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5.4. SR 02-23-2004
TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM Mayor and City Cou~ncil Michele McPherso ,~, Director of Planning February 23, 2004 Park and Recreation Commission Update Item # _5.4. Attachments Memo to the Mayor and City Cotmcil regarding Skate Park Equipment Contract Memo to the Mayor and City Council regarding Natural resources Inventory Consultant At the February 11th Park and Recreation Commission meeting, the agenda was relatively light. The Commission considered park dedication requirements for a proposed residential subdivision located south of the Elk River County Club, met with representatives from Orrin Thompson homes regarding a park requirements for a concept plan for a 700-unit residential subdivision in eastern Elk River, recommended awarding the contract to complete the Natural Resources Inventory, and discussed the Capital Improvements budget an¢ 2004 projects. Of note to the Council is a request to add $10,000 to the approved 2004 Capkal Improvements Budget for the installation of the basketball court in Highlands West Park. This item was not included in the 2004 Budget. Staff believes, however, that a contractor can complete this work in 2004 and would support the Commission's recommendation to increase the budget. Anticipated revenues in 2004 will far exceed the proposed expenditures. The approval of Elk River Station 2na Addition will include a park dedication payment of approximately $382,000. The attached memos outline additional actions required by the Council regarding the skate park equipment contract, as well as hiring a consultant to complete the Greenways/Natural Resources Inventory. S:\PLANNINGUMichele McPherson\PARKNREC\Council Updates\02 23 04 P & R Update.doc MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: S U BJ ECT: Mayor and City Council Chris Leeseberg, Planner February 23, 2004 Award Skate Park Equipment Contract Attachments · Trueride Bid · Specification Comparison Chart · Park Layout Overview On January 20, 2004 the City Council approved the 2004 Park Capital Improvements Budget. That budget included $50,000 for the purchase of skatepark equipment. With the $12,775 raised by local youth, a total of $62,775 is available for the purchase of equipment. Request Following the City's purchasing guidelines, the project was bid. Bids were open February 18, 2004. Two bids were received: Trueride: American Ramp Company (ARC) $62,668.55 $49,826.43 While the bid from Trueride is higher, an analysis of the bids shows that ARC is a non compliant bidder (see attached comparison). The Trueride bid is within the amount available for expenditure. Recommendation Staff recommends that the City Council declare ARC a non-compliant bidder and award the skatepark contract to Trueride for $62,668.55. Specification Comparison Chart Trueride ARC Specified Differences Ramp Widths 6' or less 6' 8' Substrate 3/4" flexible co-polymer substrate 3/4" 1/2" Coping with 6" grind plate 6" 5" 1/4" thick galvanized angle iron on grind edges 1/4" 3/16" & not galvanized Horizontal Safety Railing Horizontal Vertical Ramp depth of 6-feet at 'B' 6' 4' References similar in size & scope Yes No List of deviations from spec N/A No Reference drawing MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor and City Council Michele McPherso~rector of Planning February 23, 2004 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 20th, the City 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 Park and Recreation 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 3fa. 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 darity of the proposal and the number of public and Memo to Mayor and City Council Natural Resources Inventory February 23, 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: ConStant Cost Length of Project Clarity of Number of Public PropOsal and Commission 1-10 I ( ) Meetings Bart 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 mtgs Peterson $48,980 March-October 2 Three Environmental 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. Park and Recreation Commission Action At the recommendation of the Greenway Subcommittee, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Council hire Bonestroo and Association to complete the Greenway/Namral Resources Inventory. Recommendation Staff and the Park and Recreation 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 and the Commission, 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. The suggested funding source for this project is Council Contingency, as it is not an eligible expense under Park Dedication. S:\PLANNING\Parks\GreenwaysUMemos\2 23 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 Prov/de information for parks, open space, trails and greenway planning Timeline Proposals are to be returned no later than 12:00 p.m. on January 20, 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 City of Elk River is located north and west of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. A City with a landmass of 44 square miles~ it is located in Townships 32 and 33, Range 26 in Sherburne County. Elk River is the Sherbume County Seat and has, in the last 10 years, experienced four percent growth annually. Attachments · Community Context, Draft 2004 Comprehensive Plan · Map Illustrating Vacant Lands · Map Illustrating Residential Lands Five acres or Greater Required Tasks The NRI will be completed on all public lands (City, County and School District), all private, undeveloped lands both inside and outside the City's Urban Service District, and on all residential 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 RFP Outline, Natural Resources Inventory December 19, 2003 Page 2 Significant or sensitive native plant communities in both upland and lowland areas Ecological landscapes using the Ecological Classification System Endangered, threatened, or spedal concern species Invasive-exotic species Game and non-game wildlife and wildlife habitat 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 kills, 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 The native plant community inventory should include use of the Minnesota County Biological Survey and be ranked using The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System, Level 5. The inventory should utilize :infrared aerial photo/digital orthoquads and field checking of data. Products/Deliverables The inventory shall be submitted as a series of Geographic Information Systems maps aligned to Sherburne County coordinates. Databases shall be Arclnfo/ArcView compatible. Maps should be identified in independent layers: Landcover type, each polygon uniquely identified Soils, by type Wetlands by type as defined by the Natural Heritage methodology 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 RFP Outline, Natural Resources Inventory December 19, 2003 Page 3 High priority lands for public acquisition Suggested changes to the subdivision requirements, both cluster and standard Evaluation of parcels well suited for cluster versus standard subdivisions Identify lands to be conserved/protected/recommended to the SNA program Proposal Requirements 1 Firm Description 2 Project Understanding 3 Project Approach 4 Project Team - include team members and their related role on the project. Describe their experience with this type of project and relevant studies for all personnel. 5 Work Program and Cost of Service 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. ii) Clearly state the deliverables for each phase of the project. Alternate Tasks - 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 City to decide whether those additional tasks should be undertaken. The consultant will be responsible for facilitating meetings with the public and Park and Recreation Commission and for taking/distributing minutes for all meetings throughout the planning effort. Project Schedule - the Park and Recreation Commission will be the advisory board for the NRI project. The Commission meets the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. The work program should reflect this meeting schedule. Relevant Experience - prOvide graphic and text descriptions of past projects that demonstrate your firm's ability to accomplish the tasks outlined in the RFP. Include dates of the project, and identify which team members participated in the project. References - provide a minimum of three references. Relevant references should include a project description, your firm's role in the project, date of service, project cost, and contact information. Evaluation Criteria The proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria: Project Understanding RFP Outline, Natural Resources Inventory December 19, 2003 Page 4 Relevant Experience Project Approach · Cost of Service · Clarity of Proposal A short list of successful firms will be interviewed by a subcommittee of the Park and Recreation Commission. February 3, 2004 has been selected as the interview date. Interviews will begin at 5:00 p.m. Successful firms will be contacted by January 27, 2004 with a specific interview time and format. ,~ Bonestroo Rosene ~-~ ,~ Anderlik & Associates Engineers & Architects January 19,2004 Michelle McPherson Director of Planning City Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and Employee Owned Pritlcipals: Otto G. ~3onestroo, RE · Marvin L. Sorva~a, RE · Glenn R. Cool<, DE · Robert G Schunlcht, RE, · Jerry A Bourdon, PE. · Marl< A Hanson, PE. Senior Consultants: Robert W. Rosene, RE. · Joseph C. Anderlik, RE · Richard E Turner, RE · Susan M Eberlin, C.RA Associate Principals: Keith A Gordon, P.E · Robert R Pfefferre. RE · Richard W Foster. PE · [David ©. Losl<ota, RE. · Mici~ael T. Rautmann, RE · Ted K Field, PE . Kenneth R Anderson, PE . Marl< R Rolls, RE · David A Bonestroo, M B.A · Sidney P k~/illiamSOnr I~E, LS · Agnes M. ~incj, MB A . Allan Rick Schmidt. RE. · Thomas ~/ Reterson, RE · James R. Maland, PE · Miles 13. Jensen, RE · L Phillip Gravel III, RE · Daniel J. Edgerton. RE. · Ismael Martinez, RE. · ThomasA. SyfkOr PE. Sheldon J. Johnson. Dale A Grove, RE . ThomasA Roushar, PE.. Robert J. Devery, RE. Offices: St Paul, St Cloud, Rochester and V(/illrnarr MN - Milwaukee WI · Chicago. IL ~](/eb$it e: www. Donestroo.c0Fn RE: Successful and timely completion of the Elk River Natural Resources Inventory Dear Michelle: After reviewing your Request for iProposals, 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 natural resources inventory. Our team will provide you with accurate 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 natural resource scientists in 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 natural 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, BON~, INC. Pafll J. Bo/e'ker)X[edt Senior F/5ologist Bonestroo Natural Resources 2335 ~/est Highway 36 ~ St. Paul, MN 55113 ~ 651-636-4600 ~ Fax: 651-636-1311 Proposal Professional Consulting Services Natural Resources Inventory Presented to: Michele McPherson Director of Planning City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik & Associates 2335 West Highway 36 St. Paul, MN 55113 Phone: (651) 636-4600 Fax: (651) 636-1311 Website: www. bonestroo.com Contact Person: Paul Bockenstedt Project Manager Phone: (651) 604-4812 E-mail: pbockenstedt@bonestroo.com January 20, 2004 Table o£ Con~ent$ Firm Description .................................................. 1 Project Understanding ......................................... 2 Project Approach ................................................. 3 Work Plan ............................................................ 4 Schedule ................................................................... 10 Cost of Service .......................................................... 1 1 Project Team ...................................................... 12 References ......................................................... 14 Relevant Experience ........................................... 1 7 F/rn Oe$cr/p t/on 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 to 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. Natural Resources Inventooz Proje cz Un dersmn A natura/resources inventooz is a key component of_your planning efforts.. Project Understanding The City of Elk River lies along the Mississippi River, within the quickly developing corridor between the Twin Cities and St. Cloud. Elk River is host to a range of desirable natural features, including unique landforms, 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 likely to continue or, more likely, increase as the corridor between the Twin Cities and St 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 Elk River will be a tool to effectively manage and protect natural resources from development while allowing growth. ~. Ci~y of Elk River ~, ~ /Vatural Resources/nventor)/ Project Approa Project Approach Our team will emphasize an ecosystem-based perspective combined with a practical, implementable 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] C/t)/ of £1k f~lvef ~ tVaturat t~esource$ /nventory · Yorl< ?ro ram Existing natural resource information will allow us to bezier £arget our field vi$i£5. Q 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 Park and Recreation Commission and public meetings. Deliverable: · Meeting with City staff/Park and Recreation Commission Q Task 2: Assemble Existing Information March-April 2004 We will gather and organize relevant natural resource information to 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 sist us in obtaining the most recent black and white ~r~a-~'l-~aotography for the study area to enable accurate mapping later in the project. Q 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 that either occur within or intersect the boundaries of parcets 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 ~ ,~latural/~esou£cez/nven~oz~/ A public information meeting lets landowners/earn about the project. recordi~g. 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 :~004 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-invento 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 NI~I/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 ~ Ci~ of Elk RIver ~ ~ Natural Resources/nvencom/ areas grea£er ~han fi'ye acres where prope~./ access i$ gran£e~i [] Task 6' Field Inventor 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, ~ve 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 wifl 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 metl~odologies employed by the DNR Naturat Heritage Program, County Biological Survey to determine naturat community type and quality. These methods are consistent with and fult¥ 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 · I~are species · Exotic/invasive 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 the 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. Task ?: MLCCS Digitizing and Data Entr MLC C S Mapping and Data Entr Natural and semi-natural land cover polygons will be digitized and coded in Arc¥iew GIS software at the most detailed MLCCS level possible for a particular r~atural or semi-natural community type. Whenever ~ C/O/of Elk i~iver possible, this will be to Level $. However, Level 5 codes do not exist for every cover type. In these situations, MLCCS coding will be done to the higt~est level available, or to the highest tevet of accuracy permitted by the level of property access. We will complete preliminary mapping, field checking and final digitizing according to standards and procedures outlined in the MN DNR publication/Winne$o£a/and Cover C/a$$i£ication System ?raininL7 Manual, Version 5.2. 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 be an 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 normative 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 Nationat Wettand Inventory and as defined by MN DNR Natural Heritage classification) · Agricultural lands, by productivity (as available from NRCS or other) · Lands within CRP (as 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) .f~ C/O; of ~Clk £/ver ~] Alatura/ Resources /nvento.r~ O 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 Iow 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 (based 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 O Task 9: Report Creation Presentation October-December 2004 and Draft Report 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 ~m~odology , Natural rZ~-~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 Park and Recreation Commission members to review the document. We will present the draft NRI report at the December 8, 2004, Park and Recreation Commission meeting. At this time, we will ask for input from City staff and Park 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 ~ City of Elk River ~,~ Natural £e$ource~ /nvento.r~ 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 finat 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 ~ Tasl( 1 0 - Presentation of Findings Janua~/February 2005 We propose that the final report be presented to the Park 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 want 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 at Open House · Presentation of NRI to City Council meeting. ~ C/~ of El, e/e/ver ~ /Va£ur,?/.eesourc_=s ? roje ct e ule City of Ell< River - Natural Resources Inventory Task MarchI Apr I MaY I Jun* JuJy ^ug Sep,t,,, Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb 1 -Project Initiation ~Project Initiation Meeting 2-~semble Information ~ ~ 3-P~oto Interpretation -Landowner Contact~ ~ 4 5-Public Meeting ~ ~ ~ Public Open House 7-Digitizing/Data Ent~ ~ ~.~a~ ~ 8-Ordinance Review ~'~'_~t~' 9 Repo~ Creatio Dral ~yr~seotat~, ~ ~ · ,, : . ..... ~' ~... ¥ . ,~ i ~ i I - 10-Present Final Report Presentation of Findings to Commission, Public, and Ci~ Council~ ~ "; ..... '"" I I' ' I I I I I Rosene Anderlik & Associates El<.ivel- E.,,..... &Architects Cost o£ Service ~ Staff ~ Paul Total Task ! Bockenstedt Liza Gould Hart Gilchrist hours 1 Project Initiation :; 8 4 2 14 2 Assemble Existing Information 2 8 2 12 3 Aerial Photo Interpretati0in 8 24 0 32 ¢ 2 6 0 8 4 Landowner Contact 5 Public Open House ,, 8 8 1 17 6 Field Inventory 48 78 1 127 7 MLCCS Digitizing and D~ta Entry 22 70 6 98 Parcel Evaluation 20 2 0 22 8 Ordinance Review and Report' C~eation and Draft-- Report 18 36 0 54 · 9 Presentation 10 Presentation of FindingsI 20 16 3 39 Total hours 156 252 15 423 ! Hourly Rate $78 $74 $76 :~ Labor Cost 12168 18648 1140 31956 ; Miscellaneous : Expenses i: Mileage 600 Printing, ' Plotting, ,, Photocopying, : Binding 449 :: Color Infrared , Photographs ,, (5O @ $8.5O , ea.) 425 ~ TOTAL PROPOSED COST 33430 /.~ C/O/ of E/,~' f'Elvef ~',i~ tVatorat Pesources ?roje ct Tea m 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 I 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 19C)0s 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, M.A., is a senior plant/restoration ecologist with Bonestroo. He will serve as project manager for the Elk River Township Natural Resources Inventory. As such, he will be involved in the field work, facilitate and present at 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 management/restoration 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 Elk 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 .~ City of Elk ,'e/ver ~2 ~, ]'~ Narura/ 5'esources /nventoo; 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.$., M.$. in progre~ 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 I~iver NI~I, 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?~ILCCS projects with Paul, John and Liza in the past ten years and demonstrates remarkable efficiency in completing his work. of E/,~ IEIvef Resources Pmu! J. Bocl en, PlanURestoration Ecologist E] Education University of Northern iowa M.A. Biology -- 2002 University of Dubuque Bachelor of Science, Environmental Sciences -- 1989 n Professional Organizations Society for Ecological Restoration Natural Areas Association Vegetation Management Association of Minnesota Minnesota Native Plant Society Wetland Delineators Association, MN Iowa Native Plant Society Iowa Prairie Network Illinois Native Plant Society E3 Training Plants for Stormwater Design 2003 - MN Erosion Control Assoc./MN Pollution Control Agency Iowa CarexWorkshop, 2002 -Iowa State University C'arezof NW/NC Minnesota: Taxonomy and Ecology, 2002 - Bemidji State University Riparian Management, 2001 -- Iowa State University 1987 COE Manual Wetland Delineation Training -- Richard Chinn Environmental Training tedt Mr. Bockenstedt is a Plant/Restoration Ecologist in Bonestroo's Water Resources Group. Paul has worked the natural resource field since 1983 and, before joining Bonestroo worked at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. At Bonestroo Paul identifies inventories, manages, and restores a wide variety of natural areas. A few of~ the projects that Paul has worked on in the last 6 years include: E] Natural Resources Inventories . NRI/Minnesota Land Cover Classification System mapping for 22 communities in Twin Cities metro area 2000-2004 · Natural Resources Inventories (others in MAll: Inver Grove Heights, Chaska, Red Wing, Savage, Roseville, Brooklyn Park, Inver Grove Heights, Chaska, Lower Wells Creek Watershed, New Market Township, Rochester, Independence Iowa DNR -- Crossman Prairie State Preserve 2003; Wapsipinicon River Corridor Botanical Survey Clinton and Scott Counties 2002 · MN DNR -- Lyle-Austin Wildlife Management Area Prairie Inventory and Rare Plant Search · MN DNR State Parks Natural Resources Inventories- Afton, William O'Brien, Frontenac, Nerstrand Big Woods, and Sakatah Lake State ParKs, MN · Badger Army Ammunition Plant, Baraboo, WI -- Rare Plant Inventory and Management Plan · Olmsted County, MN -- Roads CIP Natural Areas/Corridors · Dodge Count]/, MN -- Roadside Prairie Inventory Goodhue County, MN ~ Project Manager and primary field t)iologist for countywide inventory of natural communities, rare plants, and sensitive resources (complements 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 rein orchid searches · Wetland inventories -- Carver, Rochester, Brooklyn Park, Orono, Farmington, Chaska, South Washington Watershed District, William O'Brien State Park, Maple Grove ~ Roseville, MN Parks - Comprehensive Natural Resource Inventory and Management Plans for five City parks gl Natural Areas Management/Planning · Blaine, MN -- Laddie Lake Park and Pioneer Park Restoration and Management Plans · MN Pollution Control Agency-- Sunfish Lake Oak Savanna Inventory and Management Plan, Ramsey, MN · Woodbury, MN -- Marsh Creek Savanna, and Hasent)ank Woods Restoration and Management Plans · MN DNR -- Prairie Stewardship Plan creation for private landowners throughout southern MN Maplewood, MN -- Beaver Creek Corridor Restoration and Management Plan Stillwater, MAI -- Brown's Creek Nature Preserve Restoration and Management Plan ]Bonestroo Rosene Anderlik & Associates Engineers & Architects Elizab e R. uid BotanisU?lant Ecologi$ Q Education University of Minnesota Bachelor of Science, Plant Biology -- 1997 l:3 Professional Organizations Minnesota Native Plant Society Society for Ecological Restoration Wisconsin Wetlands Association Wetland Delineators Association Vegetation Management Association of Minnesota Iowa Native Plant Society Prairie Enthusiasts Q Training Introduction to ArcVIEW 3.x, 2001 Microsoft Access, 2003 MnRAM for Wetland Assessment, version 3.0, 2003 1987 COE Manual ~'etland Delineation Training, MN Board of Water and Soil Resources, 2001 MLCCS Training, Bart Richardson MN DNR 2002 Minnesota Asters and Goldenrods workshop: Maplewood Nature Center, 2001 Iowa Ca/'exWorkshop, 2002- Iowa State University Carexof North-western & North - central Minnesota, 2002--Bemidji State University Grasses of Minnesota's Northern Forests and Prairies. 2003--Bemidji State University Ms. Gould joined Bonestroo's Water and Natural Resources Group in 2001, 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 educator. At Bonestroo, she specializes in natural resource inventories, T & E species work, Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) mapping, and related GIS/mapping projects. CI Natural Resource Inventories, Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) Mapping, and Rare Plant Surveys Since coming to Bonestroo, Lisa has worked on various additional Natural Resource Inventory and MLCCS mapping projects. Examples include: · Alton, MN -- State Park Natural Resource Inventory · Sakatah Lake State Park -- State Park Natural Resource Inventory · Nerstrand Big ~'oods State Park--State Park Natural Resource Inventory and Management Plan · Elko-New Market Township, Scott County MN - Natural Resources Inventory and MLCCS Mapping Hennepin Conservation District--City of Independence Township wide Natural Resource Inventory and MLCCS Mapping · Hennepin County Department of Environmental Assistance--Natural Resource Inventory and MLCCS mapping for 5 Townships/l 8 Cities in Hennepin County · Metropolitan Council -- Botanical and small mammal survey for Hastings Wastewater Treatment Plant Site · Trunk Highway 38 between Grand Rapids and Effie - Rare species search/relocation project and wetland delineation · City of Roseville, MN -- Natural Resources Inventory and MLCCS Mapping · Chequamegon National Forest, WI -- Rare plant search for Great Lakes Gas transmission line: 2001 and 2002 recoat projects · Mille Lacs, MN -- Rare plant search for Wealthwood Estates · Prairie Stewardship Planning Assistance -- For private landowners in southern and eastern Minnesota 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 EImo 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 Resources Inventory and MLCCS mapping in natural areas* *L~v'hile employed by others JBonestroo Rosene Anderlik & Associates Engineers & Architects John £. Smyth IX/ater Resource Spec/a//st n Education University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Bachelor of Science, Water Resources -- 1992 Emphasis in Limnology and Aquatic Toxicology ~ Professional Organizations Consulting Engineers Council of Minnesota - Wetlands Subcommittee Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Plan Work Team Society of Wetland Scientists Minnesota Delineation Association He also serves on the Mitigation Banking Committee for the state of Minnesota Wetland Planning efforts. El Training Wetland Delineation Applied Biogeotechnology: Using Vegetation and Structures to Control Erosion, Protect Slopes and Restore Environmental Quality Delineation of Problem & Disturbed Wetlands Creating Wetlands for Habitat Enhancement and Mitigation Wetland Plant Identification Wetland Soils and Hydrology Streambank Bioengineering: A Hands-on Experience Streambank Stabilization (A-Jacks Certification) Mr. Smyth is a Water Resource Specialist with extensive experience in wetland and t)io-engineering/erosion control projects. John's wetland experience includes inventories/evaiuati0ns, design, delineations, and Wetland Conservation Act technical support. Natural Resources Inventories Cottage Grove, MN Woodbury, MN Chaska, MN Red Wing, MN Inver Grove Heights, MN IAUAR) (/etland Inventories/Evaluations and Ordinance Development Brooklyn Park, MN Delano, MN Wayzata, MN Roseville, MN Farmington, MN Woodbury, MN South Washington Watershed District Chanhassen, MN (Bluff Creek) John has completed wetland inventories/evaluations for 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. John managed and/or completed wetland inventories for: · · Rosemount, MN · · Chaska, MN · · Champlin, MN · · Franklin, WI · · Hazeltine- Bavaria WMO · (Chaska) · · Oak Park Heights, MN · Orono, MN · · Carver, MN E:I Wetland Delineations and Permits John is responsible for most of the delineations and permits completed as part of our municipal projects. A sample of his delineation and permit experience includes: 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 · Carver County -- County Rd 18 · Chisago County -- Highway 8 · Chaska, MN -- Chaska Tovvn Golf Course · Chaska, MN -- County Rd 117 · Chaska, MN-- State-aid Highway 18 · 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 Perm it · Delano, MN --Johnson Street Bonestroo Rosene Anderlik & Associates Engineers & Architects Hart Spedal/st E] Education University of Minnesota Gradua[e 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 GtS team, Hart is a project manager responsible for all aspects of maintaining a GtS, including: · System administration · Marketing efforts ~ Database management · Application Development & · GIS consulting Soft~vare Programming Hart is responsible for producing custom applications AutoCAD, ArcView and Arc21nfo drawings and databases, including city and township base maps, wetland mitigation maps, and storm and sanitary sewer plans. Project Experience · 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 (SW~D) -- Hart produced a summary map for the SW'A/D 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 Creel( 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 Iow 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 (DOQ's), digital elevation models (DEM's), geological, county, and private data were all acquired, converted to 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 least disruptive interceptor alignments. · Sherl~urne County, MN -- Hart served as 13onestroo's point man on Sherbume County's Uvonia 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 ],800 parcels in 29 sections of Livonia Township from the County's dataset. Hart worked with County staff to 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 I£.4 miles of TH 23 between these two Minnesota cities. Design was completed ~/li Bonestroo in fall i 999. Construction was completed in fall 2000 at a ~ Rosene cost of $3.4 million. ~ Anderlik & ~Ji Associates Engineers & Architects Ecologists from Bonestroo Natural Resources have assisted cities, townships, counties, and state Departments of Natural Resources in the upper Midwest with inventories of over 1 million acres of land since 1995. Recent projects similar in nature to yours are listed below, as well as on the following pages. Hennepin County MLCCS Bonestroo completed an MLCCS/NRI project for Hennepin County Environmental Services for the City of Independence in January 2004. Bonestroo is currently working on MLCCS/NRI projects for 18 cities in Hennepin County, totaling over 108,000 acres. Contact Information: Dave Thill, Conservation Specialist Hennepin County Environmental Services 417 North Fifth Street, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401-1397 (612) 348-0 i 24 Team members: Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould Elko-New Market MLCCS/Natural Resources Inventory Bonestroo completed an MLCCS/NRI project of the City of Elko-New Market and New Market Township for the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services. We completed these projects on an accelerated time schedule and included numerous public meetings, planning elements and one-on-one meetings with landowners. The project was initiated in September 2001, with a final report in April 2003. Contact information: Bob Callary Metropolitan Council Mears Park Center 230 E 5th St. St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 602- l 176 Team members: Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould, Hart Gilchrist 14 ~ C/ty of E/,~ ~ Natural ~Te$ource$ fnventoo/ ~ Roseville Natural Resource Inventor~ and Management Plan Bonestroo completed detailed field inventories for natura~ areas within five select parks in the City of Roseville, as weft 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 55113 (651) 775-3519 Team members: Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould, Hart Gilchrist ~1 Goodhue Count~ Natural Resources lnventor~ This project included inventory of natural areas across all of Goodhue County, Minnesota (488,330 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 (651) 385-3107 Team members: Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould ~1 MN DNR State Park Natural Areas Inventories Pau~ 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. 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 ~ C/t2/of E/,e Fe/ver 15 ~] lVa£ur~/ Resources Inventory Q Brooklyn Park NRI Bonestroo completed a customized wetland and upland Natural Resource Inventory for the undeveloped portions of Brooklyn Park in 1999-2000 that included assessment of wetlands using MnRAM and uplands using tf~e MN DNR Natural Heritage methodology. The finat 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 $19,500. Contact information: Jay Lott~ammer, Program Supervisor Recreation & Parks Department City of Brooklyn Park 5600 85th Ave. N. Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 (763) 493-8345 Team members: Paul Bockenstedt, John Smytl% Hart Gilchrist 16 .,~ C/ty of Elk I~lver ~]~ Na£ural ~e$our¢o$ Inventory £e£erences 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, Alton, 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. ~'~ C/ty o£ EIk R/ver ~ Natural Resources in ven~ory 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. ~ Natura/ Resources /n ventor¥ Relevant Exp rience 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 23O E 5th St. St. Paul, MN 55101 651.602.1176 Team Members: Paul Bockenstedt, Liza Gould, Hart Gilchrist J.~'~. C/ty of Elk R/ver ~] Natura/ Resources In ventory 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 o£ E/k River NaCura/ Resources inventory 2 Natural Resources Inventory and ML CCS Mapping Hennepin County, MN Blnno vative Methods Honor udge t and Time Constraints I ~/hile extensive areas of rural lar~d, natural areas, and Bonestroo began the preliminary mapping work as soon open space persist in the northerrLt and western portions as the contract was signed. Within two months, of Hennepin County, rapid develo pressure on remaining natural res, strain, as well as the benefit of m, and open space in the landscape, Conservation District (and now th Department of Environmental Set complete natural resource invent( Land Cover Classification System Hennepin County cities. The resul mapping data serves as a founda! corridor, wetland restoration, and In mid- summer 2003, the County inventories of 18 cities (nearly 108, Hennepin County. The County ch~ ~ment is putting ~urces. Recognizing this !intaining natural areas :he Hennepin ] Hennepin County /ices) has worked to ties and Minnesota VILCCS) mapping in :ing inventory and on for open space, other planning work. received a grant to )00 acres)in western ~se Bonestroo as a consultant that could meet their c ~ceptionally high quality standards. Bonestroo offer'ed sufficient staff and the necessary knowledge, skill and experience to get begin the project quickly and complete it within the grant-imposed timeframe. preliminary mapping and field checking for phase I 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 I of the project, before turning the data layer over to the client. In order to accommodate the high quality standard required by the client as well as the lean budget for the project, we implemented several innovations on the project: · Sharing responsibility for the final report creation with the client · Using a multi-faceted approach to developing the map layer, using both Arc¥1EW and AutoCAD As a result of these innovations, the project is on track to finish on budget and ahead of schedule. Bonestroo Rosene -~ Anderlil( & Associates_ Engineers & ,a, rchitects I latural Resource Inventory Roseville, MN Natural Resource Inventory Aids Planning. Helps Maintain Ouality of Life by Preserving Parks The citizens of Roseville have a s~rong interest in maintaining their quality of life, a~d for many of them, this is linked to the natural areas i~ the City. Roseville City staff recognized this, and realized that to manage their natural resources effectively, ithey needed to have a I k specif c p an City officials and Bo~estroo staff wor ed to secure DNR. funding for both al~comprehensive natural resource inventory of five city patks, and Minnesota Land Cover Classification System fMLCCS) coverage of the entire City. Bonestroo's team of restoration eCologists/botanists, wetland scientists, limnologists, a~d GIS specialists worked together to evaluate wetlands, upland communities, stormwater ponds, ~nd lakes within the five parks, including: · A full inventory of woodlandsi forests, prairies, and other upland habitats that eval~Jated recreational usage, invasive/exotic species Concerns, existing plant species (including potential forlrare plant populations), and target plant communities. · /~ comprehensive assessment Of wetlands that addressed plant community quality, hydrologic alterations, and restoration recommendations, as well as storm water issues. This phase also included a review of stormwater 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 (uplands, wetlands, and lakes), a list of site-specific management recommendations including timelines, estimated management activity costs, and priority rankings. 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 their resources and lists options for improving them -- along with concrete, practical directions for ~/1;~ Bonestroo implementing those improvements. ~ Rosene ~ Anderlik & ~ Associates_ ~ngineers & Architects ]atural Communities Inventory Goodhue County, MN Inventory Guides Land Use Planning. Zoning and NatUral I?e$ource$ Protection Efforts Situated between the continuall) Twin Cities and Rochester, GoodP protect its natural resources in thc development. The County chose an inventory of the natural comr Wells Creek Watershed. growing areas of the Je County set out to face of impending lonestroo to conduct unities in the Lower This project came with an extreml;ly aggressive schedule. Bonestroo also helped 1 crite the Conservation Partners Grant that helped fund tlle inventory. The Lower Wells Creek Watershe inventory became the first phase of a much larger project that Bonestroo began. In the second phase, the Q~tural communities for all of Goodhue County - more tllian 488,000 acres of land -- have been inventoried. Tht~ is one of the largest inventories ever to be conducted lin the Upper Midwest by a private company. Bonestroo's services included: · Infrared aerial photo delineation · On-the-ground inventory of naltural communities and rare species · 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 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 to diversify the local agricultural economy and strengthen the integrity of existing natural communities. .Ronestroo Rosene Anderlil( & Associates Engineers & Ardlitects Greenway Corridor Master Plan Anol(a County, MN Grant Pt Gree ctThe Cedar Creek Green~ in north central Anoka C includes 6.5 miles of cre( 9,000 acres that constitb The corridor has been i Minnesota DNR as on~ quality natural areas r les Metro Area. The Program granted funds to complete a greenways stUdy and We worked with a 20-member loc to complete the master plan. The c representatives of the County's Pa, Department, cities of Oak Grove a, of Minnesota Cedar Creek Natural Conservation District, Watershed I~ Organizations, and landowners an advisory committee including the resource agencies also participatedl ograrn Helps County Complete nway Corridor Master Plan ,ay Corridor is located )unty. The corridor k, and approximately :e its watershed area. lentified by the of the highest !maining in the Twin Metro Greenways noka County to ]anagement plan. advisory committee )mmittee included ks and Recreation ~d Andover, University ~rea, Anoka anagement 1 citizens. A technical )NR and other natural · 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 to 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: ~ · Gathered and analyzed natural resource data and information to identify the key natural resources and management issues for the corridor. /~ 13onestroo Rosene Anderlik & Associates _ Engineers & A~rchitects Freitag Property Biological Survey Hastings, MN The 300-acre Freitag property in Hastings supports some high quafity natural communities and is one of the area's few upland refuges in an extensive floodplain system. B Ecok The City of Hastings is an attracti on the Mississippi River that is gro' searching for a for a new wastew to serve its growing population, ti Metropolitan Council, came up wi sites that included the 300-acre Fr 'e, historic community ving steadily. In ~ter treatment facility e City, along with the h a short-list of four .~itag property. As a stakeholder in the planning ( ~fort, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources voiced concern on the unknown impact of an 8- tolC .acre facility and associated access/utility corridors on habitat and wildlife populations the undevdfoped site. Since the at Freitag property supports some high quality natural communities and is one of the fe~v upland refuges in an extensive floodplain system, tl~e MN DNR requested a biological survey of the property. I! I The Metropolitan Council contracted with Bonestroo's Natural Resources Group in the summer of 2002 to complete the work. The biologicallsurvey included a floristic survey, plant community a~ssessment, and iological Survey Enables ,gically Sound Site Selection 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. JBonestroo Rosene Anderlik & Associates Engineers & Arctlitects~ · reenway Corridors and Natural Areas Plan Blaine, MN Provides /ildlif e Habitat ConnectiOns and Necreational Opportunities eted a natural identified a large atural areas remaining .~ are outside the ban Services Area ,~ral include plant and rare and ~tewide significance. these natural areas reenways provide :ural areas, and in The City of Blaine comp resources inventory thai number of high-quality ~ in the City. Many of the~ current Metropolitan U (MUSA) boundary. Se~ animal species that ar endangered, and are of sl The City selected Bonestroo to lin, with a system of greenways. The habitat connections among the some cases, incorporate trails to e; pand and link the City's existing trail system. We identified the existing drainag~ the City as a key part of the greet ditch system links the key natural ~ outside the City, such as Carlos Av Management Area, the Rice Creek ditch system within ~vay network. The teas inside and !ry Wildlife Chain of Lakes, and major parks and wetlands within I~ilaine. I i Bonestroo's efforts succeeded in: i · 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 a city-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 ~ Bonestroo current and future generations ~z~ ~osene Anderlik & Associates _ Re$ource Inventory Red ~v'ing, MN Pilot PrOject's Success Sets Foundation fO Inventory r Full Countyi The City of Red Wing is a largely u~developed community This information was entered into a database that was noted for its access to regional bik~trails, historic then linked to a GIS system. The GIS system is a free- restaurants, enticing main street sh~ps and its beautiful standing product that makes the information readily natural surroundings. When the Cit~' of Red Wing was presented with a proposal to devel~)p a 450-acre medical campus and residential area, the CiI~ recognized the need to prepare for and accommodate ~rowth while protecting and enhancing its natural resourceS. The City chose Bonestroo to cone study of 3,000 acres of undevelo[ included the site for the proposec information provided by the Minn Society, infrared photography ant Bonestroo's botanist and natural r gathered data on the existing qu~ resources, rare species and cultur~ uct a natural resources ed land, which campus. Using .~sota Historical intense field surveys, ~sources scientists :ity of natural resources such as archaeological sites and historic b~ildings. 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 Rosene ~-m Andedik & ~ Associates Engineers & Architects iRare Plant Inventory and Management Plan ~ Baraboo, WI LOCating I?are Plant Species Helps Ensure Protection The Badger Army Ammunition F advisory bo0y, wanted to devel¢ natural resource management stt 7,354-acre facility. Their objective manage and restore rare plant si: concept of ecosystem-based ma~ ant, along with an ) comprehensive ]tegies for its was to pr~otect, .~cies within the agement. The Army chose Bonestroo to search for ~are plant species initially found in 1993. Limited information was available on plant location, number of individual plants, and the plant populations' generSI 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. Borlestroo Rosene Anderlik & Associates- Engineers & Architects ?rairie Ste wardship Planning Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Prairie Stewardship Services Provide CuStorni edi l'?estoration ?lsn$ The Minnesota Department of N~ DNR) began a program to provide with Prairie Stewardship Planning is offered to those who own remr planted prairie, or are considering their property. Bonestroo's Natural chosen to provide this service. Prairie Stewardship Planning Assis; variety of services not only for pr~ natural areas on a particular prop~ restoration planning services to hz their land use/resource protectior maintaining or improving the ecol natural communities present. Our expertise in restoration and n management includes: · Plant community and floristic in · Restoration and management pi :ural Resources (MN ~rivate landowners ~ssistance. The service ant prairie, have 'estoring prairie on Resources team was _ance offers a wide iries, but for all other ~ty. We customize Ip landowners achieve goals while )gical integrity of the ~tural areas · Cost estimating for restoration activities · Prescribed burn plan creation · Haying and grazing plans · ~,/etland 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. ,entories ,~ Bonestroo Rosene Anderlik & Associates £r~gineers & Architects- Natural Resources Inventory Cottage Grove, MN Natural with Va Residents of this community have dentified the preservation of natural areas as inl- _~rent to their quality of life. To ensure these natural res( urces are protected in the face of continued residential growth, the City sought information essential to effl ctive land use planning. Bonestroo is providing that inform~ tion through a natural resources inventory. An inventory provides the City with technical information on,he location and qualities of its natural resources us~l to help balance the preservation of natural resources v~Ith human needs. H An ecosystem-based management ~pproach was used that stressed management of the entire ecosystem as one unit by integrating natural communities into environmental corridors and open l~ace. The inventory included: Ii Forest Different forest areas~ere identified Areas: using aerial photgraphy. Field data ~)n density and species composition of trees shrub~and ground cover species was collected. :source Inventory Provides City fuable Land Use Planning Tool 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. ~ildlife: A census of wildlife species including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians was conducted. Key wildlife habitats were identified for protection and management. Bonestroo Rosene Anderlik & Associates Architects