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SHERBURNE COUNTY TREE BOARD <br /> <br />26401 - 180th Street <br />Big Lake, MN 55309 <br />(612) 263-8522 <br /> <br />February 12, 1998 <br /> <br />Steve Ach <br />City of Elk River <br />PO Box 490 <br />Elk River, MN 55330 <br /> <br />Dear Steve, <br /> <br />This letter is in regards to the proposed development plan for Windsor Woods located south of <br />Co. Rd.33 and east of Elk Lake Rd. Because of its location along a ridge and the predominant oak <br />cover type, there are some concerns I would like to share with you. <br /> <br />Most of the lots in the development are forested with virtually all of the forest composition being pin <br />(red) oak. Considering the oak forest monoculture, the risk of starting more oak wilt while developing <br />the land is very high. Since 1992, there have been about 25 oak wilt sites treated within 1 mile of the <br />"levelopment. In addition, inventory maps indicate there may already be oak wilt present on the <br />proposed development. A recommendation would be to have the woods inspected to diagnose any <br />existing oak wilt. Any infection centers identified should be 'treated (if feasable) by someone familiar <br />with oak wilt control. In addition, potential home buyers should have to be notified if oak wilt is <br />present. Without knowing, homeowners are stuck with dead/dying trees after they own the lot. <br />Treating oak wilt sites not only benefits the lot owners but it also benefits a~l properties up to 1/4 mile <br />away with oaks by reducin.(j risk of overland spread. <br /> <br />The steep topography of the area creates a di'[ficu~i: si'~.uation with any fores'~ cover. ~aks tend to be <br />even more sensitive to grade chart§es than rnos'~ trees and as ~ result, hi§h mortali'/y may occur <br />where natural grades are altered. The more roads, driveways, utilities, septics, and garages that are <br />installed, the higher the mortality will be. The narrow lot size will make it even more difficult to save <br />any sizable quantity of bee~; in fr'on'~ of the lots. As a result, the more the forest is fragmented, the <br />more the ecosystem will ch~nge. <br /> <br />The last concern is the timing of the construction work. To minimize oak wilt spread, road clearing <br />and tree removal from April 1 to July 1 should be avoided. If this is not possible, all contractors <br />should be responsible for taking preventative measures when working around oak during these <br />times. In July or August, the area can be re-checked. Brochures are available on oak wilt, using tree <br />wound dressing to cover up open wounds, using tree fencing to save groups of trees, and on <br />minimizing grade changes i:o trees. Please call me if you have questions. Thank you. <br /> <br /> ,incerely, <br /> <br />lira Fdgeton <br />County Forest Resource Specialist <br />Sherburne County Tree Board <br /> <br /> <br />