8.1 PRSR 11-10-2021
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
8.1
Agenda Section
Discussion Item
Meeting Date
November 10, 2021
Prepared by
Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description
Invasive Species Management
Reviewed by
Tim Sevcik, Streets and Parks Superintendent
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Discussion of a dedicated funding source to contract services on an annual basis to conduct invasive species
management.
Background/Discussion
The master plan for Woodland Trails Regional Park (WTRP) states invasive species management is a high
priority, and it should be considered as time and resources permit. Commissioner Dave Anderson recently
presented to City Council they consider a consistent dedicated funding source for buckthorn removal at
WTRP.
Buckthorn is an extremely labor-intensive operation that takes dedicated funding and resources for decades to
be successful. By conducting the buckthorn work as part of the recent WTRP grant, we were able to utilize
$50,000 from the park maintenance operating budget as a cash match ($25,000 in 2021 and $25,000 in 2020)
and $30,000 from the grant for a total of $70,000 for buckthorn removal.
Is the Commission interested in the city to have a dedicated funding source to contract services on an annual
basis to conduct invasive species management?
Financial Impact
Dedicated funding could come from the city’s park maintenance operating budget or the Park
Improvement Fund.
Attachments
None