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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-01 ENR Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION Tuesday, April 1, 2008 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Council Chambers - Maplewood City Hall 1830 County Road BEast 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes: a. February 19, 2008 b. March 4, 2008 5. Visitor Presentations: 6. Unfinished Business: 7. New Business: a. U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement (30 minutes) b. Comprehensive Plan - Natural Area Greenways (45 minutes) 8. Commission Presentations: a. Schedule Meeting for Rules and Bylaws 9. Staff Presentations: a. Resolution of Appreciation for James Beardsley b. Waterfest (May 17) c. Comprehensive Plan Open House (April 22) d. Update on Wetland Ordinance 10. Adjourn Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Minutes Tuesday, March 4, 2008 Council Chambers - Maplewood City Hall 1830 County Road BEast Call to Order: 5: 15 p.rn. Members Present: Carol Mason Sherrill Frederica Musgrave Carole Lynn Dale Trippler Members Absent: Margaret Behrens Ginny Yingling Staff Present: Du Wayne Konewko Ginny Gaynor Ann Hutchinson Shann Finwall Avvroval of Al.!enda: Approved- . Commissioner Musgrave meeting on February 28. . Commissioner South . Spring . ENR . Nature Trails, Open Space Advisory Board 5 . correct date from 2007 to 2008. on Parks, Trails, Open Space Advisory Board February 28 meeting. . be done to incorporate our commission? be in the report regarding South Maplewood? . What Questions and . In the revisions to the comprehensive plan are there any plans to incorporate this commission into the comprehensive plan language or incorporate what the commission does into the various areas. This will be addressed in the natural resources area ofthe plan on May 8. . Shann Finwall commented: Give comments and questions regarding the goals and objectives to Commissioner Musgrave and she will present to the Parks, Trails and Open Space Advisory Board in April. 1 . Ginny Gaynor commented: March 18 we will be introduced to the concept of environmental corridors which will be the basis of our natural resource plan. A consultant will be working with staff and this commission on the natural resource section of the comprehensive plan. . It was agreed that there is a need to have an open discussion on the ENR's involvement in the comprehensive plan at the next meeting. . A concern was addressed about South Maplewood and the CoPar development as the moratorium is to expire soon. Shann Finwall indicated that CoPar is not affected by the moratoriurn. Regardless, CoPar is still in litigation with the she will update the commission when additional info is available. Staff Presentations: Shann Finwall: . City Council will have the first reading wetland ordinance can be found on the . The city is proposing a spring clean up parking lot at 1850 White Bear . The commission retreat is information coming. Ginny Gaynor: . There is a wetland buffer . There is a rain garden . RWMWD is in your front Ann Hutchinson: . Welcomed of The 7am-2pm Arena 5th at the Nature Center, more Nature Center. in doing a rain garden Nature Center. 1) Management: of surface water management proposed comprehensive plan goals and policies including: . . and flood control. . Wetland . Erosion control. . Ground water. Develop a program with the watershed district. . Individual sewage treatment systems. . Education and public involvement. . Establish and maintain funding sources to finance surface water management activities. . Maintenance and inspection. . Regulatory responsibility. 2 Questions and Comments: . Commissioner Musgrave commented on a need for more discussion on open spaces being used as storm water management areas and draining easements. . Regarding GoalS (groundwater) - has the city ever developed a monitoring program? Dewey stated that the City does not currently have one but will be starting a prograrn. . Commissioner Musgrave: Regarding Goal 7 - Can language regarding draining of pools be added? Also, who is responsible for cleaning storm drains ofleaves in the fall? The leaves issue is being studied by staff. Summary of standards table: . The table compares the various watershed currently has. Ifthere are issues in regards to staff on what needs to be improved in those areas? . Discussed Plan timeline: Ordinances need to be surface water management plan. The draft plan for internal review late April to early May. The first draft plan for internalreview will May. The plan will be sent out a 60 day agency review. In July plan will be prepared for city council ill August. ENR will see this plan again during the internal to early May. and what the city time to work with 2) Maplewood Tree Program Ginny Gaynor and Ann Maplewood Urban Forest Program: Ann other at the Nature Center. . The tree on educational brochures regarding trees. . in our lives was discussed. There is a database to eventually be marked in some manner. We will be making posters to get will be needed. Forms and other information been packet. An educational video on the value trees door knocker will be placed on people's doors. Rebate were given a form in their packet. This will be in May. If a resident planted trees in their yard they can example if you buy a $100 tree you can receive a $50 rebate. . Trees being offered at a discounted price in a couple of programs, Friends Parks and Wild Gardener Series. . The starting with one public planting at Fire Station 3. . Staff will report back to the city council regarding this tree program later this year. The Tree Program will be run through the Nature Center. There will be a need for additional resources to implement this program. . What should this program be name? It is currently called the Maplewood Urban Tree Program but staff will take any recommendations from the commission. 3 Carol Mason Sherrill addressed some concerns: That the city needs to take ownership and plant trees on city property and pay more of an educational role in learning the correct placement oftrees, and to be watchful so trees are not damaged by equipment. Adiourn: 6:50 pm 4 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Minutes Tuesday, February 19, 2008 Council Chambers - Maplewood City Hall 1830 County Road BEast Call to Order: 5: 15 p.rn. Members Present: Margaret Behrens Frederica Musgrave Carol Mason Sherrill Ginny Yingling Staff Present: Oakley Biesanz Ginny Gaynor DuWayne Shann Finwall Ann Avvroval of Al.!enda: Approved Agenda Avvroval of Minutes: January 9, 2008 minutes tabled to March Commission Presentations: . Dale Trippler has been a new commissioner for ENR. Visitor Presentations: none . staff to the commission. commission will be active in . and the tree program will be reviewed. with the Planning Commission, ENR, Community regarding natural resources and o corri dors. make a recommendation for the natural resources plan hoping to have this plan wrapped up by June. meetings on April 22 and May 22. o Questions Are other communities giving us their comprehensive plan updates? Who reviews and comments on these plans from other communities? Staff answered that the surrounding communities are required to submit their comprehensive plan to us for review. Generally city staff will review these, but we would bring it to the commissions ifbig changes that affect our city occur. 1 Definition of a comprehensive plan requested: Long range vision guide required by the Metropolitan Council, it basically helps the city guide land uses. Cities are required to submit a comprehensive plan every 10 years. The 2002 comprehensive plan is on the website. 2) Ginny Gaynor gave an update on environmental corridors: . The March 18 meeting is when the corridors and the concepts that go along with them will be presented to the joint commissions. . Weare writing a grant to embrace open space which will an opportunity to present workshops to show the homeowners what 3) Administrative Business: . Jim Beardsly has resigned from the . It was agreed to keep the regular from 5:15 to 6:45. . Requirements of retreats versus policy decisions at their videotaped. Staffwilllook is tentatively scheduled . Kathleen Juenemann first month will out that all are rooms for the retreat which she is for the commission. New Business: Recycling report: Shann Finwall Goodwin and Diana Recycling, Alex Danovitch, Chris Eureka here to 2007 recycling findings and also present ideas and plan. . with a mission to demonstrate that waste is preventable. . Alex in 2006 multi-family buildings were set up and on the program. were added. We have almost completed all ofthe apartment buildings. of work into making recycling areas look unique, not like dumpsters. tons increased to 180 tons for multi-family. . Diana curbside recycling: The recycling rate in Maplewood remained steady, most other cities in the metro area declining. Added new materials included milk cartons and juice boxes. Educated residents on plastics. We saw a decrease in the residual rate which means residents are recycling more ofthe right stuff. There is a need to educate residents on differentiating recyclable from non-recyclable materials. . The City of Maplewood modeled bottle to bottle recycling. It takes three times less energy to make a glass bottle from a glass bottle. In 2008 Eureka is working on obtaining 2 a machine that would be used to sort glass which means those loads won't need to be shipped out to Chicago. . Recommendations - to focus on curbside recyclers, invest in public space recycling, maintain focus on multi-family program to sustain the work being done and to continue a monitoring program using reports from Eureka Recycling. . Make a year-long effort finding opportunities to distribute recycling bins in the community. . There needs to be a state-wide policy that defines the difference between yard wastes and organics. . Only Maplewood material is put on the sorter then the back to Maplewood. Ad;ourn 7:50 p.rn. 3 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement March 25, 2008 for the April 1 ENR Commission Meeting INTRODUCTION In an effort to curb climate disruption from carbon dioxide emissions and pollution, the Kyoto Protocol became law for 141 countries that ratified it on February 16, 2005. Thirty eight of those countries are now legally required to reduce emissions on average 5.2 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. The United States did not sign the agreement, but would have been required to reduce emissions by 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. I n an effort to reduce climate disruption pollution, the United States Conference of Mayors adopted a Climate Protection Agreement in 2005. Supporting mayors pledged to reduce emissions in their own communities by 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012 (Attachment 1). The agreement states that these communities will strive to reduce emissions and pollution by taking actions in their operations and communities such as: 1. Inventory global warming emissions in city operations and set reduction targets. 2. Adopt and enforce land use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and create compact, walkable urban communities. 3. Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction programs, incentives for car pooling and public transit. 4. I ncrease recycling rates. 5. Educate the public about reducing pollution. DISCUSSION On March 4, 2008, Matt Ledvina, Maplewood resident and member of the Community Design Review Board, submitted a letter to the Mayor requesting the City of Maplewood's support in the efforts to reduce emissions and pollution by signing the agreement (Attachment 2). Mr. Ledvina submitted his letter on behalf of Transfiguration Catholic Church in Oakdale, of which Mr. Ledvina is a member and part of their creation care team working toward promoting stewardship in many areas of life, including the environment. On March 3, 2008, Julie Smendzuik-O'Brien, Maplewood resident and Ph.D. student at Fielding Graduate University, requested an opportunity to present her research on the Twin Cities' suburb's response to climate change and the agreement. Ms. Smendzuik- O'Brien's research focused on five twin city suburbs who have signed the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement, why they signed, and what measures they have taken to reduce emissions and pollution since signing. Ms. Smendzuik-O'Brien will present her findings to the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission on April 1. RESOURCES For additional information on the agreement see the following: 1. U.S. MAYORS CLIMATE PROTECTION CENTER at: http:// usmayo rs. 0 rg/c Ii mate protectio n 2. BBC RADIO PROGRAM - "ONE PLANET" Radio interview with Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and others about the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement. Listen to the audio at: http://www .bbc .co. uk/worldservice/programmes/one _planet.shtm I?redirect=&new s=&host=&nbram=&bbra m=&nbwm=&bbwm=&lang= 3. CAR TALK = CARBON OFFSET RESOURCES (from National Public Radio) How to Reduce Carbon emissions from your car; site also contains a list of other resources on the topic of global warming at: http://www.cartalk.com/content/features/carbon/resources.htm I 4. BELL MUSEUM: PARADISE LOST and MYSTERIES IN THE MUD (source: Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, March-April 2008. Two exhibits that run through April 11 , 2008 at the Bell Museum of Natural History. "Paradise Lost" features scientific and artistic observations of changes in the north woods, and "Mysteries in the Mud" examines changes in the Big Woods in southeastern Minnesota. Find exhibit details at www.bellmuseum.org or phone 612-624-9050. RECOMMENDATION Review the attached material on the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement and Ms. Smendzuik-O'Brien's presentation on April 1 and make a recommendation to the city council on the adoption of the agreement in Maplewood. P:\works\environmental\c1imate change\4-1-0B ENR Report Attachments: 1. The U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement 2. March 4, 2008, Correspondence From Matt Ledvina Attachment 1 4CONP~ ~r:!" . 0 ~~'~'~f The U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement (As endorsed by the 73" Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting, Chicago, 2005) A. We urge the federal government and state governments to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the target of reducing global warming pollution levels to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012, including efforts to: reduce the United States' dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel-efficient technologies such as conservation, methane recovery for energy generation, waste to energy, wind and solar energy, fuel cells, efficient motor vehicles, and biofuels; B. We urge the U.S. Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation that 1) includes clear timetables and emissions limits and 2) a flexible, market-based system of tradable allowances among emitting industries; and C. We will strive to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollution by taking actions in our own operations and communities such as: 1. Inventory global warming emissions in City operations and in the community, set reduction targets and create an action plan. 2. Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and create compact, walkable urban communities; 3. Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction programs, incentives for car pooling and public transit; 4. Increase the use of clean, alternative energy by, for example, investing in "green tags", advocating for the development of renewable energy resources, recovering landfill methane for energy production, and supporting the use of waste to energy technology; S. Make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements, retrofitting city facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conserve energy and save money; 6. Purchase only Energy Star equipment and appliances for City use; 7. Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program or a similar system; 8. Increase the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles; reduce the number of vehicles; launch an employee education program including anti- idling messages; convert diesel vehicles to bio-diesel; 9. Evaluate opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water and wastewater systems; recover wastewater treatment methane for energy production; 10. Increase recycling rates in City operations and in the community; 11. Maintain healthy urban forests; promote tree planting to increase shading a nd to a bsorb C02; and 12. Help educate the public, schools, other jurisdictions, professional associations, business and industry about reducing global warming pollution. 1 Attachment 2 Mayor Diana Longrie City of Maplewood 1830 County Road BEast Maplewood, MN 55109 Dear Mayor: Climate disruptiOh is ar1 urgent threat to the environmental and economic health of our communities. Many cities, in this country and abroad, already have strong local policies and programs in place to reduce global warming pollution, but more action is needed at the local, state, and federal levels to meet the challenge. On February 16. 2005, the Kyoto Protocol, the international agreement to address climate disruption, became law for the 141 countries that had ratified it to date. On that day, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels launched the Mayors Challenge initiative to advance the goals 01 the Kyoto Protocol through leadership and action. Mayor Nickels, along with a growing number of other US mayors, is leading the development 01 a US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. To date, 780 cities representing 77 million citizens, have signed the agreement (see attached). Area cities such as St. Paul, Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake, Eagan and Woodbury have made this commitment to future generations. As a citizen of Maplewood and a member 01 the Transfiguration Catholic Church, Creation Care Team, I urge our city to pass a resolution in support 01 the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and commit to taking steps to reduce green house gas emissions. Many cities and counties in Minnesota have already taken great strides, and there are lessons to be learnedlrom their actions. . Aggressive promotion of energy and water conservation and recycling. . Commitment to climate-friendly building, fleet management and purchasing practices, in government and in the community. . Education and engagement with residents and businesses, . Establishment 01 climate-friendly land-use policies The region needs the City 01 Maplewood'ssupporl. Working together, we can create a cohesive plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We can begin to identily adaptation strategies that are necessary for the well-being 01 our vital, sustainable communities. Just as importantly, your leadership will inspire and catalyze significant changes in Maplewood and beyond this region. We can create a legacy lor which we can be proud. Please contact me if you have questions, Cc: Fr. Bob hart, Transfiguration Catholic Church City of Maplewood Council Members Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner - City 01 Maplewood USCM 2005 Adopted Resolutions 2005 ENVIRONMENT ENDORSING U.S. MAYORS CLIMATE PROTECTION AGREEMENT WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has previously adopted strong policy resolutions calling for cities, communities and the federal government to take actions to reduce global warming pollution; and WHEREAS, the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the international community's most respected assemblage of scientists, has found that climate disruption is a reality and that human activities are largely responsible for increasing concentrations of global warming pollution; and WHEREAS, recent, well-documented impacts of climate disruption include average global sea level increases of four to eight inches during the 20th century; a 40 percent decline in Arctic sea-ice thickness; and nine of the ten hottest years on record occurring in the past decade; and WHEREAS, climate disruption of the magnitude now predicted by the scientific community will cause extremely costly disruption of human and natural systems throughout the world including: increased risk of floods or droughts; sealevel rises that interact with coastal storms to erode beaches, inundate land, and damage structures; more frequent and extreme heat waves; more frequent and greater concentrations of smog; and WHEREAS, on February 16, 2005, the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement to address climate disruption, went into effect in the 141 countries that have ratified it http://www"1I~nlayors.org/uscm/resollltionsj]3((Lconference/cnv _04.asp (I of 4) 12/ 1212007 10; 16:23 AM Attachment 2 USCM 2005 Adopted Resolutions to date; 38 of those countries are now legally required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on average 5.2 percent below 1990 levels by 2012; and WHEREAS, the United States of America, with less than five percent of the world's population, is responsible for producing approximately 25 percent of the world's global warming pollutants; and WHEREAS, the Kyoto Protocol emissions reduction target for the U.s. would have been 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012; and WHEREAS, many leading US companies that have adopted greenhouse gas reduction programs to demonstrate corporate social responsibility have also publicly expressed preference for the US to adopt precise and mandatory emissions targets and timetables as a means by which to remain competitive in the international marketplace, to mitigate financial risk and to promote sound investment decisions; and WHEREAS, state and local governments throughout the United States are adopting emission reduction targets and programs and that this leadership is bipartisan, coming from Republican and Democratic governors and mayors alike; and WHEREAS, many cities throughout the nation, both large and small, are reducing global warming pollutants through programs that provide economic and quality of life benefits such as reduced energy bills, green space preservation, air quality improvements, reduced traffic congestion, improved transportation choices, and economic development and job creation through energy conservation and new energy technologies; and WHEREAS, mayors from around the nation have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement which, as amended at the 73rd Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting, reads: The U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement D. We urge the federal government and state governments to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the target of reducing global warming pollution levels to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012, including efforts to: reduce the United States' dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel-efficient technologies such as conservation, methane recovery for energy generation, waste to energy, wind and solar energy, fuel cells, efficient motor vehicles, and biofuels; E. We urge the U.s. Congress to pass bipartisan http://www.usmayors.org/uscm/resolutionsI73rd_conferencefenv_04.asp (2 of 4)12112/2007 10: !6:23 AM Attachment 2 USCM 2005 Adopted Resolutions greenhouse gas reduction legislation that includes 1) clear timetables and emissions limits and 2) a flexible, market-based system of tradable allowances among emitting industries; and F. We will strive to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollution by taking actions in our own operations and communities such as: 1. Inventory global warming emissions in City operations and in the community, set reduction targets and create an action plan. 2. Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and create compact, walkable urban communities; 3. Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction programs, incentives for car pooling and public transit; 4. Increase the use of clean, alternative energy by, for example, investing in "green tags", advocating for the development of renewable energy resources, recovering landfill methane for energy production, and supporting the use of waste to energy technology; 5. Make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements, retrofitting city facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conserve energy and save money; 6. Purchase only Energy Star equipment and appliances for City use; 7. Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program or a similar system; 8. Increase the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles; reduce the number of vehicles; launch an employee education program including antHdling messages; convert diesel vehicles to bio-diesel; 9. Evaluate opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water and wastewater systems; recover wastewater treatment methane for energy production; 10. Increase recycling rates in City operations and in the community; 11. Maintain healthy urban forests; promote tree planting to increase shading and to absorb C02; and 12. Help educate the public, schools, other jurisdictions, professional associations, business and industry about reducing global warming pollution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors endorses the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement as amended by the 73rd annual U. S. Conference of Mayors meeting and urges mayors from around the nation to join this effort. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The U.S. Conference of Mayors will work in conjunction with ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability and other appropriate organizations to track progress and implementation of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement as amended by the 73rd annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting. http://www.usmayors.org/uscmlresoltltionsn3rd_conferenceJcov _04.asp (3 of 4) 12/! 212007 10: 16:23 At\!1 Attachment 2 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission Ginny Gaynor, Open Space Naturalist March 25, 2008 for the April 1 ENR Commission Meeting Comp Plan - Natural Area Greenways and Natural Resource Plan Background In January 2008, Maplewood contracted Applied Ecological Services (AES) to map natural area greenways in the city and write the Natural Resources section of the Comprehensive Plan. On March 18, 2008, Dr. Kim Chapman from AES presented a preliminary natural area greenways map to commissions and council and discussed the concept of ecological corridors (see attached natural area greenway map). At the April ENR commission meeting, commissioners will review the concepts for natural area greenways and provide input for the Natural Resources section of the Comprehensive Plan. Discussion The Comprehensive Plan describes how a community wants to develop over a specified planning period. Metropolitan Council requires that communities address four major goals in the 2030 Plans: 1) efficient growth, 2) multi-modal transportation, 3) housing choices, 4) natural resources protection. Maplewood's 2002 Natural Resources Plan for Maplewood is very limited in scope (see attached). Our commitment to protecting natural resources merits a much more substantial plan. On March 18, Kim Chapman from AES presented the concept of designating natural area greenways in Maplewood. The idea of retrofitting a developed urban community with natural area greenways is relatively novel in our area and requires critical discussion. This is just one component of natural resources protection. The Natural Resources Plan will take a comprehensive approach to protecting resources in Maplewood. A draft outline for the Natural Resources section of the Comprehensive Plan is attached for review. The following questions and comments are submitted for discussion. Concept of Natural Area Greenways 1. Are you comfortable with the methods used to designate the greenways? a. Map-based, not field-based b. A document explaining the methods in detail will be available at a future date c. Criteria included: size, connections, quality, rare features, water quality 2. Is it realistic ecologically and financially to try to protect and enhance some or all of these corridors? a. North Maplewood wetland complex 1 b. Priory wetland complex c. Battle Creek greenway d. South Maplewood pothole wetlands e. Fish Creek greenway 3. Do you have any recommended changes to the natural area greenways? (At the April 22 Comprehensive Plan Open House, you will have opportunity to see a larger map.) 4. Do you support the designation of natural area greenways? Natural Resources Plan The Natural Resources Plan lays the foundation for natural resources protection. It is not a detailed management plan. The draft outline shows the topics that will be covered. Staff requests general input on the outline. We are not asking ENR commissioners to provide goals and implementation strategies. Those will be written by our consultant and presented for review and modification at the May ENR Commission meeting. 1. The main sections of the plan are: a. Vision and Goals for Natural Resources b, Natural Resources in Maplewood c. Implementation Strategies for Natural Resources d. Figures e. Tables Are any other sections necessary? 2. The Natural Resources Section is divided into: a. Natural Area Greenways b. Individual sites and neighborhood habitat c. Active Parks and Trails d. Special Natural Resources Issues 3. Do you agree this 4-pronged approach to our natural resources? 4. Do you agree with the following statements? a. Maplewood has a responsibility protect its natural areas. b. Maplewood has a responsibility manage its natural areas. c. Maplewood has a responsibility to enhance and restore its natural areas. d. Maplewood has a responsibility to encourage and support residents in their efforts to protect, maintain, and enhance natural resources on private lands. 5. Are there other items that the Natural Resources Plan needs to address? 2 Recommendations Staff requests that ENR commissioners discuss the concept of natural areas greenways and make a recommendation on whether Maplewood should include this concept in the Comprehensive Plan. Staff requests that ENR commissioners provide input for the natural resources section of the Comprehensive Plan. Attachments: 1. Preliminary Map of Natural Area Greenways 2. 2002 MaplelMlod Natural Resources Plan 3. Draft Outline for MapleVvOod Natural Resources Plan 3 2002 Comprehensive Plan Attachment 2 NATURAL FEATURES INTRODUCTION Maplewood has many natural features, such as soils, slopes, wetlands, woodlots and large trees, that restrict development design. The following maps and text describe these features and show their locations. Soils and Slopes Undeveloped land in the City is generally classified slight, moderate or severe to develop based on the difficulty of building caused by soils and steep slopes. Areas with slight problems are generally good for construction. The areas with moderate problems may require good management and careful design to overcome site limitations. Areas with severe problems may be impossible to develop without special design or significant costs. Trees Figure 2 on page 11 shows the location of major tree cover. To help preserve large trees, the City adopted a tree ordinance in 1991. This ordinance requires developers to replace large trees they remove and also allows the City to increase lot areas to save trees. The City also has a limited removal program for diseased trees on City land. Wetlands Figure 3 on page 12 shows the location of major wetlands, floodplains and the local watershed districts. The Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District has mapped and classified the City's wetlands. Wetlands serve a variety of functions. They maintain water quality, reduca flooding and erosion while acting as settling basins, provide food and habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife and provide open space. Wetlands also are an important physical, educational, ecological, aesthetic and a recreational asset to the citizens. As a result, the County has purchased many of these areas for open space. In addition, the City has acquired wetlands through developer dedications, for storm water ponds and through open space purchases. In some cases, the City has combined these ponds with City parks. 9 The Corps of Engineers, the State Department of Natural Resources and the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District regulate many of the City's wetlands. In 1996, Maplewood adopted a wetland protection ordinance. This ordinance has several purposes. They include preserving the beneficial functions of wetlands, stabilizing the areas around wetlands, preventing harmful substances from reaching wetlands, reducing human disturbances of wetlands and protecting plant and wildlife habitat. The City also requires the preservation of wetlands that it needs for storm water runoff or water quality preservation. The City shows the location and size of ponds it needs in the City's storm water management plan. Floodplains Figure 3 on page 12 shows the location of the floodplains. The City participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) flood protection program. FEMA last updated Maplewood's floodplain information in 1986. The City has adopted a floodplain ordinance that regulates all construction in floodplains. Maplewood also has a shoreland ordinance that restricts development around its lakes and streams. The City's zoning map shows the areas that the ordinance restricts. These areas are generally within 1,000 feet of the lakes. This varies, however, with each lake. 10 Tree Coverage Roads lnt""tare Highway Str'eet Areas of mCI';!erate to Mea:vy tree cover CUyumJtt$ u 2.5 1.5 2 '01 '\ + 3 LJmns Str-aet fQfi?:stfWP SCf'U b Shrub Un'Consoiidated of Capitai Regio" Ramse:y Washington East Mississippi ~,5 ~ 0.5 1.5 Miies 1" Attachment 3 Chapter X. Natural Resources in Maplewood DRAFT OUTLINE Protect, Connect and Restore Ecosystems, Communities and Species X.1. Vision and Goals for Natural Resources in Maplewood The City of Maplewood has led the way in natural resource conservation in Minnesota. From bonding bills to protect the last, best forests and wetlands, to a raingarden education program for purifying runoff to its lakes and streams, Maplewood's citizens and elected leaders quickly adopt new ideas from scientists, businesses, and regulatory agencies. Maplewood has learned that supporting environmental laws and best practices has added benefits for City residents, including clean and pleasant parks and lakes, a variety of out-of-door experiences, and the peace of mind that comes from doing the right thing. The City also believes that property values and the City's overall marketability will rise over time by improving natural resources and the environment Following in this tradition, the City of Maplewood holds the following vision for natural resources: Maplewood's vision for natural resources.. Maplewood's vision for natural resources.. Maplewood's vision for natural resources.. Maplewood's vision for natural resources.. To further this vision, the City of Maplewood has the following goals for natural resources: Goal X 1. 1. Maplewood's goals for natural resources.. Goal X 1.2. Goal X 1.3. Goal X 1.4. Etc. X.2. Natural Resources in Maplewood The City of Maplewood is planning for natural resources in a comprehensive way. At a broad scale, Natural Area Greenways address ecosystem services and the specialist species gone or disappearing from the City. At a local scale, individual sites address the need of people to enjoy and learn about wild habitat near their homes. Active Parks and Trails connect greenways and preserves but also give people places to play sports, picnic, and bike. Other natural resource issues are addressed City-wide through programs. X.2.1. Natural Area Greenways. The purpose is to protect, connect and restore large scale ecosystems and their services and provide habitat for specialist species. X.2.2. Individual sites and neighborhood habitats. The purpose is to protect, buffer, and manage small, isolated wild habitats and preserve local ecosystem services. These will benefit generalist species. These lands may be private or public. Many of the public sites provide access and opportunities for people to enjoy and learn about wild habitats. X2.3. Active Parks and Trails. The purpose is to provide easy access for people's recreational enjoyment. These provide limited ecosystem services due to turf, pavement, and ballfields and are less useable by wildlife. Parts of these may be useful for greenways and natural vegetation. X2A. Special Natural Resources Issues. The purpose is to address individual natural resource issues using existing and future programs. X2A1. Stormwater Management X2A2. Buckthorn Management X2A3. Road Salt Management X2AA. Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Plan X2A.5 X2A.6 X2A.7 Etc. X3. Implementation Strategies for Natural Resources Achieving the vision and goals for Maplewood's natural resources requires long range budget planning. Strategies are described for each part of the natural resources plan. Achieving the vision and goals for natural resources will be easier if they are supported by the City's land use plan, zoning, and ordinances. X3.1. Implementation Strategies for Natural Area Greenways. X3.2. Implementation Strategies for Individual Sites and Neighborhood Habitats. X3.3. Implementation Strategies for Active Parks and Trails. X3A Implementation Strategies for Natural Resources Issues. XA Figures 1. Priority lowland and aquatic natural resources areas in Maplewood 2. Priority upland natural resource areas in Maplewood 3. Natural Area Greenways in Maplewood 4. Neighborhood Preserves in Maplewood 5. Active Parks and Trails in Maplewood 6. Comprehensive Natural Resources Plan for Maplewood 7. Natural Resources Plan with Existing Public Land and Public Interest X5. Tables 1. Acres in Greenways, Preserves, and Parks by lowland/aquatic and upland natural resource areas 2. Acres of Greenways, Preserves, and Parks in Existing Public Land and Public Interest, by lowland/aquatic and upland natural resource areas - ;, Pl'llSSJO.:l-m)N -lelqeH l:l!lenbVfpUE ilZl PiillS;JO~'IJON "IBl!i:IBH pL 321 palSaJo.:l -lellqeH pL "lIIIlS III ," !.IIlla Ipl!Oil papl/.!OfJOmW) pua UIlII:l!llSUO;:l :llunb\I'IPlJel Jllenbv,'PlJll / pua 1 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner Resolution of Appreciation for James Beardsley March 26, 2008 for the April 1 ENR Commission Meeting Attached is a resolution of appreciation for James Beardsley. Jim served as a commissioner the Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission for one year and two months, from December 11, 2006 to February 19, 2008; and served on the ENR Committee for two years prior to that. Staff requests that the ENR Commission recommend that the city council adopt this resolution of appreciation. Attachment: Resolution of Appreciation Attachment RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION WHEREAS, James Beardsley has been a member of the Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources Commission for one year and two nwnths, .from December II, 2006 to February 19, 2008; and on the ENR Committee for two years prior to that, and has served faithfully in that capacity; and WHEREAS, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission has appreciated his experience, insights and good judgment; and WHEREAS, Mr. Beardsley has.freely given of his time and energy, without compensation, for the betterment of the City of Maplewood; and WHEREAS, Mr. Beardsley has shown dedication to his duties and has consistently contributed his leadership and effort for the benefit of the City. NOW, 1HEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOL VED for and on behalf of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, and its citizens that James Beardsley is hereby extended our gratitude and appreciation for his dedicated service. Passed by the Maplewood City Council on Diana Longrie, Mayor Passed by the Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources Commission on April I, 2008. Ginny Yingling, Chairperson Attest: Karen Guilfoile, City Clerk Agenda Item 9.b. W A TERFEST 2008 A FREE F AMIL Y FESTIVAL SATURDAY, MAY 17,2008 PHALEN P ARK PAVILION, ST . PAUL North of Phalen Dr. & Wheelock Pkwy. Families from around the Twin Cities are invited to a day oflakeside fun at WaterFest 2008. Sponsored by the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, the cities of Maplewood and St. Paul and other partners, WaterFest is a celebration of our clean lakes and an opportunity for hands-on learning about the water quality, wildlife, and special ecological features of our beautiful watershed. Highlights of Water Fest activities include: Event Schedule Fun 5K Walk/Run 9:30 am around Lake Phalen (Register at www.rwmwd.org) Pavilion Exhibits and Activities 10am - 2pm Water Activities around the Lake 10am - 2pm Food for sale at the Pavilion 10am - 2pm Performances at the Pavilion 1030 am -1pm Oak Planting Ceremony at 1 pm the Pavilion celebrating completion of Phalen's shoreline restoration . On-the-water education in Wilderness Inquiry Voyageur canoes . Kid's fishing lessons and stream monitoring . Rain garden and shore land restoration tours . Raptors and other live animals . Powder Puff and 3M clowns and stilt walkers . Music by Mr. Jim, Girl Scout Peace Dancers, the Toonies Puppet Show and student dramas . Watershed Awareness Expo: How to let the rain soak in and how to reduce water pollution . Clean streets means clean water - Demo snowplow, street sweeper and storm drain stenciling . Native plant give-away . Photos with LEAP Frog Everyone can playa role in protecting our water resources. At WaterFest 2008 we will help families make the connection between activities in our neighborhoods and the health of local lakes, streams and wetlands. This free event is also an opportunity to celebrate spring and enjoy one of the lakes that makes our area a great place to live! The Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District is bounded by the 1-694/494 corridor and 35E and the Mississippi River, which encompasses sections of North St. Paul, Maplewood, White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, Little Canada, Oakdale, Woodbury, Landfall, Gem Lake and St. Paul. The District works to protect and improve local water quality and natural resources. For more information, call Louise Watson at 651-792-7956 or visit the website atwww.rwmwd.ore.