9.B.3. PRSR 09 08 2004Page 1 of 2
ITEM i~9.B.3.
Mcpherson, Michele
From: Bockenstedt, Paul J [pbockenstedt@bonestroo.com]
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 8:29 AM
To: Mcpherson, Michele
Cc: Gould, Elizabeth R
Subject: FW: Ellk River Sportsman's Club field visit for Prairie Stewardship
Hi Michele,
Everything did go well. I have forwarded (below) the message I sent to Hannah Dunevitz of MN DNR a few
moments ago. The Club property is an amazing place!
Please call if you have more questions.
Thanks,
Paul
-----Original Message-----
From: Bockenstedt, Paul J
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 8:25 AM
To: 'Hannah Dunevitz'
Cc: 'Peter Buesseler'
Subject: Ellk River Sportsman's Club field visit for Prairie Stewardship
Hi Hannah,
I just wanted to give you a quick update on the Elk River Sportsman's Club hike yesterday at their annual picnic.
Liza Gould and I served as "interpretive guides' for the hike, with about 20 people attending. Our 45 minute hike
turned into 3 hours as we made a big loop around the property, going to about one third to one half of the
prairie/dune openings. Liza and I shared information about the ecology prairie, the special nature of sand dunes
in the area, and how ecologically important their piece of property is. Although we really couldn't roam around
looking for unusual things very much (I was reluctant because the Board at its June meeting specifically did not
approve a visit for an inventory), we still happened across 3 species of State Special Concern plants, in several
locations: beach heather Hudsonia tomentosa (2 populations), sea beach needle grass Aristida tuberculosa
(seemingly on every wind-disturbed sand face area), creeping juniper Juniperus horizontalis (3 populations). With
permission, I collected a stem of juniper and will submit it, along with sight record documentation to Welby as time
allows. An additional neat thing was to see purple milkwort Polygola polygama in full bloom, as we got to tell the
fun story about the subterranean flowers it bears.
One of the Board members (Walt) was along for the entire length of the hike. Walt is keenly aware of the value of
the natural areas on the property, as well as some of the management that would benefit prairie/savanna. He is
enthusiastic about natural areas and wilderness (he took notes during the whole walk), and will be an important
advocate/bridge to the Club Board.
While hiking, Walt and I talked about what the Club might be interested in doing to protect/manage natural areas
on their property. As a first step, Walt thought the Club Board would probably be open to the idea of having a
plant community inventory completed along GPS location of rare plants and any other significant features. I tried
to get a sense if they would be interested in having an inventory done yet this year, but he did not give me any
clear answer.
Walt and I also talked about some specific management activities such as brush clearing and prescribed burning.
Walt thought that the Club would be very open to the idea of conducting a prescribed burn, particularly in areas
where there would be demonstrable benefit to shooting sports facility maintenance. For example, burning the
area that includes the archery range could open the understory of the oak area (in addition to burning prairie).
8/16/2004
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Therefore, a burn to open the woods would be helpful to the archers. Another example would be to burn the large
bore rifle range (as part of a larger unit) as a way to keep brush down along its 600 yard length. Walt said that he
feels the Club would need outside assistance to conduct a burn (such as a MN DNR crew?), but he stressed Club
members should be involved in conducting it as [here are many members who like to be part of the "hands-on"
work that is done at the club and need to be involved to get buy-in.
I also mentioned the idea of Prairie Tax Exemption as their $6,000+ annual property tax bill is apparently a sore
point with many club members. However, Walt thought that many members are suspicious repeatedly stressed
taking things slow and looking for opportunities to "manage the shooting ranges" with natural areas also benefiting
for the short-term.
We gave George Minerich (Club President) a stack of books, booklets, and pamphlets to be available at the
Clubhouse for members to look through. I'll call George Minerich today to thank him for the opportunity to share
information about the prairie, and to see if they are interested in any additional assistance this fall or next spring.
Overall, the day seemed like another small step in the right direction. If you have any questions, please feel free
to call.
Thanks,
Paul
Paul Bockenstedt
P/ant/Restoration Ecologist
Bonestroo Natural Resources
2335 West Highway 36
St. Paul, MN 55113
651.604.4812
www.bonestroo.com
8/16/2004