8.0 PRSR 03-09-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Due to its more urban nature and disturbed history,there may not be many Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) that currently utilize the site. However, restoring wildlife habitat is still a priority for this plan, and has the potential to attract SGCNs back to the site. Habitat loss and degradation have been the primary causes of problems for SGCN species in the Anoka Sandplain subsection,with prairie, oak savanna,and grassland currently containing the most species affected. The property's location at the confluence of two water bodies also makes it an important potential habitat for myriad plant and animal species. Bailey Point presents a unique opportunity to restore land to pre-European conditions,improving habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Given its unique position on the landscape-at the confluence of two rivers and located within the Metro Conservation Corridors-restoration of this property would have a large impact by providing habitat for migrating species.While the majority of the property is in a natural state,the communities are relatively degraded. Improving the health of these ecosystems will benefit many species, some of which are currently experience population declines due to habitat loss and other factors. The DNR recommends stabilizing and increasing SGCN populations in oak savanna and prairie areas by managing invasive species,using prescribed fire and other practices to maintain savanna and prairie,to encourage restoration efforts,to manage grasslands adjacent to native prairie to enhance habitat, and to provide technical assistance and protection opportunities to interested individuals and organizations. The pre-settlement vegetation for this site was largely"oak openings and barrens" or oak savanna grading into prairie just to the west of the site,and river bottom or floodplain forest along the periphery of the site where it currently occurs today. In its current state the site has been greatly altered throughout its history. Restoring and enhancing savanna and other native plant communities will be one of the top priorities of this management plan. Also improving and expanding the buffer on the Elk and Mississippi Rivers, as well as stabilizing certain badly degraded riverbanks, are priorities, and will be explored in depth herein. The purpose of this management plan is to: • Identify the existing ecological conditions on the property • Identify best management practices to maximize wildlife values,and retain and improve water quality and increase community diversity • Document allowable uses and activities of the property Specific ecological and cultural goals for this property are to: • Increase coverage and diversity of native plant species and reduce non- native species • Provide connectivity with other natural areas in the landscape and along the river corridor Friends of the Mississippi River Bailey Point Nature Preserve NRMP 9