9.2.B. PRSR 03-08-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2006 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 4 few small areas of non-native dominated grassland. The forested "no-play" zone at the edge of the golf course brings the total protected area to nearly 400 acres, an important size threshold for an ecologically functional greenways hub. Within the city and region, this greenway hub forms multiple key connections. To the north, the corridor connects with another high quality dry oak forest and oak woodland mapped by the Minnesota County Biological Survey. To the west, the Greenway Corridor connects this area to an exceptionally high quality complex of Barrens Prairie and Dry Oak Savanna that is of statewide significance. In addition, the overall site is central in the Greenway Corridor that stretches from the Mississippi River, north along the Great Northern Trail, and eventually reaches towards the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. Acquisition of these sites by the City builds on past efforts by the City and the DNR to develop the functioning network of natural communities that makes a Greenway successful, both ecologically and aesthetically, as well as for recreational use. The location of these sites within the context of other natural features and the Greenway Corridor is illustrated in the attached figures. The chance to protect large tracts of forest is increasingly uncommon in the city, as is the opportunity to develop ecologically functional connections between the protected tracts. These sites provide what may be a last opportunity to join lwo of the city's park through existing habitat. The significance of these two sites within the corridor and hub system is made even more apparent by the extremely rapid pace of development within Elk River. Wi[hin the past five years nearly all of the oak forest remnants within the city have been developed. The exception is sites that are slated for gravel mining. With this rate of development, land prices are increasing dramatically each year, and conservation efforts are becoming increasingly difficult to fund. These sites present one of the few remaining opportunities to connect ecologically significant tracts within the City while the land remains affordable. Restoration needs at the two sites are minimal. Oak wilt and low to moderate amounts of European buckthorn are present, but the buckthorn levels are low enough that management and control remains feasible and cost-effective. B. Other Ecological Functions In addition to habitat, natural areas and other open spaces may provide a wide variety of additional ecological benefits, such as protection ojsurface and ground water quality and/or supply, natural JTood storage capacity, and soil stability. Sites [hat contribute such functions will receive a higher priority. Describe any other ecological functions that would be maintained or improved by protecting or restoring this site. In the future, land use at both sites will change to a more active use. Golf courses in developing communities around the Twin Cities are rapidly converting to housing and other developed land use, and the Elk River Country Club Golf Course is no exception. Recent Board Meetings of the Country Club have discussed the redevelopment option. When redevelopment occurs at the site, the Golf Course parcel will provide an important visual and sound buffer between the Great Northern Trail and park, and the new development. Cirv jElk River Woodland TYaps Park Addition Greenways Grant Bnnestroo and Assoaares, February 2006