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Administrative Section ADMINISTRA TIVE SECTION Seminary Fen Stewardship Plan - Scope of Work - February 20, 2009 Chanhassen Rotary Club 2009 Distinguished Service Award Balloting lnstructions- March 2009. DRAFT February 20, 2009 Seminary Fen Stewardship Plan - Scope of Work 1. Geographic scope This plan will cover all of the land within the area mapped as significant by the Minnesota County Biological Survey that is publicly owned or for which private landowners have agreed to manage their property cooperatively with public partners. Public owners include the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the City of Chaska, the City of Chanhassen, and the Hennepin County Railroad Authority. The total acreage ofthis area is 560 acres (Figure 1). 2. Information to be included in the plan. Two levels of planning assistance are envisioned: a property-wide "stewardship plan" and site/project/activity specific "practice plans." The stewardship planning level provides an overview, assessment, and general recommendations on appropriate land management activities for the property. A more detailed "practice plan" and other services are provided which guide on-the-ground implementation. The following list includes required components of the document. Natural Resources Inventory ~ Summary of rare features, including native plant communities, rare species, and wildlife, from existing inventories and documents ~ Maps of native plant communities, soils, water features, aerial photos, and other relevant natural resources data ~ Information on management needs of rare plants and each native plant community, summarized from literature and professional knowledge Acquisition Recommendations ~ Land acquisition recommendations related to stewardship Plant Community Stewardship Detailed stewardship recommendations related to plant communities, rare features, and wildlife in the site, including season of activities, prioritization of activities, prescribed bum units, vegetation control methods, and erosion control methods. Topics to include, among others: ~ Erosion control from uplands - describe erosion control strategies to address gullying and eroding of bluffs, and recommend buffers to protect from adjacent lands. ~ Restoration of former or current croplands to native plant communities - describe appropriate native plant community to restore to disturbed areas. ~ Prescribed burning - describe role of fire, burning strategies and techniques, issues, bum breaks, seasonal considerations. ~ Invasive species/woody encroachment reductionlcontrol- include list of invasive species and control strategies for each. Address native shrubs as well as non-native invasive species. ~ Wildlife considerations - address Species of Greatest Conservation Need and other important wildlife species that use or potentially could use the site, and recommended management for them. Hydrology ~ Recommendations for restoration of hydrologic processes, including whether and how to eliminate drainage tiling, ditches, and spoil banks. ~ Recommendations related to impervious surfaces in and near the site, potentially including removal of roads or changes in road alignment. Trout Stream Assumption Creek, a state-designated trout stream, flows through Seminary Fen SNA. Springs within the SNA provide cold water to the stream, and in the past Assumption Creek has supported a small population of brook trout, as well as American brook lamprey which also depend on cold water temperatures to survive. Since the 1970's there has been a steady decline in the brook trout population in Assumption Creek. Concurrent with this decline has been an apparent reduction in baseflow in Assumption Creek. The reach upstream of the dam in the SNA historically had perennial flow, but now only has flow during significant rain events or snow melt. It appears that something has altered the hydrology of this portion of the stream, which originates north and west of the railroad bed that bisects the wetland. It has been suggested by some that the groundwater flow path that feeds that portion of the wetland has been altered by the construction of Audubon Rd., or by another road or development projects in the vicinity. ~ The proposed stewardship plan should include a component to monitor and investigate the cause of the reduction in baseflow to Assumption Creek. The same reduction in groundwater flow may also be affecting other portions of the wetland outside of the current SNA boundaries, so broader implications to overall health of the wetland complex and the fen community should also be considered. If a cause is identified, the stewardship plan should also suggest potential remedies that would restore groundwater flow to affected parts of the wetland, baseflow to the stream, and restore suitable brook trout habitat in Assumption Creek. o 00 o o 00 ~ en s: -. CD en ~<,<-~~IIDDI f. ~ D [] [] [] []~[] [] D lr~;;; -t 9" ~ go g ~ l!l !t' 0; ;:r D. if D. if ~ :: ~ ~ "'IF" - '< c..1Q <r ::;;f; f> -.0 .:t '" .:t :> '" 3 :> :!! ~OI iai;;;;o2:~:!: Iii] 2: ~ Ii !;!.:; !;!. ii 5 5' ~;; ., - ~ ~ 6. =- 5C::I S:::J' ~ ~O c; ~ n !! ('") -g. 'Q _~ :t. a. c-t..... ..a..._ C;:::rO::r:><!:""Iii"'" :> 2 ~:P ~'U. ."2.;: i: :;; ~ =: .. 1Io .. n 9 " :> :. "":> ""'C;:"Cl"ijl" a.:> '" 0 .. a."tl "" ..~:r:'." ~~3:;:&r C"cn:>n"1:l :> :> :: III ~ <'=:!l :> 5 .. '" :> ;;J ~ Q Iii" ~;ro* ~::;'z -: j;; a-::: :; .:t ~;;' 3 :2 ., ., .. '" 018, ~ ;:: 0 .. :> :> ;U:> "2. III C~""::DI=.:r~"'S.l,II cu :;u ~ ~ 0 i-.....:..8""....~i ~ ~ i'i' 5 ::I: voa.t'!:;l3 .. 3 ..... Q, -. c, <..,.- 1ft '" ~:::I ru 'g. ~m~"" ;- a g. Q. ~ :: ~a::l~ 3);1 .:< ~ .: :::ro~.:J. -; ~ '" "tl3vo!! .. !; -cOo ~ .:!....c8. ~x~ ~ q~""2. ~ :J:S".a5' .. :3. ;r ir ~ ;iJ ~ zI> en CD 3 -. ::::s ~ ~ " CD ::::s en .... CD ~ .., c. VI ::r -. "C '"tJ - ~ ::::s en n o "C CD Hoffman. Todd From: Sent: To: Subject: Engelhardt, Karen Wednesday, March 04, 2009 9:53 AM Hoffman, Todd FW: Hennepin County Regional Trail Corridor Hi Todd, Can you respond to this one? Karen Engelhardt Office Manager City of Chanhassen 952-227-1104 From: Tom Harold [mailto:tharold@scyfix.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 03,20099:58 PM To: jlotthammer@edenprairie.org Cc: Engelhardt, Karen Subject: Hennepin County Regional Trail Corridor Thank you for seeing that the Eden Prairie portion of the Hennepin County Regional Trail was cleared during the snow of the past two weeks. Sadly, Chanhassen has yet to plow or attend to their portion of the trail making walking, jogging, and bike riding impossible---slippery/dangerous etc.. Tom Harold Chanhassen, MN 1 Hoffman. Todd From: Sent: To: Subject: Tom Harold [tharold@scyfix.com] Wednesday, March 04, 2009 2:49 PM Hoffman, Todd Re: Minnesota River Bluff Regional Trail Hi Todd, What's weird is that several weeks ago after a snowfall from just East of 101 to the next road/overpass/Eden Prairie boundary..the trail was plowed? (maybe the EP team plowed it by mistake--going too far West past the EP boundary?) The Chan part of the trail has spectacular views..and I often see wild Iife..deer, owls, etc.. Thanks for following-up. TH ----- Original Message ----- Fro",: Hoffrnal'l.Todd To: tharold@scvfix.com Cc: Jav Lotthammer (ilotthammer@edenorairie.orq) Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 2:30 PM Subject: Minnesota River Bluff Regional Trail Dear Tom Karen Engelhardt forwarded a copy of your e-mail correspondence to my attention. Please allow me to clarify the City of Chanhassen's position on the portion of the trail within our community. Three Rivers Park District maintains the trail for summer use - but only to Bluff Creek Drive. Cities are required to apply for a winter use permits specifying permitted winter activities or sign the trail closed. For the first twelve years of this arrangement the City of Chanhassen sought and received a winter use permit for snowmobiling. As available routes for snowmobiling were eliminated primarily due to suburban development the City amended it winter use permit in 2006 designating hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing and pet walking as permitted uses. You are welcome advocate for a change in this policy by appearing before our Park and Recreation Commission. They meet every fourth Tuesday of the month in the council chambers at 7:30 p.m. Their May and December meeting move to the 2th and 8th respectively due to holidays. Currently the City plows and maintains approximately 70 miles of asphalt pedestrian trails located within the community. Amending the current policy to add an additional 3 miles is feasible. Considerations on the other side would include our ability to safely maintain the challenging at grade intersection with Hwy 101, the need to commit additional resources to trail plowing and any resistance from those who prefer that the trail remain unplowed. I would be happy to discuss the history of the Cities policies regarding the use of this trail corridor - contact me at any time. Sincerely Todd Hoffman Park and Recreation Director 7700 Market Blvd, P.O. Box 147 Chanhassen, MN 55317 952-227 -1129 thoffman@ci.chanhassen.mn.us 1 CHANHASSEN ROTARY CLUB 2009 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD BALLOTING INSTRUCTIONS Greetings: Again this year, the Chanhassen Rotary Club will award its Distinguished Service Award to one Chanhassen resident who exemplifies Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self." It is through the selfless and dedicated work of citizens who demonstrate their passion to serve others that all of our lives are enriched. Recognizing those in Chanhassen who serve others above and beyond the level usually expected of all good citizens will allow us to honor them, encourage others to follow their leadership, promote civic pride, and advance the ideals of our Chanhassen Rotary Club and Rotary International. We would like your organization to participate with other non-profit, religious and civic organizations in the selection of the 2009 Distinguished Service Award recipient. The award committee has selected these finalists from the various nominations received. Your organization's vote will be tallied with those of the other participating organizations, and the finalist that receives the most votes will receive this year's Distinguished Service Award. Enclosed with this letter please find the award criteria, summary service resume's of the finalists, and a ballot. I. Please submit your organization's choice on, and have an authorized officer sign the ballot. 2. Fax the completed ballot to (952) 238-1317. Ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m.. Friday. April 17. 2009. Late ballots will not be considered. 3. Only one ballot may be submitted on behalf of each organization. The recipient of the 2009 Award will be announced at the Chanhassen Rotary Club's Tulip Gala to be held on May 2,2009. We welcome you to come to the dinner and dance, and encourage you to contact any Chanhassen Rotarian or go to the Chanhassan Rotary web site at www.Chanhassanrotary.comifyou would like ticket information. Sincerely, Chanhassen Rotary Club Distinguished Service A ward Committee CHANHASS~N ROTARY CLUB 2009 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD CRITERIA 1. Candidates must reflect Rotary International's motto of the "Service Above Self' . 2. Candidates must be residents of the City of Chanhassen. 3. The candidate's qualifying service may be performed locally, domestically and/or internationally. 4. Nominees may come from any occupation, including retired individuals and "homemakers. " 5. The service activity or activities prompting nomination are beyond the normal scope of one's employment. 6. "Service Above Self' has been defined as: "any and all service above and beyond the usual level required of all good citizens, which is performed in a meritorious manner over a period of years, or would be considered extraordinary service or a heroic act performed in anyone year or over a number of years." 7. The nominee's service includes their contributions to one or more organizations. 8. Re-nominations of previous award nominees and finalists are welcome to be considered for this year's award. CHANHASSEN ROTARY CLUB 2009 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD BALLOT ONE (1) Ballot should be submitted on behalf of each organization and must be received bv 5:00 p.m.. Friday. April 17. 2009. Please fax the completed ballot to (952) 238-1317. LATE BALLOTS WILL NOT BE COUNTED. Place an "X" in front of the name of the person your organization is voting for as the recipient of the award. Any ballot containing more than one "X" or an organization submitting more than one ballot will be excluded. Include the name of your organization in the space provided below, and have an authorized officer of your organization sign the ballot. If the organization name and signature are not included, your ballot will be excluded. Name of Organization Authorized Officer Signature 2009 DISTIGUISHED SERVICE AWARD FINALISTS _ Vernelle Clayton _Curt Robinson _ Barbara Scharfenberg Thank you for helping us to recognize and honor the volunteer efforts of these individuals whose "Service Above Self' truly makes Chanhassen a great place to live! should look like as it evolved from a rural farming village to a metropolitan suburb where it could become a home to families seeking the American Dream. Curt Robinson Curt has been a Chanhassen Lions Club member since 1988. He has served as club Treasurer (1991-2003) and Board of Directors member (1991-2004), as well as Committee Chair for several events including: Annual Senior Center Picnic at Lake Ann Park, annual Food Drive for the CAP Agency, and Adopt-a-Highway cleanup of a section of Powers Blvd. Curt still attends nearly every board meeting for the Lions even though he is not currently a board member. We think of Curt as a "lifetime board member" because he always attends and offers his input. Curt is also a Melvin Jones Fellowship award winner (1995), which is the highest distinguished service award from Lions International. Curt is also a past Worker Bee award winner (2002) which is a Chanhassen Lions Club annual award given to a member that provides outstanding service to the club. We cannot say enough about what Curt has done for this club! In addition to the Lions, Curt volunteers at the Senior Center, is a member of the Chanhassen Senior Commission, drives the VA medical van weekly, and delivers Meals on Wheels. Curt was awarded the 2007 Senior of the Year award by the Carver County Health Partnership Senior Commission. The motto of the Lions is "We Serve". Curt is literally the poster child for this motto! The service activities mentioned above are only a sampling of what Curt does. In speaking with some of Curt's neighbors and his Pastor there is a common theme when speaking of Curt, "Curt does all the little things that go unnoticed but make such a difference in the lives of others." Curt exhibits "Service Above Self' in so many ways that much of Chanhassen has benefited. He continuously strives to make Chanhassen a beautiful place to live by picking up litter on a daily basis. He impacts the lives of seniors with his service to the Chanhassen Senior Center and the Chanhassen Senior Commission. Curt is literally the glue that holds the Chanhassen Lions Club together and his service and dedication to his church, community, and family have been exemplary in his 34 years as a Chanhassen resident. Barb Scharfenbera The girls of Chanhassen and the rest of Eastern Carver County have a strong advocate and role model in Barbara Scharfenberg. As a leader in the area's Girl Scout program, she not only believes in teaching our young women the value of community service, she lives it. Barbara's extraordinary commitment to the area's Girl Scout program began seven years ago. She is currently the Service Unit Manager for the Northern Skies service unit, the unit responsible for scouting in Eastern Carver County. As the Service Unit Manager, she is responsible of 476 girls in 40 troops as well as 200 adult leaders. Barbara and her team organize the scout registration process, train adult leaders, and oversee the service unit's operations and events. She arranges monthly leader meetings and roundtable opportunities for leaders to mentor each other and share ideas within the Girl Scout community. Under her leadership, the Northern Skies Service Unit has earned the Service Unit Award of Excellence for three straight years. Barbara was awarded the distinctive Appreciation Pin for her significant contributions to the goals of the Girl Scout Council of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valley. Not content to lead from a distance, she currently leads a troop of five Cadet Girl Scouts in the 8th grade at Chaska Middle School West. In addition to leading the Northern Skies Service Unit, she is the Co-Director and Director of Programming for the Unit's annual Twilight Camp. This camp serves more than 300 Girl Scouts in grades K-12 from the Chanhassen area. The camp offers the opportunity for older scouts to serve as role models and leaders for younger girls. As co-director, she is responsible for the camp's program, its staff and its commitment to the girls it serves. Under her guidance, Twilight Camp was awarded the prestigious Extraordinary Event Award by the Girl Scout Council for exceeding the standards of quality and serving as a model of innovative programming. Barbara put her commitment to scouting and her organization skills to work in the community last year to help a Chanhassen family who suffered the tragic loss of their 12-year old daughter, a member of Barbara's troop. Barbara arranged for refreshments following the funeral service and organized meals to be delivered to the family. Upon learning that the family faced unexpected funeral and medical expenses, she led two fundraising events on behalf of the family: a spaghetti dinner for 700-800 people and a day working the concession stand at a softball tournament at Lake Ann Park. These events, together with a grant from Thrivant Financial that Barbara applied for, raised $30,000 for the family of her former Girl Scout. What is the impact of this service to scouting and the community? Barbara says it best: "My passion is to help these girls discover what they can about themselves. I see the work I do for the girls as a pathway to helping each become young women of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place."