission mt s Peterson $48,980 March-October 2 Three Envirorunental 2004 8 months Representatives from Bonestroo indicated that they could complete the inventory within this growing season and present a final report in October 2004. Recommendation: The Greenway Subcommittee recommends that the Commission recommend that the City Council hire Bonestroo and Associates to complete the Greenway/Natural Resources Inventory for the City of Elk River. The proposal, at the recommendation of the subcommittee, should be amended to include a Park and Recreation field trip with the consultants during the fieldwork and a request to shorten the time frame for completion from February 2005 to October 2004. S:\PLANNING\Parlss\Greenways\Memos\2 11 04 Cons Rec.doc Natural Resources Inventory Greenway Implementation Purpose The City of Elk River is accepting request for proposals to complete a natural resources inventory (NRI~. The purpose of the NRI is to provide sound science-based information on the remaining natural resources within the City that have not yet been impacted by development. The information provided in the NRI will be used to: - Guide development of goals and strategies for resource conservation and management - Identify priorities for resource management - Evaluate current natural resource management practices - Guide policy development - Provide information for parks, open space, trails and greenway planning Timeline Proposals are to be returned no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 16, 2004. Six copies, three-ring bound should be submitted to: Michele McPherson Director of Planning City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Context The Ciry of Elk River is located north and west of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. A City with a landmass of 44 square mile, it is located in Townships 32 and 33, Range 26 in Sherburne County. Elk River is the Sherburne County Seat and has, in the last 10 years, experienced four percent growth annually. Include Population and acreage of annual development Required Tasks The NRI will be completed on all public lands(Ciry and School District), all private undeveloped lands both inside and outside the City's Urban Service District, and on all parcels with a dwelling on it five acres or greater. The following tasks will be completed: Inventory of Natural Resources Existing landcover: forest type, wetlands, agricultural lands, other vegetation Significant or sensitive native plant communities in both upland and lowland areas Ecological landscapes using the Ecological Classification System Endangered, threatened, or special concern species Invasive-exotic species Game and non-game wildlife and wildlife habitat RFP Outline, Natural Resources Inventory November 2s, 2003 Page 2 Forest resources Native forests and woodlands Plantations Woodlots, oldfields dominated by trees Trees on public property Tree canopy cover Forest health problems Fire-prone property Wetlands, rivers, streams, and lakes Surface and groundwater quantity and quality Soil types and suitabilities Landforms such as hills, streams, and watersheds Geologic hazards such as floodplains, highly erodible soils and areas of karst geologic formations Potential greenways and habitat connections between sensitive areas Prod ucts/Deliverables The inventory shall be submitted as a series of Geographic Information Systems maps aligned to Sherburne County coordinates. Databases shall be ArcInfo/ArcView compatible. Maps should be identified in independent layers: Land cover type, each polygon uniquely identified Soils, by type Wetlands by type Lakes, by shoreland management classification Agricultural lands, by productivity class Lands within a conservation reserve program Forest cover, by type, age and condition Steep slopes greater than 12 percent Floodplains Important plant and animal habitats The end product should include recommendations on: Potential greenway connections Opportunities for native plant community or habitat restoration Threats to unique plant communities High priority lands for public acquisition Suggested changes to the City's cluster subdivision requirements What about recommendations for city serviced subdivisions? Evaluation of parcels well-suited for cluster versus standard subdivision Proposal Requirements 1. Firm Description 2. Project Understanding RFP Outline, Natural Resources Inventory November 25, 2003 Page 3 3. Project Approach 4. Project Team Include team members and their related role on the project. Highlight similar experience on relevant studies for all personnel. 5. Work Program and Cost of Service a. Provide a detailed Work Program that accomplishes the tasks and objectives of the project. Include a spreadsheet showing phases, tasks, meetings, personnel, hours by task, and hourly rates. b. Clearly state the deliverables for each phase of the project. c. Alternative Tasks -Please provide any additional recommended tasks that are outside of the defined scope of the RFP. Provide independent pricing information for each additional task to enable the Ciry to decide whether those additional tasks should be undertaken. d. The consultant will be responsible for facilitating meetings with the public and park commission and for taking and distributing minutes for all meetings throughout the planning effort. 6. Project Schedule The park commission will be the advisory board for the NRI project, and it would be appropriate to develop a schedule and work program that utilizes the regularly scheduled Park Commission meeting date as a forum for updates for this planning effort. The commission meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. 7. Relevant Experience Include graphic and text descriptions of projects that demonstrate your ability to accomplish the tasks outlined in this RFP. Include dates of the work, and which team members participated in the project. 8. References -Minimum of 3. Include project description, your firms role in the project, date of service, overall consulting cost, and contact information. Evaluation Criteria The proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Relevant Experience Project Approach Project Understanding Cost of Service Clarity of Proposal The 4 sentences below seem out of context, probably better off having it up near the top. The native plant community inventory should include use of the Minnesota County Biological Survey and be ranked using the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System. The inventory should utilize infrared aerial photo/digital orthoquads and field-checking of data. Staff should include persons trained in Minnesota natural resources. Bonestroo Rosene Anderlil< & t, ~ `° Associates Engineers & Architects January 19, 2004 Michelle McPherson Director of Planning City Elk River 1306 Orono Parkway Ells River. MN >j330 "~ ~ S..,r'1 o ~` o ra RE: Successful and timely completion of the Elk River Natural Resources Inventory Dear Ylichelle: After reviewing your Request for Proposals, it is clear you are facing increasing growth pressures. We commend ELk River for moving proactively to plan for this growth by completing a comprehensive plan and conducting a nahual resources inventory. Our team will provide you with aeew~ate and easy-to-understand information in a timely manner, drawing on our experience and commitment to the environment and environmentally sound practices. Your natural resources inventory will form the backbone of your efforts to manage open space and natural resources and will be used in a variety of ways by many people. Our team will give you information that will cover differing use needs. The information will be: • Accurate • Scientifically sound • Thorough • Easy to understand and access In addition, the information needs to be available soon, so that it can be incorporated into your planning process and quickly applied. Bonestroo offers one of the most experienced teams of nahual resource scientists iti the region. This team has worked on inventories throughout the upper Midwest and understands the local ecology. We also understand the issues and opportunities presented by a nahual resource inventory and have the skills necessary to make aLl aspects of the process go smoothly, from public meetings and property access to data analysis and report production. We would like the opportunity to work with you on this project. Please call me at (651) 604-4812 if you have any questions about our proposal, need more information about our abilities or have questions about the natural resource inventory process. Sincerely, BONEST SEN , ANDERLIK & ASSOCIATES, INC. Paul L Bo e edt Senior ologist Bonesnoo Natural Resources Bonestroo Rosen AnGerlil< an0 Associates, I Affir aP a Ac[bn/Eq al Opport -ty Employer antl Employee Ownetl Pr -Pell Ofto t 3 r[-oo. PE M< v n I. S n i I.. _. GI R Cook. 2C robe T S Sd ci [. ^.. Je y A. 6ourpon PE Mzrl< A. Hanson. PE. Sen Consultants i oe« W Ros ~~. PE. Jos ~h f T Berl i J drd F R e '. E. S ~ 4i. Ebefl G.PA Also 't P ip I K en A.(0 1 LE. Rtl rf +i E I ihdrn ~Y/ tai NC "J ~ O Los aot i. ^O M -, e' i Faut n. nn E. ed K f Un. PC I<e e P Aroerso _E. • Mark R Rolfe. $. oavtl A. eonestr~o. MBA.. Stoney P Williamson. PC. LS. Agnes M Rinq, M B A. Allan Rlcla S[M1mItlC PE • Thomas W Peterson. PE James R_ Malonp. P.E. ~ nnees e. Jensen. PE. L P,hrlhp Gavel ill. P.E. Uaniel 1 Edgerton. P.E. Ismael dgartinez PS Thomas T. Sy%Im, P.E. • Sheldon ;. Johnson • Daly A. Grove. PE TF~omas A Roushar. PE. • Robert J. Devery. PE. O fficesa R. Paul, S[. Cloud. Gomcster ana Willmar. MN iU~Jwauicee. WI CM1icago. 4 Websi[e: wwwbonestroocom 2335 West Highway 3G - St. Paul, MN 55773 G57-G3G-4G00 -Fax: G51-G3G-7371 /~ropos~/ Professional Consulting Services Natural Resources Inventory Presented to: Michele McPherson Director of Planning City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 By: Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik & Associates 2335 West Highway 36 St. Paul, MN 551 13 Phone: (6511 636-4600 Fax: (651) 636-131 1 Website: vvww.bonestroo.com Contact Person: Paul Bockenstedt Project Manager Phone: (6511 604-4812 E-mail: pbockenstedt@bonestroo.com January z0, Z004 dab/e of Contents ^ Firm Description .................................................. l ^ Project Understanding .........................................2 ^ Project Approach .................................................3 ^ Work Plan ............................................................4 Schedule ...................................................................10 Cost of Service ..........................................................1 1 ^ Project Team ......................................................12 ^ References .........................................................14 ^ Relevant Experience ...........................................17 Firm Description Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates was founded nearly 50 years ago by one young man from rural Minnesota, who had a vision of providing the best possible engineering service [o local cities. From that early vision and single office, the firm has grown to become a full service engineering, architectural and environmental science firm that employs nearly 400 employees and offers a service area that encompasses the upper Midwest. The company headquarters remain in St Paul, Minnesota, and additional Minnesota branch offices have been added in Rochester, St. Cloud and Willmar, Minnesota, as well as Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Chicago, Illinois. The firm has expanded to include: Civil, structural and electrical engineers Traffic and transportation engineers Water and wastewater treatment engineers Natural resource scientists and engineers GIS specialists Environmental engineers Architects and landscape architects Planners Recreation engineers Funding specialists Construction services personnel Throughout this growth, our focus has been service to municipalities. Today, our original commitment to understanding the client's needs and delivering a high quality product remains unchanged. In Bonestroo"s Natural Resources group, we place a high value on identifying, preserving and managing quality natural areas to maintain the ecological integrity of the landscape. We also recognize that we live in a dynamic world where there are increasing pressures on our natural environment. We are committed to developing integrated management solutions that balance the needs of our natural world with the demands of a growing population. ,~ City of Elk R/uer 1 11i Natural Resouzes lnvenmrv nroject Understanding A natuia/ resources inventory is a key component ofyourp/arming efforts.. O Project Understanding The City of Elk River Ties along the Mississippi River, within the quickly developing corridor between the Twin Cities and St. Cloud. EII< River is host to a range of desirable natural features, including unique Iandforms, quality natural communities and rare plants and animals. Elk River has had an average growth rate of four percent per year for the last decade, and this rate of growth is IiI<ely to continue or, more likely, increase as the corridor between the Twin Cities and S[ Cloud develops. You recognize the pressure this growth will place on its natural resources. As a result, you are moving proactively to complete a sound, science-based inventory of existing resources. This natural resources inventory (NRI) is a key component of your planning efforts and will form the foundation for land use planning efforts and decisions. The inventory will be used to: Guide development of your goals for resource conservation and management Identify priorities for resource management Evaluate current management practices Guide policy development Provide information for parks, open space, trails and greenway planning Within most communities, residents display a strong interest in maintaining a high quality of life. Preserving natural communities and open spaces is often an important part of this lifestyle goal. Such areas provide opportunities for active and passive recreation, wildlife habitat, scenic vistas and buffers between developed areas and can serve as landmarks or distinguishing features for the local community. Property values may increase in proximity to natural open spaces. A natural resource inventory is an important step in planning for these natural features and serves to preserve both the cultural and natural heritage of Elk River. Urban growth is also important to the well-being of many communities; however, when growth occurs in environmentally sensitive areas, wildlife, forest, soils and water resources could be negatively impacted. A natural resource inventory of EII< River will be a tool [o effectively manage and protect natural resources from development while allowing growth. ,~ Ciry of E/k R/ver 2 ~~~ NaLU(a/ Resources lnveofory nro~ect Approach ^ Project Approach Our team will emphasize anecosystem-based perspective combined with a practical, implemen[able approach that can serve as a foundation for natural resource and land management efforts far into the future. Using an ecosystem-based perspective, we will balance human needs and ecologically sound natural resource management by providing wise, solid field-based information integral to land use planning. This approach stresses the importance of viewing the entire ecosystem as one unit rather than as independent parts. As a result, the inventory, evaluation and management of natural areas will consider such factors as connectivity between natural areas, regional significance and coordination with potential partners. Our approach to natural resource inventories is systematic, yet flexible enough to adapt to the conditions of the City and your potential partners. J~J Ciry of Elk R/vex 3 ~In Na2/a/ Resources /nvenlory ~i'ork Program ^ Task 1: Project Initiation March 2004 Project Initiation Meeting We recommend holding a project initiation meeting with City staff (and the Park and Recreation Commission) to discuss project goals, objectives and schedule. Over the course of the project, we anticipate taking part in a total of six meetings. Bonestroo will be responsible for facilitation and recording/distribution of minutes for the Parl< and Recreation Commission and public meetings. Deliverable: Existing natuia/ resource information wi// a//ow us to better target our fie/d visits. Meeting with City staff/Park and Recreation Commission ^ Task 2: Assemble F~cisting Information March-April 2004 We will gather and organize relevant natural resource information [o allow efficient use of resources and better targeting of field visits. We will collect the following information, where available: DNR Natural Heritage database, records and maps on rare features, including natural communities and endangered plants and animals Previously conducted studies of natural resources within Elk River National Wetlands Inventory DNR Protected Waters and Wetlands Inventory Minnesota DNR Ecological Classification System -subsection coverage Sherburne County Soil Survey Landform data from the Minnesota Geological Survey Other applicable surveys and studies We ask that the ity~r County ~sist us in obtaining the most recent black and white aeria'Tphotography for the study area to enable accurate mapping later in the project. ^ Task 3: Aerial Photo Interpretation We will use aerial photo interpretation to delineate natural and semi- natural communities. Minnesota DNR Color Infrared and FSA true color aerial photos will be used to map these vegetative cover types. Preliminary natural community and MLCCS polygon boundaries will be mapped on mylar overlays and/or plotted true color 36 X 36 (1 "'=200") images for natural and semi-natural areas [hat either occur within or intersect the boundaries of parcels greater than 5 acres in size within the study area. Having color infrared and large-scale true color photos to work with allows for detailed advance mapping and information of EIk R/vex a/ Resouires /nuentory recording. These infrared photos with overlays and the plotted true Color maps will then be used during the field inventory/ground-truthing portion of the project. ^ Task 4: Landowner Contact April/May 2004 Based on aerial photo review, we will identify parcels where a detailed field inventory by a plant ecologist is appropriate. We will provide this information to the City. Based on conversations with City staff, it is our understanding that the City will send a letter requesting property access to the landowner of each of these properties. We propose that a response postcard with pre-paid postage be included with this letter. We have used this method successfully in the past and found it effective and efficient. Our team will handle landowner questions regarding the NRI. Deliverables: Electronic template for landowner contact letter and response postcard Sample landowner contact letter Data base of landowner responses to access request ^ Task 5: Pre-inventory Public Meeting Late April or May 2004 We recommend scheduling one pre-inventory public informational meeting/open house two to three weeks after property access letters are mailed. We also recommend that such a meeting be open house style to give landowners within the study area and other interested citizens the opportunity to learn more about the process, goals and product of the natural resource inventory/MLCCS mapping. One approach to this open house is to set up multiple "stations', so attendees can circulate through the room and learn about individual activities associated with the project and ways in which the data will benefit them and the city. We will work with the City and the Park and Recreation Commission to determine the information at each station. Some examples of possible stations include: What is an NRI/MLCCS? What are the steps of an NRI? How will information from the NRI be used? Large, plotted aerial photos where residents can find locate their property and share information about natural resources Others, as identified by the Parks/Planning Commission Deliverable: Open house design and presentations by Bonestroo staff on project goals, activities and products _~ City of E/k?/uer 5 ]~,] Natural Resouires /nuenloN A pub/ic information meeting /ets landowners learn about the project ®Task G: Field Inventory May-October 2004 Thorough, on-the-ground information about natural areas provides accurate information to those who will make decisions about natural areas in the future. Therefore, we propose to conduct detailed field inventories for all natural areas on properties greater than five acres where property access is granted. For areas where property access is not granted, we will gather as much information as possible by viewing natural areas from an accessible viewing point and through aerial photo interpretation. The final data set will reflect the level of field visit for each natural/semi-natural area. We will use methodologies employed by the DNR Natural Heritage Program, County Biological Survey to determine natural community type and quality. These methods are consistent with and fully incorporated into MLCCS methods. We will follow MLCCS methods and standards for classifying semi-natural community types. During the field inventory, we will gather a broad range of information, depending on community type. Examples of the type of information we will gather include: Landcover type Significant or sensitive upland and wetland communities Rare species ExotiUinvasive species Wildlife occurrences and wildlife habitat Forest resources ~ Wetland features, including streams, ponds, lakes and wetlands Water quality and quantity In addition, landform and any notable geological features or hazards will be noted, where they occur. Much of the preceeding information can be incorporated into the data through the use of modifier codes in the MLCCS database. For all natural areas that are field visited, we will record the composition of dominant tree, shrub and groundcover species. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying plant species that indicate [he quality of the natural community. Examples of indicator species include invasive/exotic species, those species considered "conservative"" for the community type, and rare species found only in exceptional quality natural areas. Additional field notes will also be gathered on related natural resource management concerns, such as excessive erosion/sedimentation, fire danger, stormwater runoff, and incompatible land use/management practices. D Task 7: MLCCS Digitizing and Data Entry MLCCS Mapping and Data Entry Natural and semi-natural land cover polygons will be digitized and coded in ArcView GIS software at the most detailed MLCCS level possible for a particular natural or semi-natural community type. Whenever City ofE/k R/uei NaNral Resou¢es /nvenmry We wil/ candua fie/d in/entories for areas greater than five apes where property access is granted. possible, this will be to Level 5. However, Level 5 codes do not exist for every cover type. In these situations, MLCCS coding will be done to the highest level available, or to the highest level of accuracy permitted by the level of property access. We will complete preliminary mapping, field checking and final digitizing according to standards and procedures outlined in the MN DNR publication Minnesota Land CoverC/assification System training Manua/, Version 5.z. We will record field collected data and other related information in a database within ArcView and/or a compatible Microsoft Access database Collecting and recording information for MLCCS modifiers will bean important aspect of this project. MLCCS modifier codes are a powerful tool that allows detailed additional information about a site to be stored in a data base. Users can quickly and easily retrieve this information, and the information is very useful for understanding things such as levels of nonnative species, quality of natural areas, locating restorable wetlands, location of unique landforms, as well as enabling the analysis of multiple data layers/parameters. We propose to increase the power of the MLCCS data by including the following modifiers for natural areas: 257 -trails 33X series -natural area quality 4XX series -records invasive species and how frequently they occur in a particular natural community 6XX series -forestry modifiers including health, stand age, and other information 72X series -water modifiers, built features 73X series -water modifiers, wetland features 74X series -water modifiers, stream features 75X series -water modifiers, spring features As field work and data entry progresses, Bonestroo staff will provide written updates to City staff by the first Wednesday of each month on recently completed project activities. This will allow updates to be provided to the Park and Recreation Commission at their regular meetings. We are willing to provide in-person updates to the Park and Recreation Commission on request. Deliverables: ArcView coverage of: MLCCS polygons/data base for natural/semi-natural areas Soils, by type Wetlands (both National Wetland Inventory and as defined by MN DNR Natural Heritage classification) Agricultural lands, by productivity (as available from NRCS or other) Lands within CRP has available from NRCS or other) Forest cover by type, age, condition MLCCS modifiers) Floodplains (FEMA flood zones Steep Slopes (based on USGS topographic data and/or soils City of E/k R/vet NaNial RPSOU/CPS /nveo(ory ©Task 8: Ordinance Review and Parcel Evaluation Among the tools you can use for natural resource management are ordinances and development standards. We will review existing City subdivision requirements and provide recommendations on how these can be updated. Since low impact development strategies such as clustering tend to work best on parcels of some size, we propose to identify parcels greater than 40 acres in size suitable for cluster development and other non-standard design methods. Where property access prevented a field inventory, sites with potential suitability abased on aerial photo review) will be noted and recommended for inventory prior to or at the time of development. Deliverables: Report section providing recommendations for updating city rules/ordinances Map highlighting parcels of greater than 40 acres where alternative design methods are appropriate ^ Task 9: Report Creation and Draft Report Presentation October-December 2004 After completion of field work and data entry, our team will create a draft report including site-specific information regarding community type, quality, restoration potential and other pertinent information mentioned above. Also included will be: Project ~ilmthodology Natural reS6~~urce inventory/land cover classification results Summary of land cover by natural community type Location of significant concentrations of natural areas Recommendations on Priority lands for protection/acquisition Potential greenway connections Summary of restoration practices and threats to natural areas Revisions to subdivision requirements Priority conservation areas Color figures are anticipated for: Community types and quality MLCCS land cover types Potential greenway corridors Priority lands for protection/acquisition by City, DNR or others Rare species findings will be provided for each of the project areas Ten copies of the draft report will be provided by November 30, 2004, to allow time for City Staff and Parl< and Recreation Commission members to review the document. We will present the draft NRI report at the December 8, 2004, Parl< and Recreation Commission meeting. At this time, we will ask for input from City staff and Parl< and Recreation Commission members on the contents of the report. We recommend a two- to three- week review/comment period for the draft report to allow ,fir City of Elk R/ver g ~~~ Natural Resources /nventory time for those comments received to be incorporated into the document and a final NRI report to be printed. After comments are received and any necessary revisions made to the report, Bonestroo will print and bind 10 copies of the final report. Deliverables: Ten copies of draft NRI report, including color figures Presentation of draft NRI report to Park and Recreation Commission Incorporation of comments Ten copies of final NRI report, including color figures CD with electronic data of report, including Microsoft Word CD with pdf files of final NRI report with figures suitable for posting on website One 36 X 48 plotted color wall map including Level 5 MLCCS coverage for entire project area ^ Task 10 -Presentation of Findings January/February 2005 We propose that the final report be presented to the Parl< and Recreation Commission members and City staff for approval at their January 12, 2005, meeting. After acceptance by the Park and Recreation Commission, Bonestroo staff will participate in up to two meetings to present the results of the inventory. We suggest that one of these meetings be a public informational open house held to coincide with a Park and Recreation Commission regular meeting (January or February 2005. We suggest that the findings also be presented to the City council for review/approval. If you wan[ presentation at meetings other than those mentioned above, we will work with City staff and the Park and Recreation Commission to make any necessary adjustments. Deliverables: Presentation of NRI final report to Park and Recreation Commission Presentation of NRI findings a[ Open House Presentation of NRI to City Council meeting. City of E/k R/ver Na[u~al Resources /nvenmry ~..++.+....+-n m_. ~....v-......•.-.. .m.'r?v^r mn+~r+.,ma.~,+.. .> .~A `q'nt ~.,u.eGw s J.. d., ....r~ Y. .... ..lwrYVeflau .. .. < a .. ..~ .~ ~ x ar, a .,.,..:A l/.Jiau..«'W'vw.. v. wl .- -'~M21MY t. ~ ,r;NrnkN'tx..aa . «t~.;:mkwYr~r±+y~+sv,.~.a; - ,-x:s.,~.ss~uy~gz,i?r~F`:MxM~„+:L~"~^,4e`•"I,t.n , d+, rr.n w~,-•"~'x4,'M+N~"47~c ~ .., r ~: s..... 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"° ;",~ ~~';' (..~~~~` 4 ~ ~~ ki ',~{µ.~ryJn-0 H!$ SP 3 1a .P p~~ '. _ '{d~ f~~~"~S~e~ ~1 i*ID~W 'Y '`F'~PA`~.Y~*C>~ IT= NAY A ~S ~j 'S I Y~y,$'a~ Y *f' ~WtTQ'' '!'~~~ A ~_. _ (~~ ~ ay" cJ Cost of Service Staff Task Paul Bockenstedt Liza Gould Hart Gilchrist Total hours 1 Pro ect Initiation 8 4 2 14 2 Assemble Existin Information 2 8 2 12 3 Aerial Photo Inter relation 8 24 0 32 4 Landowner Contact 2 6 0 8 5 Public O en House 8 8 1 17 6 Field Inventor 48 78 1 127 7 MLCCS Di itizin and Data Ent 22 70 6 98 8 Ordinance Review and Parcel Evaluation 20 2 0 22 9 Report Creation and Draft Report Presentation 18 36 0 54 10 Presentation of Findin s 20 16 3 39 Total hours 156 252 15 423 Hourl Rate $78 $74 $76 Labor Cost 12168 18648 1140 31956 Miscellaneous Ex enses Milea e 600 Printing, Plotting, Photocopying, Bindin 49 Color Infrared Photographs (50 @ $8.50 ea. 25 TOTAL PROPOSED COST 33430 o/E/kR/vex a/ Resouires /nvenmrv Project Team Ciry of Elk /T/vex Na[ura/ Resources lnven[ory Our team for the Elk River Natural Resource Inventory includes staff from Bonestroo's Natural Resources team and GIS group. An introduction to each team member and a summary of their experience is provided below. More detailed information about each person is provided in their resumes at the end of this proposal. Two ecologists from our Natural Resource team, Paul Bockenstedt and Elizabeth Gould, will head the project. Combined, these experienced ecologists have inventoried over 1 million acres of land in the upper Midwest, conducted targeted rare species searches on hundreds of additional acres, and recorded over 250 new rare plant records with the various state's Departments of Natural Resources. Both Paul and Liza have worked with the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS( since the late 1990s and understand the steps necessary to obtain a detailed and accurate data set. Including current work, they have completed MLCCS mapping for over 200,000 acres in the Twin Cities metro area. Paul Bockenstedt, MA., is a senior plant/restoration ecologist with Bonestroo. He will serve as project manager for the Elk River Township Natural Resources Inventory. ils such, he will be involved in the field work, facilitate and present a[ meetings, and coordinate project schedule with City staff and the Park and Recreation Commission. Paul has over 20 years of experience in the natural resources field, and has inventoried and created management plans for natural communities in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Paul has served as the project manager and/or lead ecologist for over 100 natural resource inventory projects and botanical inventories during his career. He has written dozens of custom site managemenUrestoration and/or seeding plans for habitats ranging from forest to wetlands and prairies and is especially knowledgeable about prairie and woodland ecosystems. Paul is also experienced at facilitating public meetings on natural resources and related issues Elizabeth Gould, B.S., a plant ecologist, will assist Paul with field work, complete the MLCCS mapping and do much of your GIS work. Liza has been working in the natural resource field since the late 1980s, when she worked as an interpretive naturalist for a local natural history museum. Since then, she has been involved in natural resource inventories and rare plant searches throughout Minnesota and in Wisconsin. She is especially familiar with the species and natural communities of the St. Croix Moraine, the landform that underlies EIk River Township and northern Washington County. In addition, she has extensive experience with GIS mapping and database management. John Smyth, B.S., is a senior wetland scientist and team leader for the Bonestroo Natural Resources Team. He will serve in an advisory capacity 12 for any issues related to wetlands, ordinances, bioengineering and other related topics. John has been working with wetlands and wetland issues since the late 1980s. Currently, he serves as LGU/Wetland Conservation Act administrator for 17 cities, creates and implements wetland mitigation and restoration projects throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, and designs bioengineering projects for stream and slope stabilization. John has used inventory data to develop numerous wetland ordinances for municipalities and will provide input to the project on how to collect and organize field data to enable proactive identification, protection and management of wetlands, streams and lakes. John and Paul have also written tree ordinances and co-wrote the first Known upland natural community ordinance in the Twin Cities area. Hart Gilchrist, B.S., M.S. in progress is a GIS Specialist with Bonestroo. Hart has a remarkable command and breadth of experience with computer mapping and data base software packages. Hart will assist with customizing GIS applications for the Elk River NRI, including data base design, writing programs for steep slope analysis and quality control of ArcView GIS files. Hart has worked on over two dozen NRI/MLCCS projects with Paul, John and Liza in the past ten years and demonstrates remarkable efficiency in completing his work. City of E/k R/ue~ 13 NaNra/Resources /nuenIDry d'~u/ J. Boc%nstedt P/ant/Restoration Mr. Bockenstedt is a Plant/Restoration Ecologist in Bonestroo's Water Resources ECO/O9%St Group. Paul has worked the natural resource field since 1983 and, before joining Bonestroo worked at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. ^ Education At Bonestroo Paul identifies inventories, manages, and restores a wide variety of University of Northern Iowa natural areas. A few of the projects that Paul has worked on in the last G years M.A. Biology-2002 include: University of Dubuque Bachelor of Science, Environmental ^ Natural Resources Inventories Sciences - 1989 NRI/Minnesota Land Cover Classification System mapping for 22 communities in Twin Cities metro area 2000-2004 ^ Professional Organizations ~ Natural Resources Inventories (others in MN(: Inver Grove Heights, Society for Ecological Restoration Chaska, Red Wing, Savage, Roseville, Brooklyn Park, Inver Grove Heights, Chaska, Lower Wells Creek Watershed, New Market Township, Rochester, Natural Areas Association Independence Vegetation Management Association Iowa DNR -Grossman Prairie Slate Preserve 2003; Wapsipinicon River of Minnesota Corridor Botanical Survey Clinton and Scott Counties 2002 Minnesota Native Plant Society MN DNR -Lyle-Austin Wildlife Management Area Prairie Inventory and Rare Wetland Delineators Association, MN Plant Search Iowa Native Plant Society Iowa Prairie Network Illinois Native Plant Society ^ Training Plants for Stormwater Design 2003 - MN Erosion Control ASSOC./MN Pollution Control Agency Iowa CarexWorkshop, 2002 -Iowa State University Carexof NW/NC Minnesota: Taxonomy and Ecology, 2002 - Bemidji State University Riparian Management, 2001 -Iowa State University • MN DNR State Parks Natural Resources Inventories- Afton, William O'Brien, Frontenac, Nerstrand Big Woods, and Sakatah lake State Parks, MN . Badger Army Ammunliion Plant, Baraboo, WI -Rare Plant Inventory and Management Plan • Olmsted County, MN - Roads CIP Natural Areas/COrridors Dodge County, MN -Roadside Prairie Inventory • Goodhue County, MN -Project Manager and primary field biologist for countywide inventory of natural communities, rare plants, and sensitive resources (complementr MCBS data( • Hastings, MN -Freitag Property Biological Survey Viking Voyageur Gas Pipeline -Natural Resources/Rare Species inventory of over 400 miles of right-of-way in MN & WI • Blaine, MN -Blaine Greenway Corridor Plan • Eden Prairie, MN -Bog/Poor Fen Monitoring • St. Cloud, MN -Event Center, and Viking Gas Transmission, Tubercled reir orchid searches 1987 COE Manual Wetland Wetland inventories -Carver, Rochester, Brooklyn Park, Orono, Delineation Training -Richard Farmington, Chaska, South Washington Watershed District, William O'Brien Chinn Environmental Training State Park, Maple Grove • Roseville, MN Parks -Comprehensive Natural Resource Inventory and Management Plans for five City parks ^ Natural Areas Management/f'lanning • Blaine, MN - Laddie Lake Park and Pioneer Park Restoration and Management PIanS • MN Pollution Control Agency - Sunfish Lake Oak Savanna Inventory and Management Plan, Ramsey, MN • Woodbury, MN - Marsh Creek Savanna, and Hasenbank Woods Restoration and Management Plans • MN DNR -Prairie Stewardship Plan creation for private landowners throughout southern MN • Maplewood, MN - Beaver Creek Corridor Restoration Bonestroo and Management Plan ~ Rosene • Stillwater, MN -Brown "s Creek Nature Preserve IIV Anderlik & Restoration and Management Plan ~ Associates Engineerz 6 Architects f/izabeth R. Gou/d BOtanist/P/ant Ms. Gouldjoined Bonestroo's Water and Natural Resources Group in 2001, ECO/O9/St with experience in natural resource inventories and plant taxonomy. She has worked as a natural resource ecologist in the private sector; in a laboratory specializing in environmental and restoration research; as a natural history ^ Education educator. university of Minnesota Bachelor of Science, Plant Biology - 1997 At Bonestroo, she specializes in natural resource inventories, T & E species work, Minnesota Land Cover Classification System MLCCS) mapping, and related ^ Professional Organizations GIS/mapping projects. Minnesota Native Plant Society ~ Natural Resource Inventories, Minnesota Land Society for Ecological Restoration Wisconsin Wetlands Association Cover Classification System (MLCCS) Mapping, Wetland Delineators Association and Rare Plant Surveys vegetation Management Association Since coming to Bonestroo, Lisa has worked on various additional Natural of Minnesota Resource Inventory and MLCCS mapping projects. Examples include: Iowa Native Plan[ Society Afton, MN -State Park Natural Resource Inventory Prairie Enthusiasts ~ Sakatah Lake State Park -State Park Natural Resource Inventory ^ Training ~ Nerstrand Big Woods State Park-State Park Natural Resource Inventory Introduction to ArcVIEIX/ 3.x , 2001 and Management Plan Microsoft Access, 2003 ~ Elko-New Market Township, Scott County MN -Natural Resources MnRAM for Wetland Assessment, Inventory and MLCCS Mapping version 3.0, 2003 ~ Hennepin Conservation District-City of Independence Township wide 1987 COE Manual Wetland Natural Resource Inventory and MLCCS Mapping Delineation Training, MN Board of ~ Hennepin County Department of Environmental Assistance-Natural Water and Soil Resources, 2001 Resource Inventory and MLCCS mapping for 5 Townships/1 S Cities in MLCCS Training, Bart Richardson MN Hennepin County DNR 2002 ~ Metropolitan Council -Botanical and small mammal survey for Hastings Minnesota Asters and Goldenrods Wastewater Treatment Plan[ Site workshop: Maplewood Nature ~ Trunk Highway 36 between Grand Rapids and Effie -Rare species Center, 200 I search/relocation project and wetland delineation Iowa Carexworkshop, 2002- Iowa ~ Clry of Roseville, MN -Natural Resources Inventory and MLCCS Mapping State University ~ Chequamegon National Forest, WI -Rare plant search for Great Lakes Carex of North-western & North - Gas transmission line: 2001 and 2002 recoa[ projects central Minnesota, 2002-Bemidji ~ Mille Lacs, MN -Rare plant search for Wealthwood Estates State university Prairie Stewardship Planning Assistance -For private landowners in Grasses of Minnesota's Northern southern and eastern Minnesota Forests and Prairies. 2003-Bemidji State university Liza has participated in variety of natural resources inventories and rare plant. She has used a variety of different methodologies including Mn DNR Ecological Classification System, MLCCS, MN RAM, and others to assess natural communities. Because of her background and experience, she has been the lead field person in a number of inventory and MLCCS projects. Prior to joining Bonestroo in 2001, Liza worked as an ecologist for Emmons and Olivier Resources, in lake Elmo Minnesota. While there, she was the primary field ecologist on a number of natural resource inventories and MLCCS inventory projects, including: Marine on St. Croix, MN -Mill Stream Natural Resource Inventory for the Mill Stream WMO* St. Lawrence Township, MN -Natural Resource Inventory and MLCCS mapping* Carver County, MN -Planning Study for Ravine and Bluff Areas along the Minnesota River: Natural Resourceslnven[ory ~ Bonestroo and MLCCS mapping in natural areas* ®Rosene Anderlik & *While employed by others Associates Engineers6 Architects John R, Smyth Water Resource Mr. Smyth is a Water Resource Specialist with extensive experience in wetland Species/ist and bio-engineering/erosion conVOl projecLC. John's wetland experience includes inventories/evaluations, design, delineations, and Wetland Conservation Act ^ Education technical support. University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Bachelor of Science, Watef Resources - 1992 Emphasis in Limnology and Aquatic iowcology O Professional Organizations Consulting Engineers Council of Minnesota -Wetlands Subcommittee Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Plan Work Team Society of Wetland Scientists Minnesota Delineation,gssociation He also serves on the Mitigation Banking Committee for the state of Minnesota Wetland Planning efforts. ^ Training Wetland Delineation Applied Biogeotechnology: Using Vegetation and Stru¢ures to Control Erosion, Protect Slopes antl Restore Environmental Cluality Delineation of Problem ii Disturbed Wetlands Creating Wetlands for Habitat Enhancement antl Mitigation Wetland Plant Identification Wetland Soils and Hydrology Sireambank Bioengineering: A Hands-on Experience Streambank Stabilization (A-Jacks Certification( ^ Natural Resources Inventories Cottage Grove, MN Woodbury, MN Chaska, MN Red Wing, MN Inver Grove Heights, MN (AUAR) ^ Wetland Inventories/Evaluations and Ordinance Development John has completed wetland inventories/evaluationsfnr numerous cities and watersheds. These inventories include assessing wetland functional values and stormwater sensitivity. In addition he has assisted in the development of wetland ordinances for the Cities of Farmington, Chanhassen and Carver. Johr managed and/or completed wetland inventories for: Brooklyn Park, MN Delano, MN Wayzata, MN Roseville, MN Farmington, MN Woodbury, MN South Washington Watershed District Chanhassen, MN (Bluff Creek Rosemount, MN Chaska, MN Champlin, MN Franklin, WI Hazeltine -Bavaria WMO ~Chaska~ Oak Park Heights, MN Orono, MN Carver. MN ^ Wetland Delineations and Permits John is responsible for most of the delineations and permitr completed as part of our municipal projectr. A sample of his delineation and permit experience includes: Carver County -County Rd 18 Chicago County -Highway 8 Chaska, MN -Chaska Town Golf Course Chaska, MN -County Rd 117 e Chaska, MN -State-aid Highway IS Chaska, MN -East Creek park and pond construction Delano, MN - FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Permit Delano, MN -Wastewater treatment plant permit Delano, MN -lake Rebecca Park Reserve Trail Connection Permit Delano, MN -Johnson Street Delano, MN -Baseball fields Delano, MN -Solar Plastics ~ Maple Grove, MN -Southwest interceptor Plymouth, MN -Water quality pond Medina, MN -Kellogg property Woodbury, MN -Club homes at The Preserve Farmington, MN -Prairie waterway Medina, MN -Mourning Side ditch Minnetrista, MN -Individual wetlands for WCA Bonestroo ® Rosene Anderlik fi Associates EngineersS Architects ,~1~rt Gi/christ G/S Specia/ist ^ Education University of Minnesota Graduate program in Neuroscience Macalester College Bachelor of Arts, Biology- 1990 Minneapolis Drafting School Currently enrolled in the University of St. Thomas" Masters of Software Design and Development program As a member of Bonestroo's GIS team, Hart is a project manager responsible for all aspects of maintaining a GIS, including: System administration Database management GIS consulting Marketing efforts Application Development & Software Programming Hart is responsible for producing custom applications AutoCAD, ArcView and ArUlnfo drawings and databases, including city and township base maps, wetland mitigation maps, and storm and sanitary sewer plans. ^ Project F~cperience NRI, Roseville, MN -Hart was responsible for preparing the base map information, including aerial photos and parcels. After setting up the software and electronic data, he served as a troubleshooter and resource for the Water Resources Group. South Washington Watershed District ~SWWD~ -Hart produced a summary map for the SWWD using a mixture of AutoCAD and ArcView programs. Combining data from many different sources, this map included DNR classified wetlands, wetlands classified by the SWWD, city base maps, water management facilities and sub-watershed delineations. Elm Creek Interceptor, Medina Leg -Coordinated data acquisition and mapping efforts for initial alignment alternatives. Created parcel databases and maps of potentially impacted parcels along alignments. Created electronic 100-year floot datasets from archived hardcopy maps. All work was used to determine final interceptor alignment. City of Waseca -Converted low quality electronic basemap into fully attributed parcel database in the county coordinate system. The new dataset has parcel addresses as well as park and building names. The basemap now seamlessly overlays the aerial photos recently flown by the City. Metropolitan Council South Washington County Interceptor -Hart was responsible for gathering, converting, and generating much of the geographical data used to help determine a proposed alignment for the future interceptor pipeline. Aerial photos ~DOO's~, digital elevation models ~DEM"s~, geological, county, and private data were all acquired, converted [o the appropriate coordinate systems, and used to produce geographical data. DEM data was used to create surface contours, which in conjunction with bedrock geological data, were used to create surface vs. bedrock profiles of each proposed interceptor alignment. Project engineers used this data to determine the most cost-effective and leas[ disruptive interceptor alignments. Sherburne County, MN -Hart served as Bonestrao's point man on Sherburne County's Livonia Township mapping project. He helped collect data from the County, including electronic data files, plat maps, tax-roll information, and copies of legal descriptions. Hart also coordinated Bonestroo's CAD team in producing a seamless dataset of approximately 1,800 parcels in 29 sections of Livonia Township from the County's dataset. Hart worked with County staff [o identify and research possible discrepancies in existing plats and assisted in error-checking/quality control of the final product. Willmar and Clara City, MN -Hart used Microstation to assist preparing plans and specs for this MnDOT project that overlayed 15.4 miles of TH 23 between these two Minnesota cities. Design was completed in Pali 1999. Construction was completed in fall 2000 at a ~ eonestroo cost of 53.4 million. 0 Rosene Anderlik & Associates Engineered Architects Tdeferences Ecologists from Bonestroo Natural Resources have assisted cities, townships, counties, and state Departments of Natural Resources in the upper Midwest with inventories of over 1 million acres of land since 1995. Recent projects similar in nature to yours are listed below, as well as on the following pages. © Hennepin County MLCCS Bonestroo completed an MLCCS/NRI project for Hennepin County Environmental Services for the City of Independence in January 2004. Bonestroo is currently working on MLCCS/NRI projects for 18 cities in Hennepin County, totaling over 108,000 acres. Contact Information: Dave Thill, Conservation Specialist Hennepin County Environmental Services 417 North Fifth Street, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401-1397 (612) 348-0124 Team members: Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould ^ Elko-New Market MLCCS/Natural Resources Inventory Bonestroo completed an MLCCS/NRI project of [he City of Elko-New Market and New Market Township for the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services. We completed these projects on an accelerated time schedule and included numerous public meetings, planning elements and one-on-one meetings with landowners. The project was initiated in September 2001, with a final report in April 2003. Contact information Bob Callary Metropolitan Council Mears Park Center 230E 5th St. St. Paul, MN 55101 ~651~ 602-1176 Team members: Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould, Hart Gilchrist ~ Ciry of Elk R/uer 14 ~1~ Na[ura/ Resources /nven[ory © Roseville Natural Resource Inventory and Management Plan Bonestroo completed detailed field inventories for natural areas within five select parks in the City of Roseville, as well as MLCCS mapping for the entire city. The project began in 2001 and was completed in the spring of 2002. Contact information: Jeff Evenson, Park Project Coordinator Roseville Parks and Recreation 1910 County Road B West Roseville, MN 551 13 ~G51 ~ 775-3519 Team members: Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould, Hart Gilchrist ^ Goodhue County Natural Resources Inventory This project included inventory of natural areas across all of Goodhue Counry, Minnesota X488,330 acres. The project included detailed field inventory information and serves as a complement to the Minnesota DNR County Biological Survey data. The project was initiated in November 1999, with field work completed in 2000 and a final report completed by June 2001. The information is used by the county and cities, as well as state and federal agencies and private landowners for planning and managing natural areas. Contact information: William Root Goodhue County Land Use P.O. Box 408 Red Wing, MN 55066 (GS 1 ~ 385-3107 Team members: Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould ^ MN DNR State Park Natural Areas Inventories Paul Bockenstedt, John Smyth, and Liza Gould have worked with Tom on several inventory and natural resource management projects within state parks since 1997 (William O'Brien, Afton, Frontenac, Sakatah Lake State Parks and MN Valley State Recreation Area. Budget sizes for these projects varied, depending on the scope of the project and the size of [he park. Tom is familiar with our plant ecology, natural resource management and planning skills. Contact information: Tom Polasik, Regional Resource Specialist MN DNR State Parks 1200 Warner Road St. Paul, MN 55106 (651 ~ 772-7570 Team members: Paul Bockenstedt, John Smyth, Liza Gould City of E/k R/per 15 Na2ra/ Resources /nuenmN ^ Brooklyn Park NRI Bonestroo completed a customized wetland and upland Natural Resource Inventory for the undeveloped portions of Brooklyn Pa rl< in 1999-2000 that included assessment of wetlands using MnRAM and uplands using the MN DNR Natural Heritage methodology. The final product of the inventory included summaries of natural areas, management recommendations, and specific recommendations on protection and management opportunities. The information is used by the city Parks, Planning and Engineering departments. The project was completed for S 19,500. Contact information: Jay Lotthammer, Program Supervisor Recreation b Parks Department City of Brooklyn Park 5600 85th Ave. N. Brooldyn Park, MN 55443 ~763~ 493-8345 Team members: Paul Bockenstedt, John Smyth, Hart Gilchrist of E/k R/uer 16 al Resources Inventory References Tom Polasik, Regional Resource Specialist MN DNR State Parks 1200 Warner Road St. Paul, MN 55106 651.772.7570 Paul Bockenstedt, John Smyth, and Liza Gould have worked with Tom on several inventory and natural resource management projects within state parks since 1997 (William O'Brien, Afton, Frontenac, Sakatah Lake State Parks and MN Valley State Recreation Area). Budget sizes for these projects varied, depending on the scope of the project and the size of the park. Tom is familiar with our plant ecology, natural resource management and planning skills. Jay Lotthammer, Program Supervisor Recreation & Park Department Recreation & Parks Department City of Brooklyn Park 5600 85th Ave. N. Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 763.493.8345 Brooklyn Park NRI - 1999-2000 Bonestroo completed a customized wetland and upland Natural Resource Inventory for the undeveloped portions of Brooklyn Park that included assessment of wetlands using MnRAM and uplands using the MN DNR Natural Heritage methodology. The final product of the inventory included summaries of natural areas, management recommendations, and specific recommendations on protection and management opportunities. The information is used by the city Parks, Planning and Engineering departments. The project was completed for $19,500. Dave Thill, Conservation Specialist Hennepin County Environmental Services 417 North Fifth Street, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401-1397 612-348-0124 Hennepin County MLCCS - 2002 to present Bonestroo completed an MLCCS/NRI project for Hennepin County Environmental Services for the City of Independence in January 2004 Bonestroo is currently working on MLCCS/NRI projects for 18 cities in Hennepin County, totaling over 108,300 acres for $108,000. Dave is familiar with our experience in inventories and GIS. City of Elk River Natural Resources In venrory Jeff Evenson, Park Project Coordinator Roseville Parks and Recreation 1910 County Road B West Roseville. MN 55113 651.775.3519 Roseville Natural Resource Inventory & Management Plan Bonestroo completed detailed field inventories for natural areas within five select parks in the City of Roseville, Management Plans for each of the five parks, as well as MLCCS mapping for the entire city. The project began in 2001 and completed in the spring of 2002 for a cost of $43,000, of which half was obtained by Bonestroo through a MN DNR Metro Greenways Grant. William Root Goodhue County Land Use P.O. Box 408 Red Wing, MN 55066 651.385.3107 Goodhue County Natural Resources Inventory This project included inventory of natural areas across all of Goodhue County, MN (488,330 acres). The inventory gathered detailed field information and serves as a complement to the MN DNR County Biological Survey data. The project was initiated in November 1999, with field work completed in 2000, and a Final Report completed by June 2001 as part of a $100,000 LCMR project. Bonestroo was responsible for data collection, data entry, report preparation, and public presentation of NRI material. Goodhue County completed GIS mapping for this project as part of the LCMR agreement. City of flk River __ 4 Natural Resources Inventory Relevant Experience Ecologists from Bonestroo Natural Resources have assisted cities, townships, counties, and State Departments of Natural Resources in the upper Midwest with the inventory of over 1 million acres of land since 1995. Recent projects that are similar in nature to the Elk River NRI are listed below as well as on the following pages. Contact information for projects shown on following pages is available, if desired. Hennepin County MLCCS - 2002 to present Bonestroo completed an MLCCS/NRI project for Hennepin County Environmental Services for the City of Independence in January 2004 Bonestroo is currently working on MLCCS/NRI projects for 18 cities in Hennepin County, totaling over 108,000 acres. Contact Information: Dave Thill, Conservation Specialist Hennepin County Environmental Services 417 North Fifth Street, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401-1397 612-348-0124 Team Members Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould Elko-New Market MLCCS/Natural Resources Inventory Bonestroo completed an MLCCS/NRI project of the City of Elko-New Market and New Market Township for the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services. This project was completed on an accelerated time schedule and included numerous public meetings, planning elements, and one-on-one meetings with landowners. The project was initiated in September, 2001 with a Final Report produced in April 2003. Contact information: Bob Callary Metropolitan Council Mears Park Center 230E 5th St. St. Paul, MN 55101 651.602.1176 Team Members: Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould, Hart Gilchrist City oFElk River __ Nafura/Resources In venmry Roseville Natural Resource Inventory & Management Plan Bonestroo completed detailed field inventories for natural areas within five select parks in the City of Roseville, as well as MLCCS mapping for the entire city. The project began in 2001 and completed in the spring of 2002. Contact information: Jeff Evenson, Park Project Coordinator Roseville Parks and Recreation 1910 County Road B West Roseville, MN 55113 651.775.3519 Team Members: Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould, Hart Gilchrist Goodhue County Natural Resources Inventory This project included inventory of natural areas across all of Goodhue County, MN (488,330 acres). The inventory gathered detailed field inventory information and serves as a complement to the MN DNR County Biological Survey data. The project was initiated in November 1999, with field work completed in 2000, and a Final Report completed by June 2001. The information is used by the county and cities, as well as State and Federal Agencies and private landowners for planning and managing natural areas. Contact information: William Root Goodhue County Land Use P.O. Box 408 Red Wing, MN 55066 651.385.3107 Team members: Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould City of flk River Natural Resources In venmry f~atural Resources Inventory end MLCCS Mapping Hennepin County, MN /nno vati ve Methods Honor Budget and Time Constraints While extensive areas of rural land, natural areas, and open space persist in the northern and western portions of Hennepin County, rapid development is putting pressure on remaining natural resources. Recognizing this strain, as well as the benefit of maintaining natural areas and open space in the landscape, the Hennepin Conservation District land now [he Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services) has worked to complete natural resource inventories and Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) mapping in Hennepin County cities. The resulting inventory and mapping data serves as a foundation for open space, corridor, wetland restoration, and other planning work. Bonestroo began the preliminary mapping work as soon as the contract was signed. Within two months, preliminary mapping and field checking for phase 1 of the project were complete. We finished digital mapping and landcover coding shortly thereafter. Currently, we are finalizing the land cover coding and quality control assessment on phase 1 of the project, before turning [he data layer over to the client. In order to accommodate the high quality standard required by the client as well as the lean budge[ for the project, we implemented several innovations on the project: In mid- summer 2003, the County received a grant to inventories of 18 cities (nearly 108,000 acres) in western Hennepin County. The County chose Bonestroo as a consultant that could meet their exceptionally high quality standards. Bonestroo offered sufficient staff and the necessary knowledge, skill and experience to get begin the project quickly and complete it within the grant-imposed timeframe. • Sharing responsibility for the final report creation with the client • Using amulti-faceted approach to developing the map layer, using both ArcVIEW and AutoCAD As a result of these innovations, the project is on track to finish on budget and ahead of schedule. '~I Bonestroo 0 Rosene Anderlik & Associates Engineers S Architects Natural Resource Inventory Roseville, MN Natures/ Resource /rvertory Aids P/arming, He/ps Maintain Quality of Life by Preserving Parks The citizens of Roseville have a strong interest in maintaining their quality of life, and for many of them, [his is linked to the natural areas in the City. Roseville City staff recognized this, and realized that to manage their natural resources effectively, they needed to have a specific plan. City officials and Bonestroo staff worked to secure DNR funding for both a comprehensive natural resource inventory of five city parks, and Minnesota Land Cover Classification System ~MLCCS~ coverage of the entire City. as storm water issues. This phase also included a review of stormwa[er basins. • An analysis of overall lake quality for two basins, including a review of historical lake data and an analysis of watershed contributions and in-lake processes that impact water quality. • For the three major study areas luplands, wetlands, and lakes, a list of site-specific management recommendations including timelines, estimated management activity costs, and priority rankings. Bonestroo's team of restoration ecologists/botanists, wetland scientists, limnologists, and GIS specialists worked together to evaluate wetlands, upland communities, stormwater ponds, and lakes within the five parks, including: A full inventory of woodlands, forests, prairies, and other upland habitats that evaluated recreational usage, invasive/exotic species concerns, existing plant species including potential for rare plant populational, and target plant communities. A comprehensive assessment of wetlands that addressed plant community quality, hydrologic alterations, and restoration recommendations, as well The Citywide MLCCS mapping provides a useful tool for City officials and planners to use in surface water management and other activities. As part of the process, Bonestroo staff facilitated public meetings to keep area residents informed about the project and solicit their input. At the conclusion of the project, City officials received a comprehensive report that describes the existing condition of [heir resources and lists options for improving them -along with concrete, practical directions for Bonestroo implementing those improvements. ®Rosene Anderlik & Associates. Engineers 5 Arcbrteas Narur~l Communities Inventory Goodhue County, MN Situated between [he continually growing areas of the Twin Cities and Rochester, Goodhue County set out to protect its natural resources in the face of impending development. The County chose Bonestroo to conduct an inventory of the natural communities in the Lower Wells Creek Watershed. • Report preparation that includes individual community descriptions • Natural areas management/restoration recommendations • Opportunities for additional farm income that would be compatible with maintaining quality natural communities This project came with an extremely aggressive schedule. Bonestroo also helped write [he Conservation Partners Grant that helped fund the inventory. The Lower Wells Creek Watershed inventory became the first phase of a much larger project that Bonestroo began. In the second phase, the natural communities for all of Goodhue County -more than 488,000 acres of land -have been inventoried. This is one of the largest inventories ever to be conducted in the Upper Midwest by a private company. Bonestroo's services included: Infrared aerial photo delineation On-the-ground inventory of natural communities and rare species The inventory provides the Goodhue County Land Use Management Office with the technically sound information it needs to proactively identify and address potential concerns related to zoning, land use, and protection of sensitive natural resources that include rare species, high quality bluff prairies and large tracts of forest. The inventory also provides the Wells Creek Watershed Partnership and the Mn/DNR with information to identify potential land uses that will help [o diversify [he local agricultural economy and strengthen the integrity of existing natural communities. Bonestroo Rosene Anderlik & ~,. Associates - _e. d.vrcmus Inventory Guides Land Use Planning, Zoning and Natural Resources Protection Efforts Greenway Corridor Master Plan Anoka County, MN n b~, ~r'~ '; f:; _ _.~. s (t"~ ,~ y F^, - `o.-a. - ~.. ~~ ~~ ~~ `„~ ,. ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ r - ~.'. ~~s ~~, I k ( 1~ / S '2, i ~ ? rr •~ ~i ~ & ~^ A tee/r 3. r ~ .. .:. Grant Program He/ps County Complete Greenway Corridor Master P/an The Cedar Creek Greenway Corridor is located Award in north central Anoka County. The corridor Wlnner includes 6.5 miles of creek, and approximately 9,000 acres that constitute its watershed area. The corridor has been identified by the Minnesota DNR as one of the highest quality natural areas remaining in [he Twin Cities Metro Area. The DNR Metro Greenways Program granted funds to Anoka County [o complete a greenways study and management plan. We worked with a 20-member local advisory committee to complete the master plan. The committee included representatives of the County"s Parks and Recreation Department, cities of Oak Grove and Andover, University of Minnesota Cedar Creek Natural Area, Anoka Conservation District, Watershed Management Organizations, and landowners and citizens. A technical advisory committee including the DNR and other natural resource agencies also participated. Bonestroo: • Gathered and analyzed natural resource data and information to identify the key natural resources and management issues for the corridor. Facilitated the local advisory committee to create a vision for the future of the corridor and goals for the management plan. • Completed a management plan for the corridor, including specific strategies for natural area protection, resource restoration and management, financing options, and roles and responsibilities for partners who will implement the project. The Master Plan was adopted by the County Board. The County will work with an ongoing local advisory committee and natural resources organizations [o implement the project. Project Data • Recipient of the Metro Greenways Award in recognition of outstanding natural resource preservation efforts for current and future generations Bonestroo ~ Rosene Anderlik 6 Associates =ngineers n ArcM1itects Freitag Property Biological Survey Hastings, MN Bio/ogica/ Ecologica/ly S Survey Enables ound Site Selection The City of Hastings is an attractive, historic community on the Mississippi River that is growing steadily. In searching for a for a new wastewater treatment facility ro serve its growing population, the City, along with the Metropolitan Council, came up with ashort-list of four sites that included the 300-acre Freitag property. As a stakeholder in the planning effort, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources voiced concern on the unknown impact of an S- to 10-acre facility and associated access/utility corridors on habitat and wildlife populations at the undeveloped site. Since the Freitag property supports some high quality natural communities and is one of the few upland refuges in an extensive floodplain system, the MN DNR requested a biological survey of the property. The Metropolitan Council contracted with Bonestroo's Natural Resources Group in the summer of 2002 to complete the work. The biological survey included a floristic survey, plant community assessment, and herpetological, small mammal, bat, and breeding bird surveys. Bonestroo's in-house technical expertise, teamed with a mammologist from the University of Minnesota, resulted in the collection of the best possible data set. The project report was delivered in late July 2002, providing the City, MN DNR, and the Metropolitan Council with the accurate and complete information they needed to make an ecologically sound decision on whether the Freitag property would be an appropriate site for the new wastewater treatment plant. Both the MN DNR and the Metropolitan Council have held Bonestroo's biological survey of the Freitag property up as an example of how solid scientific data can contribute to sound planning for natural resources. Bonestroo o Rosene Anderlik & Associates Engineers & Architects Creenway Corridors and Natural Areas Plan Blaine, MN ~ .c _ ~~ "kr~~"k,4 _ a - ~~ ~~ . , ~ - i Greenway Provides Wi/d/ife Habitat Connections and Recreational Opportunities The City of Blaine completed a natural ilward resources inventory that identified a large Winner number of high-quality natural areas remaining in the City. Many of these are outside the current Metropolitan Urban Services Area (MUSH) boundary. Several include plant and animal species that are rare and endangered, and are of statewide significance. The City selected Bonestroo to link these natural areas with a system of greenways. The greenways provide habitat connections among the natural areas, and in some cases, incorporate trails to expand and link the City's existing trail system. We identified the existing drainage ditch system within the City as a key part of the greenway network. The ditch system links the key natural areas inside and outside Che City, such as Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area, the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, and major parks and wetlands within Blaine. Bonestroo's efforts succeeded in: • Identifying and mapping the greenway network, including habitat connections and recreational opportunities. • Facilitating a local advisory committee to identify and recommend the best system to the City. • Developing management recommendations for the corridors, including major road crossings and highest quality natural communities. • Developing management plans for several key natural areas within the City that are part of the greenway system. • Identifying funding resources to implement the plan. Blaine voters approved acity-wide referendum to purchase open spaces and implement the greenway plan. The City Council approved the greenway plan and began implementation immediately using funds from the open space referendum. Additional grant resources are being sought from the Minnesota DNR and others to purchase and restore significant resources within the greenway system. Project Data • Recipient of the Metro Greenways Award in recognition of outstanding natural resource preservation efforts for ~ eonestraa current and future generations ~ aosene gq Anderlik 6 ~~~~ Associates Enylnerrs S?r.MfeGs ~.latural Resources Inventory Red Wing MN for Full County Inventory The City of Red Wing is a largely undeveloped community noted for its access to regional bike trails, historic restaurants, enticing main street shops and its beautiful natural surroundings. When the City of Red Wing was presented with a proposal to develop a 450-acre medical campus and residential area, the City recognized the need to prepare for and accommodate growth while protecting and enhancing its natural resources. The City chose Bonestroo to conduct a natural resources study of 3,000 acres of undeveloped land, which included the site for the proposed campus. Using information provided by the Minnesota Historical Society, infrared photography and intense field surveys, Bonestroo's botanist and natural resources scientists gathered data on the existing quality of natural resources, rare species and cultural resources such as archaeological sites and historic buildings. This information was entered into a database that was then linked to a GIS system. The GIS system is a free- standing product that makes the information readily accessible to any staff member through ArcView. As a planning tool, the GIS component gives decision makers a comprehensive picture of an area, which provides greater assurances that they're making the right choices where development is concerned. In the case of the medical campus and residential development, the data helped the City relocate some of the roads and house pads to protect rare species. The success of this inventory, considered a pilot project by Goodhue County, has allowed the County to confidently request Bonestroo's involvement in a similar inventory for the rest of the county. Bonestroo 0 Rasene Anderiik & Associates Engineers 6 Architects Pilot Project's Success Sets Foundation Tare Plant Inventory and Management Plan Baraboo, Wl Locating Rare P/ant Species He/ps Ensure Protection The Badger Army Ammunition Plant, along with an advisory body, wanted to develop comprehensive natural resource management strategies for its 7,354-acre facility. Their objective was to protect, manage and restore rare plan[ species within the concept of ecosystem-based management. The Army chose Bonestroo to search for rare plant species initially found in 1993. Limited information was available on plant location, number of individual plants, and the plant populations" general condition. Bonestroo"s experienced botanists successfully located the rare plant species discovered earlier, and created a management plan to help ensure their protection. The munitions production facility is slated to be closed. A significant portion of the site will be managed as a wildlife refuge in the future, and the management plan will play an important role in this process. // ~/ Bonestroo ~Y®1 Rosene Anderlik S Associates Engineers 6 Archi[ees Prairie Stewardship Planning Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Customized Restoration Plans The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR~ began a program to provide private landowners with Prairie Stewardship Planning Assistance. The service is offered to those who own remnant prairie, have planted prairie, or are considering restoring prairie on their property. Bonestroo's Natural Resources team was chosen to provide this service. Prairie Stewardship Planning Assistance offers a wide variety of services not only for prairies, but for all other natural areas on a particular property. We customize restoration planning services to help landowners achieve their land use/resource protection goals while maintaining or improving the ecological integrity of the natural communities present. Our expertise in restoration and natural areas management includes: • Cost estimating for restoration activities • Prescribed burn plan creation • Haying and grazing plans • Wetland restoration • Forest stewardship planning As a final product, landowners receive a detailed and customized Prairie Stewardship Plan, educational material, and hands-on training. Our restoration ecologists have written Prairie Stewardship Plans for more than 7,500 acres of property since the program's inception in 2000. These restoration plans are routinely commended by MN DNR staff as being the best and most user friendly they have seen. • Plant community and floristic inventories • Restoration and management plans Bonestroo ® Rosene Anderlil< & Associates Fsgineers fi Architects Prairie Ste wardship Services Pro vide 1~~atural Resources Inventory Cottage Grove, MN Natural Resource Inventory Provides City with Valuable Land Use P/arming Tool Residents of this community have identified [he preservation of natural areas as inherent to their quality of life. To ensure these natural resources are protected in [he face of continued residential growth, the City sought information essential to effective land use planning. Bonestroo is providing that information through a natural resources inventory. Aninventory provides the City with technical information on the location and qualities of its natural resources used to help balance the preservation of natural resources with human needs. An ecosystem-based management approach was used that stressed management of the entire ecosystem as one unit by integrating natural communities into environmental corridors and open space. Wetlands: Wetland plant communities were inventoried for functional values including wildlife habitat, flood storage and water quality uses. A wetland plant species list was also compiled. Unique Natural Features: Remnant natural communities such as oak savanna (pictured above) and prairie, and areas high in aesthetic qualities, were identified and inventoried. These are important for wildlife habitat, including a threatened species of bird found in the area. wildlife: A census of wildlife species including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians was conducted. Key wildlife habitats were identified for protection and management. The inventory included: Foxes[ Areas: Different forest areas were identified using aerial photgraphy. Field data on density and species composition of trees, shrubs and ground cover species was collected. Bonestroo ~ Rosene Anderlik & ~,~. Associates Engineers 6 Archirecrs