7. PRSR 04-11-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk River Top of the World Restoration - 2007 Metro Greenways Site Restoration Nomination Page 4 effort. 8. Timeliness Sites that offer the prospect of completing the funded restoration by June 2008 will receive higher priority. Projects must be completed by June 2009. A work plan with timeline must be submitted with the application. Attach a work plan with timeline and describe any known issues that may interfere with completing the project by June 2009. Work is proposed to begin in fall 2007 following the procedures laid out in the Park Natural Resource Management Plan (attached), with grow-in maintenance work for the first two growing seasons being associated with this grant request (work through) spring 2009. The City intends to hire Bonestroo for. natural resource restoration/grow-in management activities and assistance on interpretive sign development: Remaining grow-in and long-term maintenance work for the prairie/savanna restoration will be carried out by the City. C. Reasonable Cost The cost of restoring the site must be reasonable given existing site conditions and restoration goals. A detailed work plan and budget must be submitted with the application. Budget exhibit is attached. To our knowledge, no unusual circumstances or activities surround the proposed work plan. D. Expertise of the Implementing Entity The experience and expertise of the entity responsible for the restoration will greatly influence the likelihood of project success. Specific expertise in the type of restoration contemplated is highly desirable, and previous successful projects should be listed. What entity or agency is proposed to design/implement the restoration activities? Describe the restoration project expertise and experience of the responsible entity. The City of Elk River is actively engaged in protecting and managing natural areas under its authority. It has undertaken a series of restoration efforts on City property in partnership with private natural resources/restoration companies. For this project, the City proposes to enlist the assistance of the natural resources staff from Bonestroo to design, install, and conduct grow-in maintenance of the restoration areas. III. Other Program Goals (Secondary Criteria) A. Community Support and Collaboration Local community elected off cials, residents, and other interested groups should be involved and favor the project. Identification of the site for natural resource conservation in community documents such as natural area/greemvay plans, and natural resource inventories is desirable. Financial involvement and/or resource dedication by multiple partners is also a strong indicator of support. In general, projects that include a percentage of non-state funding sources will receive higher consideration. The City has expended significant effort and enlisted the help of a variety of sources to permanently protect Top of the World as a City of Elk River public park. Continuing its commitment to the site, the City supports this proposed restoration effort. In addition, elected officials and appointed committee members of the City support efforts to manage/restore natural areas, particularly where it improves the quality of life-for residents. B. Compatible Public Use Although the primary focus of the program is to restore natural areas, people may also have opportunities to use and enjoy these areas. Sites where educational and recreational activities can be accommodated without compromising the site's ecological value will receive greater consideration than comparable sites that do not provide for these uses. Describe the types and level of compatible public use that are proposed for the site. Currently, Top of the World Park has a series of mowed trails through oak woods that are used by hikers during the summer and for cross-country skiing/biathlon in the winter. The Great Northern Trail borders the restoration site on the west. This paved trail is a well-used recreational corridor in the City. The current and planned uses for Top of the World Park, including the restoration area are compatible with the restoration