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Joint Meeting with the Environmental Commission I01 - CITY OF MEMORANDUM CHANHASSEN 7700 Market Boulevard TO: Todd Gerhardt, City Manager PO Box 147 Chanhassen,MN 55317 FROM: Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist DATE: May 11, 2015 Administration Phone 952 2271100 Fax 952 2271110 SUBJ: Joint Meeting with the Environmental Commission Building Inspections The Environmental Commission is looking forward to the opportunity to discuss Phone 952 2271180 current projects and updates with the Mayor and City Council Submitted for Fax 952 2271190 Council review is the commission's annual work plan, 2014-2015 commission Engineering accomplishments and the 2015 Chanhassen Sustainability Report Phone 952 2271160 Fax 952 2271170 2015 Environmental Commission Focus Topics • Urban forestry Finance • Water quality Phone 952 2271140 • Water conservation Fax 952 2271110 • Stormwater management Park&Recreation Phone 952 2271120 ATTACHMENTS Fax 952 2271110 1. 2014-15 Environmental Commission Accomplishments 2 2015 Annual Work Plan Draft Recreation Center 3. 2015 Sustainability Report 2310 Coulter Boulevard Phone 952 2271400 Fax 952 2271404 Planning& Natural Resources Phone 952 2271130 Fax 952 2271110 Public Works 7901 Park Place Phone 952 2271300 Fax 952 2271310 Senior Center Phone 952 2271125 Fax 952 2271110 Website www ci chanhassen mn us g\plan\js\ec\ec15\ec cc jt mtg may15 doc docx Chanhassen is a Community for Life-Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow Chanhassen Environmental Commission 2014-15 Accomplishments (April 2014—March 2015) Arbor Day Tree Planting- May 3rd City staff and the Commission hosted an event for the community at Riley Ridge Park to plant trees in celebration of Arbor Day Arbor Day Poster Contest The commission judged and awarded prizes for the 5th grade tree poster submissions in celebration of Arbor Day. Trade Fair Informational Booth -July 3rd Members of the commission provided educational materials on water conservation and answered questions from residents. Trivia questions engaged the event goers and small prizes were awarded Seminary Fen Work Day— November 1st The commission provided an opportunity for the community to remove buckthorn Various commission members, community, and the DNR met and removed remaining buckthorn after site was cleared by DNR Attendees were also provided a tour and visuals on history and importance of the fen. Sustainability Report 2015 The commission continues to provide the community an overview on the four environmental focus areas of surface water, stormwater, water conservation and urban forestry. Villager articles published: 1 Holiday Waste 2. Spring Clean-up Workshops, Education and Activities commissioners have taken part in: Joint Environmental, Planning and Park Commission Tour Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Shallow Lakes Forum Linking Land Use to Clean Water NEMO Workshop Chanhassen Environmental Commission Annual Work Plan 2015 January May • Approve 2015 Work Plan • July 3rd Trade Fair Planning • Review Sustainability Report • Arbor Day Summary o Assign Duties/Due Dates • May-Arbor Month • Review 2015 focus/project theme • May 2— Chanhassen Arbor Day o Finalize projects, assign leads • Chanhassen Hills Park— tree • Develop onboarding packet tags(Amy/Katie) • Select Arbor Day contest theme • May 9— Fishing Opener • Mailings for Arbor Day Poster Contest • Advertisement Posted for Openings on June Environmental Commission • July 3rd Trade Fair Progress o Finalize details February • Joint Council Summary • Interviews for new members • Revisit Work Plan • Sustainability Report Progress—rough drafts • Possible community speaker— EAB? due • Arbor Day Planning July o Develop event activities • Fen Day Planning o Forestry speaker in June? o Determine Needs/Assign Duties • Update/review 2015 Projects/events • Trade Fair Event Summary • Finalize plans for Tree Photo contest March announcement at Chanhassen Day • Guest speaker—water resources —Terry • July 3—EC at Trade Fair Event- tree photo Jeffery, SWMP goals and policies contest • Select Arbor Day Poster Contest Winner • Final Sustainability Report August • List of Term Accomplishments • Month Off • Joint Council Meeting Reminder • Aug 14- Chanhassen Day at the Arboretum • March 31 -Last Day of Term —announce tree photo contest winner April September • Appointment of New Members • City Commissions Joint Tour • New member orientation • Review By-Laws October • Appoint Chair/Vice-Chair • Guest speaker—water conservation (prep • Joint Council meeting prep for 2016 focus) o Sustainability Report • Harvest Moon Potluck o Discuss 2015 Priorities on Work Plan • Fen Day Planning • July 3rd Trade Fair Planning o Finalize details, plan attendance • Finalize Arbor Day Work Plan • Villager article— EAB Q &A November • Arbor Day Poster Contest Presentation • Guest speaker—recycling— Marcus Zbinden at City Council • Assign villager article— holiday waste • Announce Tree Photo contest(Matthew) • Nov 7-Deer Opener • Library tree-theme display(Matthew/Katie) SWMP Update Open House • Nov 15 —National Recycling Day •• Apnl 1 -First Day of Term December • April 22-Earth Day • Villager Submittal - Holiday Waste • April 24-MN Arbor Day • Choose 2016 Focus/Project Theme • April 24— Chan Recycling Day o Develop projects/events • April 27 -Arbor Day Poster Contest • 2016 Work Plan Discussion Presentation at City Council 4. s. K . . ♦� � I. :='a�.t t. . •+ V ` ! f `_ie.- {r A ll; e % + y vo . - ..40 7 ;4elk� ' y o , 4111. y ' • , 't a 1 . iri .4 • i Y F 1 • 2 0 5 1 • S I billet II 1 Prepared by the Chanhassen Environmental Commission Keith Anderson I Brett Borth I Glenn Kaufmann I Katie Mahannah Matthew Myers I Amy Omann I Amy Wenner !' . , e - ..f 00 r ter' +} ., Y 2015 CITY OF CHANHASSFN Sustainability The City of Chanhassen is committed to protecting our natural resources now and into the future.To ensure the continuation of this effort,the city strives to develop sound policies,take advantage of new technologies, and engage the community in environmental topics Sustainable management of our natural resources is endeavored through protection, conservation and best management practices In 2011,the Chanhassen Environmental Commission was interested in knowing if our city was growing and functioning in a sustainable fashion.This report is the result of that curiosity.The City Council assigned the commission four key focus areas.Surface Water Quality,Stormwater,Water Conservation and Urban Forestry In each of these areas the group investigated the current goals established by the city's comprehensive plan Then they selected the three most important goals from each area.Through interviews with city employees,they determined the current status of those goals along with trends and improvements or challenges and any recent activities Ultimately,the commission documented a baseline inventory for each of the topic areas This 2015 version of the Sustainability Report includes the ongoing goals and provides annual updates and re- cent activities. Information about these activities was collected from interviews with staff at the City and publicly available information.The report achieves the goal of educating Chanhassen residents in the Environmental Commission's target areas. Surface Water Over 26%of Chanhassen's 24 square miles are covered by lakes,streams, ponds or wetlands.Water quality, lakeshore preservation, lake level variability, and flood management are some of the important issues that impact the quality of life enjoyed by all residents. Maintaining, protecting,and instilling a preventative approach is a high priority for the city,which is currently preparing its third Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP).The plan outlines goals for managing these resources and implementation recommendations to achieve them.These goals strive to be realistic,attainable/implementable and affordable in their execution. Goals The initial goals for surface water were based primarily on maintaining and improving water quality,which have fit �` j t .3,- largely been met. New priorities are being developed FaittAir Vero to address changes in land use,aging of infrastructure, ► , + i ,10414. new data on surface water resources,and changes in watershed science. The city's strategy takes into account _ _ _ the continued growth and redevelopment activity that Chanhassen is experiencing. A focus on prevention first - F - • and treatment second is the concept to be followed. ` Community Resources Chanhassen contains 356 wetlands,4 creeks,and 12 lakes, 7 of which are recreational and 5 that are natu- ral environment lakes.The city is also home to a rare and unique calcareous fen,a state protected Scientific and Natural Area. Efforts to preserve these important natural resources require partnerships between the city, county,watershed districts, Met Council, MNDNR,and MPCA. Portions of four major watersheds exist within the city: Carver County Watershed (1.9%), Lower Minnesota River Watershed (8.4%), Minnehaha Creek Watershed (18.8%),and Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed (70.9%). SurfaceWater Recent City and Community Activities After a year and a half of development,the Riley-Purgatory-Bluff-Creek Watershed District adopted new rules on November 5,2014.These rules provide guidance on protecting our surface waters.The process included multiple meetings with the District's Technical Advisory Committee and Citizens Advisory Committee, public information sessions and comments,and numerous public hearings. These new rules became effective on 1/1/15 and were adopted to protect the public's health and welfare as well as the natural resources of the District and are enforce- able under Minnesota Statutes. The Bluff Creek restoration near Hwy. 101 is using an adaptive management approach to assess the impact on each of the implementation activities regarding the creek's turbidity levels If water quality is shown to improve, it suggests that the approach is working and the implementation will continue. However, if the water quality is not shown to improve,this approach will be re-evaluated and adjusted in order to attain the desired water quality levels. The city continues to monitor its waters for temperature,dissolved oxygen, pH,and turbidity through monitoring stations,grab sampling,and the citizen assisted Lake Monitoring program. As our city continues to develop/rede- velop,the potential exists for increased runoff volumes,sedimentation and stormwater discharge. The city and watershed district are updating their Stormwater Pond Protocol and Prioritization project to identify ponds that may be contributing excessive amounts of phosphorus to our natural water bodies Limiting both point and non-point sources of pollution in surface water are essential in attaining the goals set forth by the city,county, and the local WMO Attention will be given to the trend of increased rainfalls occurring in shorter periods of time stressing local infra- structure and overwhelming existing channel sizes.Stormwater flows and pond storage volumes may need to be recalculated/redesigned to reflect this trend for future years. Another exciting project continuing in 2015 is to introduce a fish ladder in an area of Bluff Creek where passage for fish from the lower to upper section is currently not possible.Once installed,the ladder would provide passage for fish to reach the upper stream.As this occurs,habitat can begin to be restored and improve the quality and environ- ment of Bluff Creek.Chanhassen is looking at the Lake Susan Preserve Trail as an opportunity to employ a Spent Lime Treatment Facility Method as a way to remove phosphorus from stormwater. Phosphorus adheres to the lime in the basin.The method is low-cost, has a small footprint,and is Chanhassen's first attempt with this technique. ;,.. R 4 i. f 1-14-'1.-:14A- 4 ,-n Yom_ . _ Kms- ",......,,i,- y� i�jV�i !.--. "... `-. p9 Ili r +, ,I44-.4 , , .1!. ,,,: , 2,,, • . ,,,, ,.,4. v. t 1.1"1„,p, :") :77 s04 r Fish Ladders .$'1:--- At large drops in the stream where passage Is not possible,adding a fish ladder would encourage fish to reach the upper stream and restore a A potential version of a fish ladder being looked at as a possibility. natural cycle. Resources Chanhassen Surface Water projects http•//www ci chanhassen.mn.us/index.aspx?NID-414 Sto rmwa to r Stormwater management is crucial to preserving Chanhassen's natural environment and protecting our surface water resources.Stormwater runoff is rain and snow melt that runs off surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, highways, parking lots and compacted lawns. As water passes over these surfaces, it can pick up pollutants such as soil,fer- tilizers, herbicides,trash or pet waste. If not treated appropriately,this polluted water might flow into a local stream, lake,or wetland.Stormwater mitigation seeks to reduce,control,and prevent stormwater runoff through a variety of strategies.Chanhassen continues to develop and the city looks for every opportunity to incorporate best management practices that minimize the volume and impact of water runoff as well as protect water quality in surface waters Goals The city of Chanhassen strives to ensure that development w, O projects minimize soil erosion,sedimentation,and storm- NO water runoff. City personnel manage this task by maintain- .C4 ••AA ing primary responsibility for managing water resources at J V� the local level but continue coordination with other agen- Q 1010p cies and organizations. In an effort to engage the public, the city provides information and educational resources to "s" improve knowledge and promote an active public role in managing water resources. d?) Recent City and Community Activities s'TO �'c`�� W A Total Maximum Daily Load,or TMDL, is a calculation of the maximum amount of pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still safely meet water quality standards. Part of the TDML management plan includes ravine stabiliza- Storm Drain Markers These highly visible storm drain markers tion which is currently underway for one of the ravines in are a first step in public education in stormwater pollution prevention Bluff Creek.The next project to meet the TMDL Implemen- tation Plan for Bluff Creek is to address the fragmentation Get Involved! at the downstream end of the culvert going under the Three Rivers Park District Trail located on Hennepin Coun- As residents of Chanhassen,there are oppor- ty RR Authority's(HCRRA) land. This project will be a joint tunities to get involved to help with stormwater project with the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed management.With any road construction proj- District(RPBCWD)and the City of Chanhassen. It is our ect,city staff works to educate neighborhood hope to involve HCRRA as well. In 2015,the city plans to groups about the benefits of Low Impact Devel- continue the same repair plan for an area identified as Ra- opment(LID) installation opportunities,such as vine#2 that extends from Mandan Circle to Bluff Creek rain gardens and rain barrels.All residents are Also anticipated to be undertaken in 2015 is the resto- encouraged to learn more about incorporating ration of native vegetation along sections of Bluff Creek raingardens into their yards.The city also part- ners with Metro Blooms to provide education on The city utilizes improved methods of allowing stormwa- environmentally sound gardening and land- ter to flow into the ground instead of directly into lakes scape practices.Additionally,community volun- and streams. One example is the installation of pervious teers continue to install storm drain markers on pavers in the Bandimere Heights Park parking lot Also at neighborhood storm drains since the drains can Bandimere Heights Park,a stormwater pond was retro- lead directly to a city water resource. Marking fitted with a "Minnesota Filter" Iron Filing Filtration Sys- the drains help raise awareness that anything tern This system should reduce phosphorus loading into carried by these storm drains can impact our waterways by 76%. Chanhassen will be working with the natural resources. RPBCWD to study the downtown area, in an effort to look If you are impacted by a 2015 road construction project at opportunities for retrofit and stormwater opportunities and are interested in an LID opportunity,reach out to City (rain gardens, ponding, and tree trenches). Staff for more Information Water Conservation The Prairie du Chien aquifer supports 83 communities including the City of Chanhassen. Abundant, high quality water plays a large part in our city's growth and prosperity The city distributes water to over 7,000 homes and nearly 300 commercial accounts daily.There are 13 wells, 3 reservoirs and two water treatment facilities. One additional well is proposed for use beginning July 2015. Sustainability is a high-priority of the Metropolitan Council as the region grows and pressure is increased on the region's aquifer.The Met Council has developed a policy on Sustainable Water Supplies that includes collaboration with agency partners, identifying desired groundwater levels, providing technical assistance to local governments and promoting water supply resiliency. Community's comprehensive plans are expected to accommodate the fore- casted population increase specified in the Council's Thrive MSP 2040 plan. The Council will look to ways to reuse stormwater runoff for irrigation.This theme is echoed locally in Chanhassen. Goals Each year, as presented in the city's comprehensive plan,the city shall review, develop,and implement the current water conservation strategies and practices suitable for our community The city continues to endorse and promote water conservation through the dissemination of educational materials to city residents. Minnesota Water Use Recent City and Community Activities (excluding Power Generation)in Billions of Gallons The city has a tiered billing system in place to incent water 25D lisrmer��iconservation. City code limits the use of the city water 2 200 Iry supply system for lawn and garden sprinkling, irrigation ° Water Suppfy 150 car washing or other non-potable uses to odd-even days. " /11 a _ Induatrlal 10D �\ Processing The city has extensive tree preservation requirements for new subdivisions as well as stringent planting require- m 50 Other ments for new site plans.The use of trees in site land- scaping assists in the reduction of turf evapotranspiration. N DNR D P s Newly installed irrigation systems are required to include Ecologkaland Water Resources Year a rain gauge as part of their operation. Rain gauges signal irrigation systems not to water during wet periods. Chanhassen offers irrigation system audits,free of Get Involved! Chanhassen has clay soils mak- charge,to Homeowners'Associations, businesses,and ing runoff a common problem during lawn irrigation. new residents as a way to promote water-saving best man- Topsoil removed during the construction process agement practices The audits are performed by a Water- is rarely replaced. Building healthy soil in your lawn Sense-certified city utility department employee will make it more beautiful and tolerant of drought. Something you can do is aerate your lawn and then Chanhassen partners with the U S Environmental Protec- topdress it with compost. tion Agency in their WaterSense program This program the future of our nation's water supply byCheck out this bulletin from the University of MN Extension seeks to protectpp Y www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yardgarden/soils/ offering people a simple way to use less water with water-ef- ficient products and services 2014 focused on offering Resources irrigation audits to commerical and residential properties University of Minnesota Extension Soils and Composting Water reuse opportunities are considered during con- extenslon.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/sous/ struction projects.The highway 101 river crossing project City of Chanhassen"2030 Comprehensive Plan,"Chapter 9:Water will include stormwater collection that will then be used to www cf.chanhassen.mn us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/134 Ground Water Level Data cllmate.umn.edu/ground%5Fwater%5FIeve1/ irrigate the center island of a traffic circle. WaterSense Tips to Save Water&Money www.epa.gov/watersens%ur water/start saving.html The city provides education and promotes water conser- Metropolitain Council Draft Water Resources Policy Plan vation and stewardship with local municipal publications http.//metrocouncil.org/METC/files/66/665454b7.662c-464f-bce4-1e19fla- including the Connection, utility bills and the city's website 2f97a.pdf Urban Forestry Our urban trees play an important role in the health, livability,and economic well-being of our community Trees help to clean the air, mitigate stormwater runoff, provide shelter to wildlife,cool our homes and make our city more beau- tiful. Chanhassen has long recognized these benefits, and achieved Tree City USA status for the 20th year in 2014 by meeting the four core standards of urban forestry management as laid out by the National Arbor Day Foundation In Chanhassen, maintaining and protecting our urban forest takes shape in many forms through city and community en- gagement. Unfortunately,an unavoidable threat to over 20%of our trees is the Emerald Ash Borer(EAB) The city has an active EAB management plan to lessen the impact on city resources when this invasive species reaches Chanhas- sen.Our trees also face additional challenges such as urban expansion, invasive pests,and changing climates Goals Chanhassen places a high priority on the protection of its natural resources,and strives to maintain a healthy and diverse urban forest. According to the latest tree survey,the city has 40 species of trees planted on pub- lic lands. Chanhassen is also working to achieve the American Forests'standard of 40%overall tree canopy,about 10% higher than the city's current coverage. City of Chanhassen Tree Inventor yA healthy amount of any one species should be no greater than about 20%of the tree population With the changing climate,new varieties are being introduced into our community -.. Number of Honeylocust 234 3 8% Percents s e Japanese Tree Lilac 42 0 7% American Choke Cherry 26 0 4% Kentucky Coffee Tree 172 2.8% American Linden 506 81% Northern Pin Oak 30 0 5% Amur Maple 32 0 5% Norway Maple 42 0 7% Aspen 20 0 3% Ohio Buckeye 24 0 4% Autumn Blaze Maple 341 5 5% Other 31 0 5% Balsam Fir 7 01% Paper Birch 68 1 1% Bicolor Oak 229 3 7% Pine 258 41% Black Walnut 19 0 3% Red Maple 42 0 7% Boxelder 41 0 7% Red Oak 197 3.2% Bur Oak 49 0 8% River Birch 55 0 9% Catalpa 20 0 3% Russian Olive 1 0 0% Cottonwood 48 0 8% Silver Maple 117 1 9% Crabapple 469 7.5% Spruce 652 10.5% Easter Red Cedar 12 0.2% Sugar Maple 689 11 1% Elm 36 0 6% Technv Arborvitae 29 0 5% Elm, hybrid 86 1 4% White Ash 7 01% Gingko 23 0.4% White Oak 14 0 2% Green Ash 1230 19 8% Willow 17 0 3% Hackberry 259 4.2% Total 6224 Hawthorn 50 0 8% All Maple Varieties 1304 21% i,a t f 1 jk 4{,Oi x j•�• .{ ;._'v l i)",'.' >,) 'A'' ' 161: - '' , ''� f,- 't �� .j * S' � � -1Y. v 4 � f+'p k h 44 't' , is ys "4 : *' ,`� $r�r :44`,1R.fii.� �(p,1" .F6�ti 1# i'. It .4r; 4,1-1:;;,,,` :4: S .?s-' n ; n ;4Y1.1":..;,1 ;..`�! `Y'v`,..0. -4,' e. -4,' ''' t.,. V1: Ot Viii, i ,� .. •FIs. R"`i, " R, 'a *� K , *s�•'� X�p: +jig > 4.��'4 .p. v. ..I.rO 4,y a ' • 1 ,.;.,11e ,A' -. : -:,4 , 1..:' y L.--`- 11 .:.`. °"'t.'h } ,....-- ....0.1., S _ --.e .Iy .e m:.. ..moi �.. - + .. - - ^ Linden Sugar Maple Crabapple Honey Locust S, � � sTy , h ei - f#004A, '•/'.,4..- ",,AVV'ti:,.. .:...Cr; ' i �Ad" , r• � 41 Emerald Ash Borer The most significant threat to our city's urban forest is the emerald ash borer(EAB). EAB is spread commonly through transported infested firewood.Our neighboring county, Hennepin, is under quarantine and moving any ash wood out of the county is illegal. Minnesota has the highest volume of ash trees in the United States with almost a billion forestland and urban wood ash trees. When this invasive species finds its way to Chanhassen,the impact will be noticeable.The city has completed a public tree inventory and 20%of the existing trees are ash trees.The borer is fatal to all ash trees and has already cleared many other cities of their ash trees throughout the upper Midwest and Northeast. In preparation,the city has begun measures to lessen the impact here in Chanhassen: • Annual tree plantings focus on replacing ash trees with a diversity of species. • Depending on the size and health of an ash tree on public property,the city will either remove it or chemically treat the tree. • The city preemptively removes and replaces ash trees at the homeowner's request in conjunction with street reconstruction projects. • Annual public education opportunities engage residents in thinking about their trees for the future. In the case of EAB,a homeowner will need to decide whether to treat their ash or have them removed. What can you do: • Become familiar with the symptoms of EAB• http.//www.emeraldashborer.info • If you suspect your trees may have EAB,contact Jill Sinclair,our city's Environmental Resource Specialist. jsinclair@ci.chanhassen.mn.us • Do not transport firewood or cut trees out of county. Use firewood certified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/emeraldashborer • At this time,chemical treatments could be started or not.The insect is barely inside the suggested threshold area radius recommended for starting treatment. 500 _ Trees Planted 300 — and Lost 100 No NI In 2014, 459 trees were planted including 288 loo _ _ _ MINI INN as part of the Highway 101 reconstruction project and ■ 60 planted in Bandimere Park around the soccer fields -3m _. and parking lot.Additionally, 974 trees were pruned -500 — and 175 trees were removed. -700 - The city replaces existing poor-condition trees on boulevards on an annual basis as well as replants 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 locations where boulevard ash trees were removed. Other Invasive Species A host of other invasive species threaten Chanhassen's trees,the most prevalent and troubling are listed below The city constantly works to identify invasive species,provide information to residents,and treat or eradicate wherever possible Invasive Species Introduction to MN Threats Preventing the Spread Emerald Ash Borer Wood packing materials Kills all ash trees Only buy MDA approved firewood from Asia Buckthorn Imported from Europe for Outcompetes native woody Remove from private yards,volunteer hedging species and changes forest to help remove from parks&public habitat areas Gypsy Moth Imported as possible Defoliates many species of trees, Inspect all recreational equipment source of silk prefers oaks, aspen,sugar maple and vehicles when leaving an invested area, monitor trees for white egg masses Earthworms Soils and plants brought Increased decomposition of forest Do not release worms outdoors; from Europe,also sold as floor litter, reduction in vegetation never dump bait—throw it in fish bait regeneration garbage Japanese Beetles Accidentally introduced Defoliates trees, shrubs and Don't move plants or soil to into New Jersey in 1916 garden plants uninfested areas; Don't import soil, plants,or sod from the eastern US unless certified Garlic Mustard Introduced as food source Creates monoculture within Pull or cut flowering stems at ground forests by altering chemistry of level,governments may opt for soil and killing other seeds prescribed burns for heavy infestation Japanese Imported for use as Colonizes areas thereby Dig, pull or herbicide any found plants Knotweed erosion control outcompeting native vegetation Creeping European import popular Easily escapes cultivation, Very difficult to eradicate—use Bellflower in the garden industry spreads rapidly and creates herbicides or dig up and remove all monoculture roots Wild parsnip Native to Europe and Threatens prairies and oak Using gloves, pull out by hand Asia, grown as a root opening; can severely modify vegetable habitats; contact with sap can cause rash, blistering and discoloration of skin Black locust trees Native to Appalachia, Crowds out native vegetation and Cut-stump or basal bark spray planted for nitrogen-fixing creating single-species stands; chemical treatments qualities and hard wood reproduces vigorously by root suckering and stump sprouting is r ..v. ,, , No EAB Infested Firewood Creeping Bellflower Japanese Beetles Earthworms Recent City and Community Activities: • The Environmental Commission, city staff, and community members gathered in May for the 4th annual Arbor Day tree planting at Riley Ridge Park An average of 20 trees are planted each year in selected parks • To promote private tree planting during Arbor Month,the city offers tree coupons to residents who are interested Begun in 1996,the 2014 coupons were worth $50 towards the purchase of a tree at local nurseries, and 120 of these were used • Also in May,the Environmental Commission selected a winner in the Arbor Day Poster Contest open to Chanhassen 5th graders and first started in 1998. The theme was "Trees are Terrific - Inside and Out!" and the finalists received special recognition from Mayor Furlong at the April city council meeting. • In November,the Environmental Commission organized a public buckthorn removal day at Seminary Fen for the fourth year in a row. Interpretive hikes were offered by the DNR specialists on the ecology of the calcareous fen. • The city continually monitors public areas for invasive species. In 2014,seven park areas and many sections of trails were treated for buckthorn,garlic mustard, black locust,and wild parsnip. Get Involved! • Watch local publications and join us for the Arbor Day celebration! • Report invasive species on your property. • Properly care for trees in your yard. A copy of the "Tree Owner's Manual"can be downloaded. • Never remove trees from bluffs,even on private property! • Never remove trees from public property, it is against the law and several fines have been levied in the past few years. • Check out how valuable trees are by using this calculator http.//www.treebenefits.com/calculator/ D0 Y'OIUI P�AAU' min ` L Care for treed T Y'caw!°''°"`ate` root, minn►..ota. r _A _ We're losing tneest So choose the right tree for the right place and il plant it the right way. O .'°'' 4‘111.1111 Al J ( y Al!trees need water Old trees are thirsty.Young trees are thirstitrl ,`., 0,•, Did you now that piling mulch against a tree trunk can cause ...LLL�� rot or death? 11 ;t r" Did you know pruning your trees the wrong way is harmful? / l n E� Did you know It's harmful to place and store things under a tree • because It hurts the roots?lob i A I