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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-03 ENR Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION Tuesday, June 3, 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. May 6, 2008 5. Unfinished Business: a. Resolution of Appreciation for Margaret Behrens, John Mason, and Tom Moibi (tabled from 5-6-08 and 5-20-08 meetings) b. Comprehensive Plan - Natural Resource Chapter 6. New Business: a. Comprehensive Plan - Sustainabilily Chapter 7. Visitor Presentations 8. Commission Presentations a. Mercury and CFLs (Commissioner Musgrave) b. U of M College of Natural Resources Environmental Capstone Project (Commissioner Mason Sherrill) 9. Staff Presentations a. Schedule Second Meeting in June to Review Wetland Ordinance b. Reschedule July 1 Meeting Due to Fourth of July Holiday c. Maplewood Nature Center Report (tabled from 5-20-08 meeting) d. Gladstone Savanna Contamination e. Maplewood Nature Center Programs 10. Adjourn Agenda Item 5.a. MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner Resolutions of Appreciation for Margaret Behrens, John Mason, and Tom Moibi May 28, 2008 for the June 3 Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission Meeting (This Item Had Been Tabled from the 5-6 and 5-20 ENR Commission Meeting) Resignation of ENR Commission Members Attached are resolutions of appreciation for Margaret Behrens, John Mason, and Tom Moibi for the following service to the Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission: . Ms Behrens served as a commissioner for one year and three months, from November 30, 2006 to March 11, 2008. . Mr. Mason served as a commissioner for two months, from November 30, 2006 to February 7, 2007. . Mr. Moibi served as a commissioner for nine months, from November 30, 2006 to September 4, 2007. Resolution of Appreciation Policy Since the initial May 6 and May 20 staff reports, it has been brought to staff's attention that the appointment process to a commission or board is labor intensive and takes the city time, energy, and money to advertise, interview, and appoint for the position. As such, the city should have a policy in regard to when a volunteer will receive an official form of appreciation. For this reason staff is recommending that the ENR Commission make a recommendation on an appropriate service timeframe for the official receipt of recognition from the city. Staff will bring that recommendation to the city council for approval. The commissions and boards have varying term limits as follows: . Community Design Review Board (2 years) . Environmental and Natural Resources Commission (3 years) . Human Relations (3 years) . Housing Redevelopment Authority (5 years) . Parks Commission (3 years) . Planning Commission (3 years) . Police Civil Service (3 years) . Historical Commission (3 years) Staff recommends that a board or commission member serve at least one-third of their term prior to receiving an official recognition of appreciation; for the ENR Commission that would mean one year. Recommendation The ENR Commission should recommend an appropriate timeframe for a board or commission member to serve prior to receiving an official recognition. Once this timeframe is recommended, the ENR should make a recommendation on the attached resolutions of appreciation for Margaret Behrens, John Mason, and Tom Moibi. Attachments: Resolutions of Appreciation 1. Margaret Behrens 2. John Mason 3. Tom Moibi Attachment 1 RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION WHEREAS, Margaret Behrens has been a member of the Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources Commission for one year and three nwnths, from November 30,2006 to March II, 2008, and has servedfaithfully in that capacity; and WHEREAS, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission has appreciated her experience, insights and good judgment; and WHEREAS, Ms. Behrens has freely given of her time and energy, without compensation, for the betterment of the City of Maplewood; and WHEREAS, Ms. Behrens has shown dedication to her duties and has consistently contributed her 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 Margaret Behrens is hereby extended our gratitude and appreciation for her dedicated service. Passed by the Maplewood City Council on Diana Longrie, Mayor Passed by the Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources Commission on May 6, 2006. Ginny Yingling, Chairperson Attest: Karen Guilfoile, City Clerk Attachment 2 RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION WHEREAS, John Mason has been a member of the Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources Commission for two months, from November 30,2006 to February 7,2007, and has servedfaithfully in that capacity; and WHEREAS, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission has appreciated his experience, insights and good judgment; and WHEREAS, Mr. Mason hasfreely given of his time and energy, without compensation, for the betterment of the City of Maplewood,' and WHEREAS, Mr. Mason 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 John Mason 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 May 6, 2008. Ginny Yingling, Chairperson Attest: Karen Guilfoile, City Clerk Attachment 3 RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION WHEREAS, Tom Moibi has been a member of the Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources Commission for nine months,from November 30,2006 to September 4,2007, and has servedfaithfully in that capacity; and WHEREAS, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission has appreciated his experience, insights and good judgment; and WHEREAS, Mr. Moibi has freely given of his time and energy, without compensation, for the betterment of the City of Maplewood,' and WHEREAS, Mr. Moibi 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 Tom Moibi 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 May 6, 2008. Ginny Yingling, Chairperson Attest: Karen Guilfoile, City Clerk Agenda Item 6.a. MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Community Design Review Board Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner 2008 Comprehensive Plan - Sustainability Chapter May 29, 2008 for the June 3 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission INTRODUCTION The comprehensive plan is a public document that describes how a community wants to develop over a period of time (usually 10 to 20 years). To ensure that coordination occurs between local municipalities and regional systems, Minnesota law requires municipalities in the region to submit a plan to the Metropolitan Council every ten years. Maplewood is in the process of updating the 2008 comprehensive plan. Staff is requesting that the members of the community design review board (CDRB) and environmental and natural resources (ENR) commission review the proposed sustainability chapter, which will be included in the 2008 plan. BACKGROUND May 13 and 27, 2008, the CDRB reviewed the draft sustainability chapter and recommended approval of the document. DISCUSSION Board/Commission Responsibilities The CDRB ordinance states that board may recommend special design-related criteria for developments. Since 2002 the CDRB has expressed an interest in gaining a better understanding of sustainable building design concepts and drafting policies or ordinances to help guide sustainability. The ENR ordinance states that the commission will develop and promote the use of sustainable practices for city policies and procedures. Comprehensive Plan Requirements The Metropolitan Council's 2030 Regional Development Framework sets out four goals to guide the region's development: efficient growth, multi-modal transportation, housing choices, and natural resource protection. In addition, state statute requires that comprehensive plans address four areas: background - the community's vision and expectations; land use - how a community allocates land use; public facilities - including transportation, water resources and parks and open space; and implementation - official controls that will ensure viability of the plan. The comprehensive planning process is an excellent opportunity for the city to promote sustainability through the community's vision and expectations and implementation policies. As such, staff is recommending a section in the comprehensive plan dedicated to sustainable issues. 1 What is sustainability? Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The city strives to be sustainable in all aspects of its operations and regulatory including the built environment, energy efficiency, water conservation, etc. The sustainability section should specify how the city will promote those practices. The CDRB reviewed several cities' sustainability efforts in their review of the draft sustainability chapter. I n particular the board looked at St. Paul's efforts. St. Paul is a national leader in sustainable urban living. Attached for the ENR's review are St. Paul's sustainable efforts (Attachment 1). Elements of the Plan The 2008 comprehensive plan will include several sections including background, land use, housing, sanitary sewer, surface water, transportation, and parks/trails/open space. In addition to these sections, the ENR is currently reviewing a proposed natural resource section. This section will serve as a guide for how to treat natural resources in a sustainable way by implementing strategies to protect, connect, restore and manage ecosystems, communities, and species. The sustainability section, therefore, should deal with sustainable practices in the built environment such as energy efficiency, sustainable building designs, etc. RECOMMENDATION Review and make a recommendation on the draft sustainability chapter (Attachment 2) to be included in the Maplewood Comprehensive Plan. Once the CDRB and ENR have given comments and made a recommendation, city staff will present the sustainability chapter to the planning commission. P:lcom-devlcomp planlsustainabilityI6-3-08 ENR Attachments: 1. Sustainable SI. Paul 2. Draft Maplevvood Sustainability Chapter 2 SUSTAINABLE SAINT PAUL INTRODUCTION With approximately three-quarters of US residents living in cities, our nation's future relies on the well-being of our cities. In turn, the well-being of our cities depends on making them sustainable, liveable, viable, and vital. To this end, development must be balanced with the long-term health of the environment. Saint Paul is a leader and innovator in the field of environmental preservation and sustainable development. INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMS TRANSIT / TRANSPORTATION Saint Paul continues to develop transit policies and practices that emphasize public transit, car/van pooling, walking, biking, and over the automobile . Central Corridor - Light Rail Transit http://www.centralcorridor.org/index.asp . Connects downtown Saint Paul and Minneapolis . One ofthe largest "unbuilt" transit corridors in the U. S. . The Ramsey County Regional Rail Authoritv (RCRRA) is the lead agency on Light Rail Transit (LRT) development, which will connect Union Depot in Saint Paul to the Metrodome in Minneapolis . Eleven stations will be built within Saint Paul . The estimated construction cost ofthe Central Corridor LRT line is $840 million . Union Depot - http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/rail/docs/LTKsummary.pdf . Pursuant to the Federal highway bill passed by Congress in 2005, Saint Paul received $50 million to convert the Union Depot in Downtown Saint Paul into a regional transportation hub . The City and the Ramsev County Regional Rail Authority (RCRRA) are negotiating the acquisition of the concourse and platform from United States Postal Service and hope to conclude negotiations by the end of2005 . The RCRRA has sponsored the LOCATE Task Force ( http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/raiI/UnionDepot.asp) since 2002 to determine how well the Union Depot's head house, concourse and platform could accommodate various forms of public transportation . A study concluded that Union Depot will accommodated: ./ One set oftracks for AMTRAK ./ Two sets of freight tracks ./ Three sets of commuter rail/high-speed rail tracks ./ Two sets of LR T tracks ./ One bay for taxis, airport shuttles and limousines ./ One bay for express buses ./ One bay for local buses ./ One bay for Greyhound and Jefferson Lines buses ./ Space for bicycles . Metropass . The Metro Transit Metropass program promotes public transportation through deeply discounted annual transit passes . Currently, 3,000 downtown Saint Paul employees participate in the program, which offers unlimited transit system rides within the metro area . Employers pay 50% - 90% of the cost ofthe program by subsidizing the program for their employees . The City of Saint Paul offers its employees Metropass . Employers receive a tax break for joining the Metropass program . HOURCAR Car Sharing - http://www.hourcar.org/index.html . Unique car-sharing program developed by Saint Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium (NEC) . Launched in 2005 with 240 members and twelve new hybrid vehicles distributed among hubs in Saint Paul and Minneapolis . First and only car-sharing fleet in the United States consisting entirely of fuel- efficient gas-electric hybrid vehicles . Reduces traffic congestion, improves air quality, and saves members money by spreading the cost of ownership across many drivers . Studies of North American car-sharing organizations show that an average vehicle in a car-sharing fleet replaces up to 20 privately-owned vehicles . The City of Saint Paul supports HOURCAR by providing deeply discounted parking rates for HOURCAR vehicles in two city-owned parking ramps . HOURCAR members may save several thousand dollars each year by car-sharing . The unique dual rate structure allows a member to choose a plan that will save him/her the most money . Bicycling and Walking in Saint Paul . The City of Saint Paul has within it nearly 75 miles of paved State and City trails, including the Bruce Vento Trail ( http://ronspace.org/2003/Swede Hol1ow Vento Trail/ ) and the Gateway Trail ( http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state trails/gateway/index.html ) which are part of an extensive, interconnected, metro-wide network of bike/pedestrian trails that provide a pollution-free mode of transportation and recreation . The Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation Maintains: ./ 101 miles of paved off-street trails ./ 30 miles of bike lanes ./ 10.8 miles of bike routes ./ 30.3 miles of striped shoulders ./ 24 miles of dirt trails . The Division of Parks and Recreation employees a Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator . The Bicycle Advisory Board ./ Appointed by the Mayor ./ Made up of citizen volunteers and representatives from Parks, Planning and Economic Development, Police, and Public Works ./ Promotes the use of bicycles and the expansion of Saint Paul's paved trail system . Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour ./ Largest annual regional bicycle event in the northern states ./ Hosted by the Saint Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium and co- sponsored by the City of Saint Paul ./ More than 7,000 riders of all ages enjoy 31 miles of mostly traffic-free cycling on the City's trails and scenic boulevards ./ Organizers focus on using locally-produced, organic food and beverages; music is amplified using a solar generator; and 97.68% of potential "waste" materials are recycled or composted . City Vehicle Efficiency Improvements . In 2006, the City of Saint Paul began phasing high-mileage and flexible-fuel vehicles into the City's sedan and light utility vehicle fleet . These vehicles will use environmentally-friendly bio-fuels, such as Ethanol- E85% and Biodiesel-B20% . City of Saint Paul Internal Efforts . Traffic signals in Saint Paul are regularly retimed by the Department of Public Works thereby minimizing delay and fuel consumption . On many well-travelled streets, Public Works installs pavement markings made of reflective tape during street reconstruction projects or asphalt overlays, which eliminate the need to apply paint markings to these roadways for 5-7 years CLEAN AIR . Saint Paul Urban C02 Reduction Plan http://www.ci.stpaul.mn.us/depts/tms/real/co2rednsumv.html . Background: ./ The Minnesota Pollution Control Agencv reports that: . C02 emissions are increasing in Minnesota by an average oftwo percent per year . Increased use of electricity in homes, business, and industry is partially responsible . Increased use of electricity causes increasing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants . The five most polluting coal plants in Minnesota emit more than 33 million tons of C02 each year . Automobiles are also responsible for global warming by creating 20 pounds of C02 for every gallon of gasoline burned ./ The Environmental Protection Agency reports that: . the average minivan produces 16,800 pounds of C02 each year . Average fuel economy in the 2001 fleet (20.4 miles per gallon) was the lowest of any year since 1980 . If fuel economy was improved three miles per gallon, consumers would save up to $25 billion a year in fuel costs, C02 emissions would be reduced by 140 million metric tons per year, and America's dependence on foreign oil would be reduced by as much as a million barrels a day . The Plan: ./ In 1992, the Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis joined the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), an international network of 14 cities worldwide focussed on environmental/economic transition under the Urban C02 Reduction Project . This project is the first global effort to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases . Saint Paul and Minneapolis co-founded the ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, which enlists other cities to adopt policies and important measures to achieve quantifiable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions ./ In 1993, the City Council adopted the C02 Reduction Plan, which was developed by a task force made up of individuals from several departments ./ The Plan's purpose is to: . Improve St. Paul's environmental and economic health . Reduce energy consumption at 200 City work sites by installing energy-efficient equipment purchased with interest-free loans issued by Xcel Energy . Encourage recycling and waste reduction, equipment/lighting conversions, water treatment efficiency, sustainable storm water and wetlands management, forward-looking land use planning and neighborhood development, energy-efficient heating/cooling, and environmentally-friendly transportation options . Implementation: ./ In 1993 the Saint Paul Environmental-Economic Partnership Project (EEPP) was initiated to implement the City's Urban C02 Reduction Plan, a 20-year effort ./ Implementation ofthe C02 Reduction Plan has resulted in significant economic and environmental savings and ultimately will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 960,000 tons of per year, at a total cost savings of $59,000,000 ./ In 2000, the ICLEI awarded the EEPP a Local Initiatives Award for its development and implementation of a comprehensive, long-term plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the local economy . Green Fleet Project . Established by Clean Air Minnesota http://www.cleanairminnesota.org/ . Will purchase and install diesel retrofit equipment on school buses in Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Rochester and Duluth that will reduce pollution inside the bus to outdoor levels, dramatically reducing children's exposure to pollutants . Eventually, the program will install pollution-control equipment on at least 500 school buses across the state . City of Saint Paul Internal Efforts . Public Works uses B20 (20% biodiesel) fuel in its diesel vehicles and equipment . Public Works currently owns 58 sedans that are E85 compatible and will continue to purchase only "flex-fuel" sedans . Vehicles are maintained and kept in good repair, which minimizes emissions and improves fuel economy . The Public Works Department has a "No Vehicle Idling" policy, reducing tailpipe emissions and saving fuel . Public Works uses hydraulic tools instead of gasoline-powered tools whenever possible DEVELOPMENT . The City of Saint Paul Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED) and the Housing and Redevelopment Authoritv (HRA) have implemented an energy conservation policv that requires: . Every developer undertaking a development in Saint Paul, in which public dollars have been invested, must meet with energy design consultants to discuss services that are available to make buildings more energy-efficient and cost-effective ./ Consultant Services include Energy Design Assistance (Xcel Energy) and Peak Perfoffilance Homes (Saint Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium) . For every development within the District Energv service area, the developer must meet with both District Energy and Xcel to learn about the services that each provides in order to make an informed decision about which provider to use . PED is working to link business opportunities generated by the energy conservation policv with qualified minority businesses that have the capacity and willingness to bid and perform . Examples ofPED Projects with Green Components: . The Market Lofts Condominiums and Indoor Farmers' Market include the following: ./ District Heating and Cooling in the Indoors Farmers' Market ./ The high-efficiency, well insulated building envelope is designed to be resistant to heat flow ./ Low Volatile Organic Chemical (VOC) paints and finishes throughout the condos ./ Energv Star rated furnaces and appliances in the condos ./ Programmable thermostats in the condos ./ High recycled content in concrete used in the development ./ Sheetrock used in the development contains recycled materials ./ Low-e energy-saving windows ./ Recycled and sustainably-harvested products offered to buyers as finish products, including granite, stainless steel, bamboo flooring ./ A rooftop storm-water retention system ./ Centrally located near transit lines and a shopping . The proposed redevelopment at Snelling Avenue and 1-94 includes a Best Buy and Lowe's, both of which will undergo Energy Design Assistance (Xcel Energy) review and are considering solar-powered lighting for the parking lots . The Rondo Community Outreach Library and 93 nearby housing units underwent Energy Design Assistance review (Xcel Energy) and incorporated the recommendations . The Dale Street Townhomes developed by the Greater Frogtown Communitv Development Corporation, the University of Minnesota's School of Architecture, and the Wilder Foundation, incorporated an Oriented Strand Board (OSB) panel system, which uses wood from a wide-range of fast-growing species, thereby causing less impact on the environment than traditional stick framing . Redeveloping existing buildings, which is common in Saint Paul, as opposed to demolishing and building new ones, reduces the environmental impact . Transit oriented design, which is playing a larger role in planning and development efforts in Saint Paul, is key to making development sustainable . The Saint Paul P0l1 Authority, the lead agency in industrial development in Saint Paul, has a sustainable development policy that: . Requires every new building to undergo Xcel Energy's Energy Design Assistance program . Offers services to businesses, through LHB Architects, that include an evaluation of material usage for increased durability, resource efficiency and cost effectiveness . Offers services through Great River Greening's High Perf,)rmance Site Design, which promotes native planting and enhanced storm water management . Examples of Port Authority Proj ects with Green Components . Phalen Corridor: ./ 2.5 mile corridor ./ over a hundred acres of polluted land and blight cleaned up ./ $600 million public/private investment ./ A public/private partnership with multiple City Departments (Public Works, Planning and Economic Development, Parks and Recreation) ./ hundreds of new quality housing units for people at various income levels ./ 2,100 new jobs ./ New Transit and Transportation Improvements including Phalen Boulevard ./ New and improved parks and trails ./ Ames Lake, a reclaimed wetland and neighborhood amenity that replaced a dilapidated and blighted shopping center DRINKING WATER AND W ASTEW ATER TREATMENT . Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) . Established nearly 125 years ago . Produces an average of 50 million gallons of drinking water every day and distributes it through a thousand miles of water main to more than 417,000 residents in Saint Paul and 14 surrounding communities . A conservation-based rate structure discourages excessive water usage during summer months . Ensures that water is not being wasted by operating a leak detection unit that identifies and locates leaks that need to be fixed . Capped the lime lagoon in Maplewood . Will operate a construction materials recycling site in one section of the lagoon and plant prairie grass and small trees on other areas of the 30-acre site . Maintains extensive forested areas in local watershed systems that were planted in the early 1900's and selectively thins the forests so they will continue to protect source waters and remain healthy . Promotes water and energy conservation at its own facilities . Works with Xcel Energy to reduce energy consumption because electricity and natural gas comprise nearly 30% of SPRWS 's material and supply budget ./ Xcel Energy performed energy audits on SPRWS buildings and the McCarron's Center ./ SPRWS reduces energy usage during peak periods and even generates its own electricity, which allows it to continue operating during power outages . Worked with a local watershed organization (VLAWMO) to restore three wetlands that were drained ./ The State of Minnesota recognizes this project as a "Marquis" project of the Governors Clean Water Initiative . Partnered with the City of Minneapolis and the City of Saint Cloud to form the Upper Mississippi Clean Water Partnership program, with the goal of communicating the relationships between the Mississippi River's health and local drinking water sources and urging local watersheds to address drinking water Issues . Restored the Lambert Creek Watershed area ./ Selected by the Governor's Clean Water Initiative as a metro area clean water project . The Saint Paul Regional Water Service's McCarron's Campus Expansion ./ Completed in September 2004 ./ Consists of three separate buildings and major site improvements that bring administrative and crew employees together at a combined campus located in the City of Maplewood ./ Underwent Xcel Energy's Energy Design Assistance program ./ Installed . highly efficient interior lighting . natural daylighting . low-E glazing . highly efficient mechanical systems . storm water infiltration basins and native plantings to transfer storm water from the parking lot to the adjacent basin . native plantings of grasses, wildflowers, trees, and shrubs that reduce maintenance costs and improve biodiversity at the campus . a buffer of native plantings that runs along the edge ofthe campus that provides a visual screen and captures storm water before it enters the Trout Brook stream . The Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant . Located on the Mississippi River in St. Paul . Largest wastewater treatment facility in Minnesota and one of the largest in the nation - averaging 215 million gallons of wastewater every day from 62 communities, 800 industries and over 2 million residents . When it opened in 1938, it was the first plant in a metropolitan area on the Mississippi River . The Solids Management Building (SMB) ./ Planned and developed by Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) ./ $160 million investment ./ Began operations in 2004 ./ Capacity to process 315 dry tons of biosolids per day ./ Three fluid-bed incinerators replaced an outdated six multiple-hearth incinerator system, thereby reducing pollutant emissions, cutting fuel consumption, and lowering operating costs ./ The new process recovers significantly more heat, which is used to produce steam for winter heating ./ The plant's highly-efficient turbine generation process produces more electricity than the old process, producing an average of three megawatts of electricity, enough to meet 20 percent of the plant's power demands and power about 1,000 homes ./ Enhanced air pollution control equipment removes almost 90% more pollutants and particulates from the air, including: metals, mercury, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and sulfur oxides, as compared to pre-2004 emission levels ./ The process uses about 80 percent less natural gas than the old system, which, based on natural gas price estimates from 2005, results in a savings of $3 million a year ./ Solids-dewatering equipment captures odors in centrifuges and neutralizes them through chemical and biological processes RIVERS - LAKES - STREAMS AND WETLANDS . Mississippi River . Great River Park Master Plan -- http://www.riverfrontcofPoration.com/1592.asp ./ Joint effort of the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation (SPRC) and the City of Saint Paul (Planning and Economic Development and Parks & Recreation) ./ Plan to develop parks, improve public infrastructure, and promote economic development along the Mississippi River ./ Four tenets of future river corridor development: . More urban . More green . Connect to the neighborhoods . Celebrate the River as a regional/national asset . Mississippi River Critical Area Zoning Amendments ./ In 2004, the Saint Paul City Council created the Mississippi River Critical Area Task Force ./ Task Force Purpose is to update the City's zoning regulations for the Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor so they are consistent with the recommendations in the Mississippi River Corridor Plan ./ The regulations address: . building set-backs from bluffs . building heights ... scenIC VIews . tree preservation . protection of steep slopes and bluffs . The Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation partners with Great River Greening, Friends of Parks and Trails, Friends of the Mississippi River, The Ramsey Soil and Water Conservation District and the West Side Citizens Organization to develop and implement plans to conserve the unique bluffs that tower above the Mississippi, reduce direct pollution into the river, restore degraded natural amenities, and ensure that people enjoy the bluffs responsibly . Trillium Site . Plan calls for day-lighting a stream that is currently buried in storm water pipes . The stream will create wetlands and on-site park amenities, capturing all storm water at the end of streets and channelling it into wetlands that will cleanse the water before it is discharged into the storm sewer . City of Saint Paul Internal Efforts . In 2004, the City Council adopted the Storm Water Management Ordinance, which requires sediment and erosion control during construction and permanent storm water management for projects involving more than one acre of impervious surface . Public Works designs bridge drainage structures that direct pollutants into detention basins and prevent pollutants from entering rivers and streams . Public Works currently owns two regenerative-air street sweepers that minimize pollutants flushed into streams and rivers by stormwater . Public Works uses environmentally-friendly, recyclable spill/cleanup products . Public Works uses environmentally-friendly cleaning fluids . Trucks with large hydraulic systems are stocked with recyclable oil spill kits that contain and clean oil spills . Public Works and the Residential Street Vitality Program is working together to construct rain gardens, two of which are already complete near the Swede Hollow Cafe and Como Lake . In the last ten years, Public Works has reduced its use of sand by over 90%, significantly reducing the amount of sand that flows into storm sewers, lakes, and fivers . Parks and Recreation uses prescribed burning instead of herbicides to maintain native plantings . Parks and Recreation removes aquatic weeds to improve water quality and animal habitat . Parks and Recreation implemented a goose feeding ban to improve flock health, reduce nitrogen pollution in area lakes, and promote public safety . Volunteers at Lake Phalen Boathouse installed a rain garden consisting of native plants . Parks and Recreation reports pesticide use to Community Councils . Parks and Recreation Well and Groundwater Management Program monitors well use history . Mower decks on Parks' mowers are set at 3" to reduce the need for watering and mulching blades are utilized when possible . Frequent mows eliminate the need for herbicide use . Grass clippings are removed from impermeable surfaces, reducing the levels of nitrogen in area lakes and rivers . Parks and Recreation implemented the Desnoyer Seep management plan along the Mississippi River Boulevard and initiated the floodplain forest restoration project at Crosby Farm Regional Park NATURAL RESOURCES - PARKS AND RECREATION . The Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation . Operates: ./ 101 parks ./ 41 recreation centers ./ three golf courses ./ two city pools ./ Como Zoo ./ the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory . Maintains ./ 450,000 trees ./ 101 miles of paved off-street trails ./ 30 miles of bike lanes ./ 10.8 miles of bike routes ./ 30.3 miles of striped shoulders ./ 24 miles of dirt trails ./ 160 unique garden sites ./ 150 hanging baskets . Is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park & Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) ./ One of only 59 park agencies nationwide to have received this accreditation and one of only three in Minnesota ./ For more information, visit www.nrpa.or!!. . Partners with Great River Greening, Friends of Parks and Trails, Friends ofthe Mississippi River, The Ramsey Soil and Water Conservation District and the West Side Citizens Organization to develop and implement plans to conserve the unique bluffs that tower above the Mississippi, reduce direct pollution into the river, restore degraded natural amenities, and ensure that people enjoy the bluffs responsibly . Employs two full-time Environmental Services staff members to maintain natural areas, environmental programs, environmental volunteer base, and partnerships with partner organizations . Enacted the following environmental management strategies: ./ Natural Resource Management Plans ./ Restoration of Como Lake and Lake Phalen shorelines utilizing native plants to anchor the lakeshore, prevent erosion, and provide food and shelter for fish and wildlife ./ Planting of native prairie shrubs at Mounds Park, Harriet Island, Lilydale Regional Parks, and Mississippi River Boulevard ./ Establishment of a bluff management plan for the Mississippi River gorge and a Preliminary Restoration Plan for Pig's Eye Lake ./ Management of storm water runoff on Harriet Island, including the use of bio-swales, so that it is captured and filtered through a biofiltration system before reaching the River ./ Use of rain gardens in several areas ofthe City to filter the stormwater released into lakes and the River ./ Monitoring and regulating insects and other pests to minimize the use of pesticides ./ Eradication of invasive species ./ The $26 million Como Park Visitor and Education Resource Center underwent the Xcel Energy's Encrgv Design Assistance analysis, which resulted in: . the use of photovoltaic panels, recycled materials, and sustainably harvested interior wood finishes . the glass in Tropical Encounters is positioned to reflect the summer sun away and intensify the winter sun . rain runoff is collected and used to water plants . waste water from the Tropical Encounters exhibit is treated and reused . Operates the North Dale Recreation Center which: ./ Utilizes high-efficiency heating and cooling units, dimmable fluorescent lighting, occupancy sensors for lighting control in restrooms, and earth sheltering for part of the building ./ Incorporates recycled ceramic tile in the kitchen ./ Used recycled bituminous in the gravel base for the parking lot, tennis courts, driveways, and walks ./ Recaptured storm water from the roof is used for infiltration in the play area sub- grade . Undertook the addition and remodelling ofthe Griggs Recreation Center, which ./ has a high-efficiency furnace and hot water heater as part ofthe new mechanical system and long-lasting fluorescent lighting ./ incorporated recycled aggregate for the concrete slab base and recycled bituminous in the gravel base ofthe tennis courts . Constructed the Highland Park toilet shelter building with ./ translucent plastic windows that utilize natural light, thereby minimizing the amount of artificial light required ./ energy-efficient fluorescent and metal halide light fixtures with lighting controls ./ low-maintenance, hard-wired infrared controls for all plumbing fixtures ./ high-efficiency furnaces and fans ./ long-lasting clay roof tiles and a natural stone facade that will keep maintenance costs down . Manages the Wacouta Commons Dog Walk area that features ./ alkaline soil that neutralizes dog urine ./ urine-resistant trees ./ commercially harvested timberwood and recycled tires used to surface the play area site ./ on-site drainage that conserves water and limits runoff . Is planning permeable parking lots and pathways that allow water to permeate through the pavement and be filtered . Promotes "green roofs," which reduce heating and cooling costs and reduce storm water runoff . Plans to install benches and waste receptacles in Parks and Recreation Centers made from recycled materials . Plans to use ethanol gas blends in City vehicles . Uses large trash receptacles at parks and recreation centers, thereby reducing the frequency of emptying and the consumption of fuel . Partners with volunteers to maintain natural areas and manage environmental projects, which include: ./ clearing, from a variety ofbluffiand habitats, invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle that inhibit the growth of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers ./ the annual Spring Parks Cleanup which draws approximately 6000 volunteers . Manages four golf courses and in doing so: ./ Introduces native plantings, reducing the use of water and chemicals ./ Establishes 12 to 16 foot buffer strips around ponds to reduce and filter runoff ./ Irrigates the Como Park Golf course using primarily reconditioned stormwater runoff ./ Composts grass clippings and weeds into the soil at the Como Park Golf course ./ Works with the University of Minnesota to control the goose population thereby reducing nitrogen pollution in area lakes ./ Mulches all leaves ./ Utilizes spot spraying of herbicides when applicable and utilizes environmentally-friendly herbicides ./ Encourages new bird populations through the use of birdhouses ./ Installs separate trash containers for metal, which is then recycled . Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary . Just east of downtown . After a century of industrial use, the land lay vacant and blighted until a coalition of East Side and Lowertown residents, with the help ofthe City, launched an effort to purchase the land and transform it into the 27-acre Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary . Bluff restoration work at the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and Indian Mounds Regional Park began in April, 2004 . Today, project partners are restoring the land's ecology and working with Dakota people to interpret Carver's Cave/Wakan Tipi, a sacred area in a corner ofthe Sanctuary . Stormwater that previously flowed into the Mississippi River via storm sewers, is now recaptured by native plants and is stored in three separate clear water ponds and adjacent wetlands . Mulch, incorporated into existing sterile soil, promotes the growth of new plantings . Limestone rock slabs previously used in railroad operations form a waterfall, stone bridge, stairway, and ponds . Site remediation and stabilization work is ongoing . Restoration priorities in 2005 focussed on combatting invasive species, slope stabilization, erosion control, and planting 7.5 acres of native trees . Comprehensive Bluffs Management Plan . The West Side Bluffs Task Force developed a comprehensive Bluff Management Plan for the western segment of the Mississippi River bluff . Developed by neighborhood volunteers, Great River Greening, and the Parks and Recreation Division, this landmark Plan was finalized in 2003 . The Plan provides a framework for bluff maintenance and improvement based on a balance of ecological restoration, resource preservation, and recreational use . Great River Greening's Ecological Inventory and Vegetation Management Plan is the foundation ofthe Bluff Management Plan ENERGY & ENERGY CONSERVATION . Xcel Energy . Wind Energv ./ One ofthe nation's leading suppliers of wind energy ./ Generates about 1,100 megawatts of wind energy capacity in service ./ Anticipates increasing output to more than 2,300 megawatts by 2007, including more than 1,000 megawatts each in Colorado and Minnesota ./ The additional capacity would make Xcel Energy the nation's largest utility user of wind power ./ Xce\'s goal is add another 1,700 megawatts of wind capacity by 2012 ./ This additional wind energy and its voluntary emissions reduction program will result in a net reduction of 12 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions between 2003 and 2009 ./ Xcel is a leader in offering customers a choice in buying renewable energy . Through the Windsource@ program, customers in Minnesota, Colorado and New Mexico can specify that part or all of their electricity be generated by the wind . Customers choose the number of 100 kWh blocks they want to buy . Because wind energy costs more to produce than electricity from conventional sources such as coal or gas, customers pay a slightly higher price for it . The Windsource@ program is one ofthe largest voluntary wind power programs in the country . Conservation ./ Conservation Improvement Programs (CIP) . The City of Saint Paul and Xcel Energy have been working together for 15 years to introduce CIPs to city, school district, county, state government, and private sector buildings . Saint Paul CIPs include facilities energy conservation, retrofits, ENERGY STAR purchasing, street lighting, signal lamp conversion, pumping peak demand pricing, lime sludge dewatering, treatment chemical reduction, and private sector energy conservation . Estimated Annual Savings: 81,497 tons of CO2 gasses and $7,934,000 annually ./ Citywide Energy Audit of Governtnent Buildings . The Weidt Group conducted an energy-use study of6,000 government buildings in Minnesota . The first phase of the project is to collect information about public buildings larger than 5,000 square feet . The information will be used to improve energy efficiency in the public buildings . The second phase of the project involves analyzing the information and identifying buildings that are performing poorly . Departments with poorly performing buildings will budget for building improvements with assistance from Xcel Energy . Xcel Energy High Bridge Power Plant Conversion to Natural Gas ./ The High Bridge Minnesota Metro Emissions Reduction Project (MERP) involves replacing the existing coal-powered facility with a natural gas- fired combined-cycle unit - a $1 Billion undertaking ./ A natural gas-fired, combined-cycle plant produces electricity from two sources of energy instead of one making it about 30 percent more efficient than a traditional steam plant ./ The new unit will reduce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter by more than 90 percent, while mercury will be completely eliminated ./ Electricity output from the High Bridge site will be increased by 270-280 megawatts - enough electricity to supply almost 300,000 typical homes ./ The conversion is supported by a broad coalition of environmental groups - http://www.me3.org/news/12l803ns.html . District Energy Saint Paul-- http://www.districtenergv.com/ . Owns and operates the largest hot water district heating system in North America . Has produced energy from renewable sources at a low cost for commercial and residential customers in Saint Paul since 1983 . Serves 80% of buildings in downtown Saint Paul and adjacent areas, including the State Capitol Complex, all downtown city offices and 300 single-family homes . District Cooling began providing cooling service in 1993 and today serves about 60% of the buildings in downtown Saint Paul while continuing to expand its service area . System reliability exceeds 99.99 percent . The hot water district heating system is twice as efficient as the previous steam heating system in downtown Saint Paul, heating twice the square footage of building space with the same amount of fuel . Using District Energy, customers saved $1,000,000 more in November 2005 alone than customers who used natural gas . Air emissions have been significantly reduced: 150 smokestacks, 50 cooling towers, and 300 chimneys have been eliminated in St. Paul . The closed-loop distribution system eliminated the use of groundwater and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants in heating and cooling, thereby conserving an important natural resource and reducing the use of CFCs, which are destroying the Earth's protective ozone shield and are chiefly responsible for global warming . Two chilled water storage tanks store water produced at night, using off-peak electricity, for daytime distribution to district cooling customers. Chilled water storage increases system efficiency and reliability, improves regional air quality, and reduces regional peak electric demands . A combined heat and power (CHP) plant located adjacent to the facility is fueled by clean wood waste a form of biomass, a sustainable, renewable energy derived from plants and other organic matter. St. Paul's CHP Plant is the largest plant of its kind serving a district energy system in the U. S. . The plant simultaneously produces heat and 25 megawatts of electricity making it more than twice as efficient as conventional electric power plants . The plant reduces District Energy's reliance on coal 80%, reduces particulate emissions by 50 percent, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 280,000 tons . Under a management agreement with the City of Saint Paul, Environmental Wood Supply operates the City of Saint Paul's Pigs Eye Wood Recycling Center - each year, 300,000 tons of wood waste from the recycling center is converted into biomass fuel for the Saint Paul co-generation facility . Market Street Energy, in partnership with Cinergy Solutions, received a 2005 Environmental Initiative Award for the wood-fueled CHP plant that provides heat to District Energy Saint Paul and electricity to Xcel Energy . Energy Park District Energy System . The Saint Paul Port Authoritv owns the Energy Park Utility Company, an integrated energy system utilizing innovative technologies in energy production, conservation and management . Energy Park Utility Company applies new and emerging technologies to the provision of heating, cooling and other energy services to Energy Park, a Saint Paul complex that includes housing, industrial buildings, and retail establishments . Since 1997, Market Street Energy has managed the central heating and cooling system for Energy Park . The systems in Energy Park are similar to those operated by District Energy in downtown Saint Paul ./ Water is heated or cooled at a central location and circulated through underground pipes to customers ./ The water then reaches heat exchangers, which provide heating or cooling for the building's internal distribution system ./ This provides numerous benefits to customers and the surrounding community, including energy savings, increased operating efficiency, and reduced pollution . Science House Experiment Center - http://www.smm.org/sciencehouse/ . Developed by The Science Museum of Minnesota . 1.2 acre Science Park on the Mississippi Riverfront in downtown Saint Paul . The zero-energy-consumption Science House contains: ./ A solar-powered classroom ./ An 8.4 kW photovoltaic laminate on standing-seam steel roof, ./ Passive solar design ./ Geothermal heat pump ./ High-efficiency south-facing windows ./ EarthScapes and WaterScapes, in the back yard introduces the public to landscape processes river dynamics, ground water, biodiversity, ecosystem productivity, horticulture, renewable energy, and energy efficiency . Twin Cities Assembly Plant Hydroelectric Dam - Ford Motor Company . Ford Motor Company's Twin Cities Assembly Plant is located in the Highland Park neighborhood of Saint Paul, along the lower banks of the Mississippi River . The US. Army Corps of Engineers finished the dam in 1917, which was built in anticipation of hydro-power . The promise of cheap hydro-power was the chief reason Henry Ford decided to build the plant in Saint Paul along the Mississippi . Ford completed construction ofthe hydro-plant in 1924 at a cost of about $1 million . The power plant currently produces a maximum of 18 kilowatts of clean energy, of which the assembly plant uses about 13 kilowatts, enough to power 10,000 homes for a year . The rest of the clean energy is sold back to the grid, to Xcel Energy . The hydro plant provides $4 million of direct benefit to the assembly plant each year . City of Saint Paul Internal Energy Conservation Efforts . City-operated Traffic Signals use LEDs that save a substantial amount of energy . In 2004, Public Works replaced 30-year-old Air Conditioner units at the Traffic Operations building with new energy efficient units . Public Works uses a computerized building management system that maintains proper heating and cooling temperatures . All florescent lighting in the Public Works shop has been replaced with new, high-efficiency units which reduce power consumption . Division of Parks and Recreation reduces use of personal space heaters by encouraging staffto dress appropriately on cold days . The old four-stage chilling system at the Como Zoo "Seal Island" was replaced with a new high-efficiency variable-output chilling system WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING . Eureka Recycling http://www.eurekarecvcling.org/Index.din . Saint Paul's award-winning non-profit recycling program since 1991 . A mission-driven nonprofit organization that looks beyond the bottom line to provide the best recycling services - balancing cost, convenience, and environmental concerns . Currently under a 13-year contract with the City of Saint Paul, which mandates recycling . A national leader in demonstrating the best waste reduction and recycling practices . Serves all of Saint Paul's 282,000 residents . The curbside program serves 84,621 households . Saint Paul is the largest US. city with a recycling program operated by a non- profit . Saint Paul is the one ofthe largest US. cities that provides recycling service to all of its apartment buildings, which range in size from 12 to 550 units . The amount of material collected has increased 10-fold since the program went citywide in 1986 . Participation rates have increased from 15% to 62% . Recyclable materials are collected by Eureka's biodiesel-powered vehicles, saving 12,000 gallons of petroleum-based fuel each year . Recipient ofthe 2005 American Forest & Paper Association's National Small Business Paper Recycler ofthe Year Award . Recyclable materials collected by Eureka include cardboard, newspaper, junk mail, plastics, glass, office paper, steel cans, aluminum, and textiles . Preparing to collect organic materials like food scraps and non-recyclable paper in 2006 . Initiated a paper-buying cooperative that combines many small paper orders into one large order to offer quality 100% recycled office paper at a reduced cost . Initiated an internet-based exchange program that connects people who have free reusable items with people who want them, which has resulted in over 2,000 tons of reusable goods being diverted from landfills and incinerators http://www.twincitiesfreemarket.org/. . Compost / Brush Sites - http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph/hv/CompostingandYardWaste.htm . In an effort to keep neighborhoods clean and divert organic material from landfills, Saint Paul partners with Ramsey County to expand services at compost sites . In 2004, 146,293 cubic yards of organic waste were diverted from landfills and delivered to compost sites in Saint Paul . Brush and trees are converted into fuel used by the District Energy co-generation plant . In 2004, the first year that tree and shrub waste was accepted, 67,314 cubic yards oftree and shrub waste were collected by at the compost sites in Saint Paul . In 2004, 78,979 cubic yards ofleaves and grass were received at the four compost sites in Saint Paul . Ramsey County has distributed more than 5,000 backyard composting units to residents of Saint Paul between 2001 and 2005. . Annual Neighborhood Cleanup . Orchestrated by the Saint Paul's 17 District Councils . Residents pay a nominal fee to bring in tires, appliances, brush/tree limbs, batteries/scrap metals, asphalt, concrete, demolition/construction waste, items for reuse, electronics, and refuse . Over 12,000 tons of material have been recycled or reused over the past 15 years, which amounts to a reduction of 7,000 tons of C02 emissions . City of Saint Paul Internal Waste Reduction Efforts . Paper, cans, plastic bottles, glass and cardboard are recycled by in all City offices . The Finance Division of Public Works sends management reports electronically rather than using paper, thereby saving at least two reams of paper each month . Two divisions of the Public Works Department and the Finance Division are using 100% post-consumer content recycled paper . The Department of Planning and Economic Development and the Office of License Inspections and Environmental Protection use exclusively 30% recycled paper . Public Works refurbishes and reuses light poles that have been knocked down . Public Works is replacing cardboard temporary parking signs that are used for only one special event with reusable signs that are used for multiple special events . Sign materials and ink that Public Works uses last 15-18 years, much longer than materials used in the past . Public Works reuses aluminum sign blanks by sanding and/or re cutting them - sign blanks that are not reusable are recycled . Public Works replaces the batteries in parking meters only twice per year and is testing longer-lasting batteries . Public Works uses recycled concrete as the base material for bridge approach pavement . Public Works recycles all steel and concrete from demolition projects . Public Works recycles the waste oil, oil filters, air filters, scrap metal, hydraulic fluids and batteries it uses . The Public Works repair shop uses washable rags to reduce waste . Leaves collected by Public Works during street sweeps are composted . Public Works picks up, screens, and reuses all its seal coat rock. . All asphalt collected as waste is recycled. . The Division of Parks and Recreation recycles: ./ used antifreeze ./ motor oil ./ hydraulic oil ./ oil filters ./ sorbents ./ lead acid and dry cell batteries ./ toner cartridges ./ cell phones ./ scrap metal ./ propane cylinders ./ fluorescent lamp tubes and high pressure light tubes ./ paint and thinner ./ tires ./ scrap metal ./ electric ballasts that contain mercury ./ waste rags ./ concrete ./ refrigerant ./ computers, TV monitors, copiers, and appliances are recycled after hazardous materials are extracted from them . Trash collected from Parks and Recreation Centers is converted into fuel for Xcel Energy power plant and does not go to landfills . Parks staff use scrap paper for messages and notes . All city tree material is composted and used to generate heat and electricity . Saint Paul Regional Water Services requires its janitorial service to recycle and recycles its spent fluorescent lighting fixtures . Saint Paul Regional Water Services recycles materials from construction activities . Saint Paul Regional Water Services reuses asphalt and concrete as construction aggregate POLICIES AND PRACTICES . The City of Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan (the Plan) is replete with strategies concerning population density, walkability, transit options, brownfield redevelopment, environmental stewardship, noise pollution, solar power, water quality, and the City's natural beauty. The Plan explicitly incorporates specific environmental policy statements among its several chapters. . The Land Use Chapter stresses: ./ Maintaining the downtown as a vital city center ./ Preserving neighborhoods as urban villages ./ Promoting growth by redeveloping the City's corridors ./ Practicing environmental stewardship . The Transportation Chapter stresses: ./ Increasing travel modes by improving transit options, bike routes and walkways ./ Travel demand management ./ Traffic calming . The Parks and Recreation Chapter identifies: ./ Policies that protect green spaces and natural areas consistent with the City Charter's "no net loss of parkland" provision ./ Means to expand physical and visual access to the Mississippi River from neighborhoods throughout the City . Environmental policy statements are found in more than twenty chapters ofthe City Code . In 2004, the City Council adopted the Stornl Water Management Ordinance, which requires sediment and erosion control during construction and permanent storm water management for projects involving more than one acre of impervious surface . No city has mores shoreline along the Mississippi River than Saint Paul. The Mississippi River Corridor Plan stipulates the heightened environmental standards that the City and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will impose on areas along the Mississippi River . In 1997, the City adopted the Saint Paul Sustainable Decisions Guide, which directed city departments to use specific environmental guidelines in the design, construction and management of city facilities. The Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide has since replaced the Saint Paul Guide. See: http://www. stpaul. gov /depts/realestate/sustainable/ . The C02 Reduction Plan contains a detailed listing of City projects undertaken to reduce C02 emissions by 20%. See http://www .stpaul. gov /depts/realestate/c02rednsumv.htm 1 . Urban sprawl results in more highways being constructed, more fuel being consumed by vehicles driving on the highways, more pollution caused by the vehicles burning the fuel, and more green space being paved over for parking lots for the vehicles burning the fuel. Keeping our urban cores livable is a key strategy to slowing urban sprawl and thereby protecting the environment. Saint Paul has three urban redevelopment strategies intended to make the City more livable by creating quality jobs and housing. . Neighborhood redevelopment strategies/policies: Saint Paul and Minneapolis were among the first advocates for Smart Growth and affordable housing strategies in the metro region. The Saint Paul Housing and Redevelonment Authority (HRA) focuses on redeveloping blighted, contaminated, and underutilized properties in targeted neighborhoods. The HRA selectively uses its redevelopment powers to acquire, clear, remediate, and convey blighted residential and commercial properties for redevelopment by private developers and businesses. From 2002 to 2006, the Saint Paul Housing 5000 initiative invested over $1 billion of private and public funding to build over 5000 new housing units. Twenty percent ofthese housing units are affordable to families with incomes at or below 50% ofthe area median income (AMI). At least half of that 20% is affordable to households at or below 30% of AMI.. See http://www.housing5000.com! . Industrial redevelopment strategies/policies: The Saint Paul Port Authoritv redevelops blighted, contaminated, and underutilized properties in industrial areas. Over the past 20 years the Port Authority has redeveloped hundreds of acres of blighted and contaminated land, creating 14 business centers for advanced manufacturing and service enterprises. These business centers increase the tax base and provide good paying jobs to residents of Saint Paul. See http://sppa.com/site selection. asp . Transit oriented redevelopment strategies/policies: The Saint Paul Department of Plalming and Economic Development (PED) plans long-term redevelopment projects, transforming areas along transit corridors to denser, mixed-use projects. In Saint Paul, Transit-Oriented Design is a successful and sustainable approach to urban development which will have even a greater impact as Light Rail Transit, Bus Rapid Transit, and commuter rail are developed in the City. See http://www.stpaul. gov /depts/ped/uni. pdt'. . City of Saint Paul Working Group on Environmental Sustainability - Sustainable Saint Paul Initiative . Created by a resolution authored by Council Member Lee Helgen and approved by the City Council and Mayor in July 2005 . The interdepartmental group consists of individuals from: ./ Public Works ./ Saint Paul Regional Water Service ./ Division of Parks and Recreation ./ Planning and Economic Development ./ Office of Financial Services Contract and Analysis Services ./ Office of Technology ./ License, Inspection and Environmental Protection ./ Council Research . Work Group responsibilities include: ./ Website development ./ Develop goals for the Xcel Energy franchise negotiations ./ Evaluate characteristics of "green" cities and strive to make Saint Paul a green city . The Working Group is currently conducting an internal assessment of City practices and developing a web page GET INVOLVED . Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation . Community garden coordination - Farm in the City program teaches residents how to grow their own food http://www . stpaul. gov / depts/parks/ environment/ gardens/index.html . Volunteer for Spring Parks Cleanup http://www . stpaul. gov / depts/parks/ environment/parksc leanup/ index.html . Environmental Programs http://www.stpaul. gov/ depts/parks/environment/ . Park Stewards, Eco Stewards & Community Gardens http://www.stpaul. gov /depts/parks/environment/vo lunteer/ . A Guide to Memorial, Commemorative and Gift Programs with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation http://www.stpauL gov/ depts/parks/administration/memorials.html . Adopt an animal at Como Park Zoo http://www.comozooconservatorv.org/czcs/adoptl.html . Incentives are available to individuals and businesses in Saint Paul that generate solar or wind power, including: . Wind and Solar-Electric (PV) Svstems Exemptions excludes the value added to property by solar-electric (PV) systems from Minnesota property tax valuation . Solar Sales Tax Exemption exempts solar-energy systems from the state sales tax . State of Minnesota Solar-Electric (PV) Rebate Program is a program administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and funded by Xcel Energy that buys-down the up-front costs of grid-connected, solar-electric systems, with a maximum award of $20,000 per system . Solar and Wind Easements are permitted under Minnesota law . Cities, counties, hospitals and schools are eligible for the Energy Investment Loan Program, which buys down the loan principal to achieve 0% interest for any specific renewable energy, energy efficiency or energy conservation "capital improvement" in Minnesota with a simple payback of 10 years or less. . The Saint Paul Neighborhood Energv Consortium (NEC) provides many energy conservation services to the public, including energy audits and ENERGY STAR home consultation and certification. NEC also links people to solar power resources, such as financing for solar installation and information about tax incentives for solar power. AWARDS . 2005 Phoenix Award Grand Prize for "Excellence in Brownfield Redevelopment" . Awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agencv - the highest level of recognition by the federal government, for "Excellence in Brownfield Redevelopment" . Awarded to The City of Saint Paul, the Saint Paul Port Authority and dozens of partners at the local, state, and federal level . The Port Authority worked with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the EP A to obtain federal government approval to limit the legal/financial liability of property owners who participate in a Voluntary Investigation and Cleanup Program for polluted redevelopment sites, leading to hundreds of acres being remediated and redeveloped . The City of Saint Paul's efforts serve as a national model of recycling polluted urban land . http://www .nyc. gov /html/hpd/html/pr200 5/pr-09-0 1-0 5. shtml . http://www.phoenixawards.org/ . 2005 Phoenix People's Choice Award . Selected by 5,500 redevelopment professionals at the United States Environmental Protection Agency Conference . Awarded to the Phalen Corridor . Description of Project: "Many developers turn wetlands into shopping centers, the Phalen Corridor partners reversed the trend. The City of Saint Paul turned a distressed shopping center on the east end of the Corridor into an exciting new development that surrounds the recaptured Ames Lake Wetland. The new development includes attractive housing, a seniors' residence, a state agency campus, and a Wells Fargo bank, a clinic and retail." . See www.phalencorridor.org. . 2005 Take Pride in America Award http://www.doi.gov/news/05NewsReleases/0508l9tp.htm http://www.mepartnership.org/sites/LOWERPHALEN CREEK http://www.an] eri cantrails. org/ awards/ tpiaawardsO 5. html . Awarded by the U.S. Department of the Interior . Recognized volunteers who turned a former Saint Paul railroad yard and dump site into the 27-acre Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary along the Mississippi River . The Sanctuary is a national model for municipalities that wish to transform former industrial land into green space . 2005 Environmental Initiative Award . Awarded to Market Street Energv, in partnership with Cinergv Solutions, for the wood-fueled Combined Heat Power (CHP) plant that provides heat to District Energy Saint Paul and electricity to Xcel Energy . 2005 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management . Awarded by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association for excellence in the field of recreation management . Awarded to the Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation . The Gold Medal, the most prestigious award of its kind, represents and honors the nation's outstanding park and recreation agencies in communities with more than 250,000 inhabitants for excellence in the field of recreation management, including: ./ long range planning ./ fiscal resource management ./ citizen support systems ./ environmental stewardship ./ preservation ./ technological integration ./ program planning and assessment ./ professional development ./ agency recognition ./ services for special populations . Other 2005 Class I finalists included: ./ The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine ./ The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation ./ The Indianapolis Department of Parks and Recreation. . 2005 National Small Business Paper Recycler of the Year Award . Awarded by American Forest & Paper Association . Awarded to Eureka Recycling, which provides citywide recycling services in Saint Paul . 2003 Accreditation of Parks . Awarded by the Commission for Accreditation of Park & Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) . Awarded to the City of Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation . Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is one of only 59 park agencies to have received this accreditation nationwide and one of only three in Minnesota . For more information, visit www.nrpa.orl!. . 2000 Local Initiatives Award . Awarded by the Intemational Council f()r Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) . Awarded to the City of Saint Paul's Environnlental-Economic Partnership Project (EEPP) for its development and implementation of a comprehensive, long-term plan to reduce greenhouse gas (C02) emissions and strengthen the local economy PARTNERS . The Saint Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium http://www.spnec.org (NEC) . A nonprofit organization with strong neighborhood ties . Established in 1985 . Provides many energy conservation services to the public throughout the Twin Cities and the Upper Midwest Region, including energy audits and ENERGY STAR home consultation and certification . The Saint Paul Port Authoritv . Redevelops blighted, contaminated, and underutilized properties in industrial areas . Over the past 20 years the Port Authority has redeveloped hundreds of acres of blighted and contaminated land, creating 14 business centers for advanced manufacturing and service enterprises . These business centers increase the tax base and provide good paying jobs to residents of Saint Paul . District Energy Saint Paul -- http:/ www.districtenergy.com/ . Owns and operates the largest hot water district heating system in North America . Has produced energy from renewable sources at a low cost for commercial and residential customers in Saint Paul since 1983 . Serves 80% of buildings in downtown Saint Paul and adjacent areas, including the State Capitol Complex, all downtown city offices and 300 single-family homes . District Cooling began providing cooling service in 1993 and today serves about 60% of the buildings in downtown Saint Paul while continuing to expand its service area . System reliability exceeds 99.99 percent . The hot water district heating system is twice as efficient as the previous steam heating system in downtown Saint Paul, heating twice the square footage of building space with the same amount of fuel . Using District Energy, customers saved $1,000,000 more in November 2005 alone than customers who used natural gas . Air emissions have been significantly reduced: 150 smokestacks, 50 cooling towers, and 300 chimneys have been eliminated in St. Paul . The closed-loop distribution system eliminated the use of groundwater and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants in heating and cooling, thereby conserving an important natural resource and reducing the use of CFCs, which are destroying the Earth's protective ozone shield and are chiefly responsible for global warming . Two chilled water storage tanks store water produced at night, using off-peak electricity, for daytime distribution to district cooling customers. Chilled water storage increases system efficiency and reliability, improves regional air quality, and reduces regional peak electric demands . A combined heat and power (CHP) plant located adjacent to the facility is fueled by clean wood waste a form of biomass, a sustainable, renewable energy derived from plants and other organic matter. St. Paul's CHP Plant is the largest plant of its kind serving a district energy system in the US. . The plant simultaneously produces heat and 25 megawatts of electricity making it more than twice as efficient as conventional electric power plants . The plant reduces District Energy's reliance on coal 80%, reduces particulate emissions by 50 percent, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 280,000 tons . Under a management agreement with the City of Saint Paul, Environmental Wood Supply operates the City of Saint Paul's Pigs Eye Wood Recycling Center - each year, 300,000 tons of wood waste from the recycling center is converted into biomass fuel for the Saint Paul co-generation facility . Xcel Energy . Eureka Recycling http://www.eurekarecvcling.org/Index.din . Saint Paul's award-winning non-profit recycling program since 1991 . A mission-driven nonprofit organization that looks beyond the bottom line to provide the best recycling services - balancing cost, convenience, and environmental concerns . Currently under a 13-year contract with the City of Saint Paul, which mandates recycling . A national leader in demonstrating the best waste reduction and recycling practices . Serves all of Saint Paul's 282,000 residents . The curbside program serves 84,621 households . Saint Paul is the largest US. city with a recycling program operated by a non- profit . Saint Paul is the one ofthe largest US. cities that provides recycling service to all of its apartment buildings, which range in size from 12 to 550 units . The amount of material collected has increased 10-fold since the program went citywide in 1986 . Participation rates have increased from 15% to 62% . Recyclable materials are collected by Eureka's biodiesel-powered vehicles, saving 12,000 gallons of petroleum-based fuel each year . Recipient ofthe 2005 American Forest & Paper Association's National Small Business Paper Recycler ofthe Year Award . Recyclable materials collected by Eureka include cardboard, newspaper, junk mail, plastics, glass, office paper, steel cans, aluminum, and textiles . Preparing to collect organic materials like food scraps and non-recyclable paper in 2006 . Initiated a paper-buying cooperative that combines many small paper orders into one large order to offer quality 100% recycled office paper at a reduced cost . Initiated an internet-based exchange program that connects people who have free reusable items with people who want them, which has resulted in over 2,000 tons of reusable goods being diverted from landfills and incinerators hlip:/ /www.twinciti esti-eemarket.org/ . The Metropolitan Council . Operates the region's largest bus svstem . Collects and treats wastewater . Engages communities and the public in planning for future growth . Provides forecasts ofthe region's population and household growth . Provides affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families . Provides planning, acquisitions and funding for a regional system of parks and trails . Provides a franlework for decisions and implementation for regional systems including aviation, transportation, parks and open space, water quality and water management . Ramsey County . Ramsey County Regional Rail Authoritv (RCRRA) ( http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/rail/index.htm ) Attachment 2 Sustainability Maplewood's quality of life depends on the preservation and enhancement of its environment. As such, the city recognizes the sensitive interface between the natural and built environments. The sustainability chapter of the comprehensive plan will promote balanced and sustainable practices in the community in order to accommodate the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The city promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship in a variety of ways throughout the Maplewood comprehensive plan such as promoting the efficient use of land, low impact development, storm water best management practices, and the protection of natural resources. These policies will ensure that the residents, businesses, and property owners live and function in a way that considers the livelihood of future generations and of other living beings on this planet. Beyond the sustainable policies found throughout the comprehensive plan, the sustainability chapter is an opportunity for the city to develop attitudes and ongoing actions that strengthen its natural and built environment in other ways including energy efficiency, pollution reduction, and sustainable city operations. Vision The city strives to improve upon the natural and built environment by using best practices for sustainability. The city believes that property values and the city's overall marketability will rise over time by improving upon these environments. Following its tradition as an environmental leader, the City of Maplewood holds the following vision for sustainability The City of Maplewood, in order to ensure stewardship of its environment, will promote sustainable development and practices for the preservation, design, and maintenance of its natural and built environments. Developments and practices should maintain or enhance economic opportunity and community well-being while protecting and restoring the natural environment that people, economies, and ecological systems depend on. Goals The sustainability chapter is a tool for action and is intended to change long standing practices through the creation of goals and implementation strategies. To realize the sustainability vision, the city will promote these goals 1. Protect and enhance air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainability Page 1 2. Make energy efficiency and conservation a priority through building code improvements and city operations. 3. Promote sustainable building practices such as green building standards. 4. Encourage sustainable and aesthetic design and maintenance practices for multi-family residential and commercial developments. 5. Adopt an urban tree program that encourages a healthy and thriving urban tree canopy and other desirable forms of vegetation. 6. Provide transportation options for citizens without cars by creating a transportation system that is safe, efficient, minimizes disruption, promotes better land development, improves the aesthetic appearance of the city, and reduces air pollution. 7. Follow low impact and environmentally sensitive city maintenance and operation practices. 8. Address noise pollution by taking measures to reduce noise pollution at point and non- point sources. 9. Focus on reducing, reusing and recycling solid waste prior to disposal. Implementation Strategies The city's present and future residents, businesses, and property owners will benefit from Maplewood's sustainable practices and guiding principles. The plan for sustainability has the following strategies Education/Partnersh ips . Give annual sustainability progress reports to the city council. . Prepare a sustainable newsletter and brochures for residents and businesses. . Create a sustainability page on the city's website. . Continue and expand environmental and sustainable programs which outreach to the youth, adults, and businesses in the city. . Coordinate with Metro Transit to facilitate bus transportation and promote alternative mass transit options. . Supply developers and business owners with educational material on sustainable building and operational practices. . Work with other government units, owners and developers to identify and implement ways to buffer and reduce noise originating from businesses, industries, railroads, and highways. . At least one member on city staff should become certified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Sustainability Page 2 City Policies and Ordinances Modify the city's policies and ordinances to implement feasible sustainability strategies . Encourage developments to utilize renewable energy sources including solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass. . Create ordinances that encourage low impact development and conservation design practices to include o Green building modeled after the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Minnesota Green Star programs. o Low impact landscaping which promotes native plantings and do not require irrigation. o Green space requirements. . Encourage and offer incentives to developments which can obtain at least ten points toward LEED standards. . Continue to strive for and improve on building design standards and ordinances that will include provisions about building massing, architectural design, off-street parking ratios and location, access, traffic impacts, landscaping, fencing or screening, and trash handling. . Create ordinances that encourage the planting of boulevard trees and protect the city's urban tree canopy by o Requiring a no net loss policy for the city's urban tree canopy by maintaining and preserving existing trees and planting new trees on public and private property. o Requiring new subdivisions to plant boulevard trees. . Endorse the use of alternative modes of transportation through development reviews such as public transit, bicycles, car and bike share programs, and carpools, as well as promote alternative work schedules. . Enforce and strengthen ordinances which require buffering of developments from the impacts of noise pollution. City Operations The city is in a unique position to implement and influence approaches to achieving a balance between the environment, the economy, and our community. The city can demonstrate and showcase applications of new sustainable technologies in the following ways . Take an inventory of current city operation efforts that make progress toward sustainability and be frank about areas that need improvement. . Work to increase awareness of sustainability among its staff and management. . Create a green team made up of city employees to make suggestions and help implement sustainable practices within all areas of city operations. Sustainability Page 3 . Encourage partnerships with other organizations to make public buildings, operations, and maintenance sustainable. . Establish goals for reduction of greenhouse gasses within all aspects of the city's operations including such things as a "no idle" policy, increasing the fuel efficiency of city fleet vehicles, conversion of diesel fuel vehicles to bio-diesel. . Require that all new city buildings or city-funded buildings obtain at least ten points toward the LEED standards. . Recycle at all parks and government buildings. . Increase recycling efforts at multi-tenant buildings and schools. CiN Budqet Modify the city's operating procedures and annual budgets to implement feasible strategies identified above. P:\com-dev\comppl an\s ustai naibil ity\sustai nabil ity chapter Sustainability Page 4 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission Ginny Gaynor, Open Space Naturalist May 28, 2008 for the June 3, 2008 ENR Commission Meeting Natural Resources Chapter of Comprehensive Plan Background In January 2008, Maplewood contracted Applied Ecological Services (AES) to map natural area greenways in the city and to write the Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. On May 6, 2008, ENR Commissioners reviewed the draft natural resources chapter and recommended changes. At the June 3, 2008 ENR commission meeting, commissioners will review the updated Natural Resources Chapter. Discussion AES developed the draft Natural Resources Chapter with input from staff, ENR commissioners, residents and commissioners who attended public meetings, comprehensive plan consultants, and local agencies. At the May 6, 2008 ENR commission meeting, commissioners reviewed the draft Natural Resources Chapter. The updated Natural Resources Chapter incorporates most of the changes suggested by ENR Commissioners. Two new topics are included in the chapter and require discussion: . The implementation section of the plan (pages 15-16) was not available in the first draft and is provided is this draft. . A buffer width of 300-660 feet is proposed for the greenways. In reviewing the plan, please note that Table 7-2 is not yet available. It will be created after all mapping is completed. The maps in the plan have not yet been updated. Consultants are completing their field checking of the greenways and will then update the maps. Please review the maps, mark changes, and hand these in at the commission meeting. On June 3 2008, ENR Commissioners will review the Natural Resources Plan and make a recommendation to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will review the Natural Resources Chapter as part of their review of the whole Comprehensive Plan. After the Planning Commission review, the Comprehensive Plan goes to the city council and public hearing. Recommendation Staff requests that ENR commissioners review and discuss the updated Natural Resources Chapter and make a recommendation to Planning Commission. Attachments: Draft Natural Resources Plan and maps Chapter 7 - Natural Resources Plan - 5/28/08 Draft Protect, Connect, Restore, and Manage Ecosystems, Plant Communities and Species Why a Natural Resources Plan is Needed Maplewood's quality of life depends on how it manages its natural resources. Natural resources are the air, minerals, land, water, and biota that form the foundation to life in Maplewood. For example, the oxygen we breathe comes from plants. Without enough plants, the atmosphere would be poisonous to people and animals. That is a free ecosystem service that benefits people in Maplewood. There are many others. The benefits of treating natural resources in a sustainable way include: . High quality forests, savannas, prairies, wetlands, lakes, and streams will support a variety of life-trees, shrubs, wildflowers, groundcover, fish, birds, and other wildlife; . Lakes, streams, and wetlands will be clean enough to support aquatic life and provide recreational opportunities; . Undeveloped land will provide essential ecosystem services: . Vegetation that prevents sediment, phosphorus, nitrogen, and contaminants from reaching lakes, streams, and wetlands; . Infiltration of rainwater, which reduces flooding and feeds groundwater; . Recharge of groundwater, which feeds cold, clean water to lakes, streams, and wetlands; . Stable water levels, which prevents erosion of shorelines and stream channels; . Beautiful places for people to see and visit. There is an economic value to treating natural resources in a sustainable way. Property values are higher near natural areas and open space'. New developments that protect natural resources using conservation design and low-impact development techniques can save an average of 24-27% in construction costs per development'. Damage to storm sewer outfalls, shorelines, and buildings due to ftooding are reduced in such developments. In addition to the economic and recreational benefits of natural resources, for many people nature and natural resources merit protection and care due to their intrinsic value, regardless of their value to humans. This natural resources plan is a guide for how Maplewood can manage natural resources in a sustainable way. It will help protect and enhance Maplewood's quality of life for current and future generations. It suggests strategies to protect, connect, restore and manage ecosystems, plant communities, and species. This plan can guide zoning and ordinances. It gives city staff and officials information to use when making annual and long-range budgets. 1 Embrace Open Space study is at: hl1rdlw}yw,~Jnbmg_~_QPS;I1'iI29cg_~_,QrgLEQSRf.}12QIUEYJnQJJJi~~~lah1~Qrop-~nSI2ng_~_,psJf 2 EPA Low Impact Development study is at: htln://wvV\v.epa.gov/owow/rms/lid/costs07/documents/reducingstOTInwatercosts.TxH; AES study is at: hj;j:p~L~~'}~'DYA-rJ2]i~sJ~fQ:_gDn1LPIQj_~_Qt~LGQn~~~_Y~~~Iti9l~L~YQJJtEdt~ Natural Resources Plan Page 1 Wise use and management of natural resources is not all that Maplewood needs to be a great place to live in the 21~t century the city also needs good schools, a vital economy, and efficient public services. But healthy natural resources will help ensure that Maplewood has a high quality of life that can be sustained far into the future. Vision and Goals for Natural Resources in Maplewood The City of Maplewood has led the way in urban natural resource conservation in Minnesota. From a bonding referendum in 1993 to protect forests and wetlands, to a rai n garden program for rechargi ng groundwater and 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 benefits for city residents. The city also believes that property values and the city's overall marketability will increase over time by improving natural resources and the environment Maplewood's desire to become sustainable depends on stewardship of its ecosystems, plant communities, and species. Good stewardship protects the functions of ecosystems and the free ecosystems services necessary for a high quality of life. Following its tradition, the City of Maplewood holds the following vision for natural resources The City of Maplewood, in order to preselVe a beautiful, functional, and varied environment for current and future residents, will protect, connect, restore and manage its ecosystems, plant communities, and species. The city will do this by using the best science and striving for the highest ecological standard. To realize this vision, the City of Maplewood has these goals for natural resources: Natural Resources Goal 1. Protect and buffer ecosystems-forests, savannas, prairies, lakes, streams, wetlands-and other natural resources. Natural Resources Goal 2. Connect and enlarge natural areas and wildlife habitat Natural Resources Goal 3. Restore and manage natural areas, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources for high ecological quality and for diversity of plant and animals species. Natural Resources Goal 4. Restore the natural ecological functions involving water by better managing storm water runoff This means vegetation filtering, infiltration, groundwater recharge, and maintaining stable water levels. Natural Resources Goal 5. Fund natural resource programs to achieve the vision and goals. Natural Resources Goal 6. Integrate the city's natural areas, open space, and active parks and trails. Natural Resources Goal 7. Incorporate the vision and goals for natural resources in the city's comprehensive plan, ordinances, policies, development standards, and zoning. Natural resources Goal 8. Enhance public understanding of nature, natural systems, and environmental issues by providing programs, information, and interpretive facilities. Natural Resources Goal 9. Promote a culture of stewardship on public and private land through access to natural areas, interpretation of natural resources, education and volunteer opportunities in natural areas restoration and management Natural Resources Plan Page 2 Natural Resources Goal 10. Seek cost savings by using natural systems to provide selVices such as heating, cooling, storm water management and water conselVation The Natural Environment of Maplewood Prior to settlement in 1851, most of Maplewood was covered by oak savanna, a plant community with scattered oak trees or oak groves and a groundcover of grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. Hazelnut, chokecherry, juneberry, nannyberry, and wild plum grew in the savanna and at wetland edges. Low, wet areas contained wet prairies, sedge meadows, and marshes. Forests only grew on the Mississippi River bluffs in South Maplewood and in valleys where fires were not severe. Some forests were mainly oak and in others sugar maple and basswood mingled with oaks. Lakes were smaller at the time, and were later enlarged by excavating wetland vegetation from the shorelines. Nearly every year the Mdewakanton Dakota Indians ignited fires in the region; the fires had burned the savannas and wetlands for thousands of years. As a result, most of the plants and animals living in the natural areas of Maplewood were residents of savannas, marshes, wet prairies, and sedge meadows. Plants and animals of forest settings lived in the small forest areas of the Mississippi bluffs and in ravines with flowing streams. After settlement, many changes took place in Maplewood . Natural lands were developed with farms, houses, and businesses. . Large savannas and forests were broken into small, separate parcels. . Remaining savannas became overgrown with trees and shrubs without proper management. . Many wetlands were drained, excavated, and filled. . Plant life was altered by grazing and the introduction of non-native plants. . Trees from river floodplains seeded into uplands and wetlands. . Erosion occurred in streams, at shorelines, and on steep slopes. . More sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen reached lakes, streams, and wetlands than historically. . Some wildlife was eliminated by hunting. . Some wildlife left or died out because there was not enough habitat to successfully breed. . More water flowed directly into lakes, streams, and wetlands after rainstorms. . Water levels in groundwater fell, and water levels in lakes, streams, and wetlands rose and fell more often and more quickly than historically. One example of what these changes mean is the \Mldlife that has disappeared or is declining. Generalist species, such as raccoon and deer, are species that can adapt to different types of habitat, including urban habitats. Many generalist species thrive in Maplewood. But specialist species, such as the ovenbird and Blanding's turtle, are more particular about habitat and often need large, connected habitat to persist. These species have declined, or are in danger of declining locally. Many of the species in Table 7.1 are specialists. Table 7.1. Status of Selected Historical and Current Species in Maplewood. These species are on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' list of species in greatest conservation need and are found in the east Twin Cities region. The list is for illustration only and was not checked by field surveys. Once Now Gone American Woodcock Black-crowned Night-heron In Decline? Restored Bald Eagle Peregrine Falcon Common Mudpuppy Brown Thrasher Natural Resources Plan Page 3 Once Now Gone Eastern Meadowlark Red-headed Woodpecker Red-shouldered Hawk Sedge Wren Trumpeter Swan Upland Sandpiper Wood Thrush Persius Duskywing Regal Fritillary American Badger Franklin's Ground Squirrel Prairie Vole Blanding's Turtle Gopher Snake Western Hognose Snake In Decline? Restored Common Nighthawk Eastern Wood-pewee Field Sparrow Least Flycatcher Northern Rough-winged Swallow Ovenbird Rose-breasted Grosbeak Swamp Sparrow Virginia Rail Yellow-bellied Sapsucker American Brook Lamprey Least Weasel Common Snapping Turtle Smooth Green Snake Eastern Fox Snake Eastern Snake Today, Maplewood is a patchwork of developed land and undeveloped natural areas (Figure 7.1). Maplewood has several lakes and ponds in the north, fringed by small amounts of wetland vegetation. The urban watershed that feeds the lakes provides poor water quality. There are many wetlands, but aggressive cattails and reed canary-grass cover most. South Maplewood has large forests. The once large expanses of savanna and prairie no longer exist-remaining grasslands are small and support only a few species. Three streams-Battle Creek, Fish Creek, Snake Creek-flow from Woodbury through Maplewood and then to the Mississippi. They have in places eroding banks and beds as well as water quality problems because the headwaters are in developed areas. Despite the problems they support a variety of aquatic insect and fish life. There are few natural areas of high quality in Maplewood. Most have lost plant and animal species because they are small and suffer serious edge effects-invasion by non-native species, for example. However, in several places in the city there are large, continuous habitats well-suited to preserving a wide variety of wildlife and plants if restored and managed. Many local habitats are on public and private land where native plants and animals persist despite the small size of the habitat. Maplewood faces the following challenges in managing its natural resources: 1. How to integrate a developed city and dense population with natural resource conservation. 2. Howto protect and restore ecosystems in the city so that ecosystem services will continue. 3. Howto retain and attract animal species that need high quality or large habitats (e.g., specialist species). 4. How to protect and restore the quality of upland and lowland plant communities, wildlife habitats, lakes, and streams. 5. Howto generate funding for natural resources and associated infrastructure. 6. How to prioritize projects. 7. Howto involve city residents and businesses with city staff and officials in carrying out a vision and set of goals for natural resources. Natural Resources in Maplewood Natural Resources Plan Page 4 The City of Maplewood intends to achieve its vision and goals for natural resources using a comprehensive approach. Maplewood's framework for protecting and managing natural resources focuses on four levels. . Natural Area Greenways. Natural Area Greenways are large contiguous areas of habitat that cross ownership boundaries. They protect and expand ecosystem services and habitat. Because they are large they have the potential to provide habitat for both generalist and specialist species. Maplewood has identified four greenways. . Local Habitats. Local Habitats are individual natural areas and backyard habitat connections. They serve the needs of people wanting to enjoy and learn about wild habitat near their homes and also provide ecosystem services and wildlife habitat locally. Because they are relatively small, they are typically not able to provide habitat for specialist species. . Active Parks and Trails. Active Parks and Trails connect Natural Area Greenways and Local Habitats and give people places to play sports, picnic, and bike. . Natural Resource Issues. Other natural resource issues are addressed city-wide through individual programs, such as stormwater management. Natural Area Greenways Maplewood defines Natural Area Greenways as large contiguous areas of habitat that cross ownership boundaries. The purpose of Natural Area Greenways is to protect, connect, and restore large scale ecosystems and ecosystem services and provide habitat for species that need large natural areas. Greenways contain large natural areas, high quality plant communities and wildlife habitat, and provide a wide, continuous corridor for animal movement. In general, a corridor in a greenway should not be narrower than the habitat size for a species that needs the corridor. Scientific studies vary tremendously in their recommendations for corridor width. For Maplewood a reasonable minimum corridor width in a greenway is 660 feet (200 meters). This width tries to balance the limitations on natural resources in cities with the needs of animals that use corridors to survive. Four Natural Area Greenways exist in Maplewood (Figure 7.2). They were selected by mapping and connecting large, better quality natural areas and avoiding major roads and watershed divides that are barriers to many species (Appendix 71). The two northern greenways are mostly lowland ecosystems (lakes and wetlands) north of 1-94. The two southern greenways consist mostly of upland ecosystems (forests, grasslands) with small wetlands and streams south of 1-94. Greenways provide stopovers for the hundreds of bird species that migrate through Maplewood each spring and fall. But birds also use Local Habitats and backyards iffood and shelter are present. Bird and insect migrants (e.g., monarch butterfly) move through Maplewood along a broad front. They may concentrate in some places due to local geography and vegetation. The Mississippi Flyway, for example, is wider than the Mississippi River. Waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds generally orient to it and use its open water in the spring while waiting for ice to melt on lakes and wetlands in the surrounding area. Once in Maplewood, these birds choose migratory stopover habitat based on size, quality, and isolation, not geographic location. Migrating songbirds from the tropics and subtropics also move on a broad front, but choose to alight and travel near the ground in vegetated areas, and less so in intensively developed areas. As they move through Maplewood, these birds concentrate in woodlots, dense tree patches in developments, grasslands and brushland, and in the vegetated edges of wetlands and lakes. The more patches of permanent vegetation there are, the more opportunities these birds have to feed as they migrate. Natural Resources Plan Page 5 1. Phalen-Casey Chain-of-Lakes Greenway composition and regional barriers This large, lowland greenway consists of a chain of lakes in formerly extensive wetlands. Stretching from Phalen Lake to Casey Lake, it includes Round, Keller, Gervais, Kohlman Lakes and Kohlman Creek. Most of the greenway is open water with a narrow wetland fringe. More wetlands are east of Kohlman Lake. This greenway extends into North SI. Paul, Little Canada, and SI. Paul. Regional barriers to the movement of fish, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and some other aquatic life are the urban development south and west of the greenway, and the major watershed divides to the north and easl. Water leaves this greenway from Phalen Lake and travels in a large storm sewer until it discharges to the Mississippi River at Mounds Park, SI. Paul. One of the last records of Blanding's Turtle in the city was in this greenway. Ten constrictions (pinch points) with greenway width of <660 feet (Figure 7.2) restrict wildlife movement in the greenway. Pinch points are mainly at road crossings (Frost Avenue at Round Lake, Highway 61 at Keller Lake, Highway 36 at Keller Lake, Highway 61 east of Kohlman Lake, west side of Hazelwood Park, and White Bear Avenue). Other pinch points are the outlet of Lake Gervais, the outlet of Kohlman Lake, a narrow wetland west of Hazelwood Park, and a drop structure at the outlet of Casey Lake. Greenway challenges . Reduced infiltration due to high percentage of impervious surface in the watershed causes a lower water table and reduces groundwater inflowto lakes and wetlands. . Lower water quality in lakes and wetlands due to large amount of surface runoff from impervious surfaces and turf grass brings sediment, nutrients, and pollutants to waters. . Narrow lake and wetland buffers reduce the filtering and cleansing effect of vegetation at the water-upland edge. . Small upland habitats next to lakes and wetlands prevent some wetland animals from completing a life cycle that includes using uplands (e.g., Blanding's Turtle). . Low quality wetland habitat due to over-abundance of reed-canary grass and cattail. . Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has designated several lakes in this greenway as impaired Kohlman, Gervais, Spoon, Keller, Round, and Phalen. 2. Holloway-Beaver Lake Wetlands Greenway composition and regional barriers This large, lowland greenway is more or less continuous wetland habitat from the marsh lands north of Holloway Avenue, southwest to wetlands and uplands at Priory Neighborhood Preserve, and continuing southwest along wetlands and Beaver Creek to Beaver Lake. This greenway extends into North SI. Paul, Oakdale, and SI. Paul. Beaver Lake has a narrow wetland fringe. This is a historical wetland area, containing wet prairie, wet meadow, and marsh. The lowland forests with ash, elm, cottonwood, and silver maple that exist in this greenway were not here historically. Regional barriers include a major watershed at the east edge, dense urban development in SI. Paul, and minor watershed divides to the north and south. The greenway drains out of Beaver Lake and the water flows in a large storm sewer west to Phalen Creek. The movement of fish, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and some other aquatic species are restricted by these barriers. One of the last records of Blanding's turtles in the city was in this greenway. Natural Resources Plan Page 6 Five pinch points with greenway width of <660 feet (Figure 7.2) restrict wildlife movement in the greenway. Pinch points are where roads (Century Avenue, Maryland Avenue, and Lakewood Drive) and a railroad cross the greenway. The narrow wetland between Maryland Avenue and Lakewood Drive is also a pinch point. Greenway challenges The challenges are the same as for Phalen-Casey Chain of Lakes above. 3. Battle Creek Forests Greenway composition and regional barriers This large, mostly forested greenway includes Battle Creek Regional Park and connects to the Mississippi River bluffs in St. Paul. This greenway includes the Ponds at Battle Creek Golf Course, the forested portion of Highwood neighborhood, and Applewood Neighborhood Preserve. The largest, best quality forests are in Battle Creek Regional Park. Battle Creek is part of this corridor and begins in Tanner's Lake in Landfall, then flows to Battle Creek Lake in Woodbury, and then through a narrow stream valley to Battle Creek Park. This is a historical forest area of oak forest, oak-maple-basswood forest, and aspen-oak woodland. Regional barriers around this upland greenway are the major divided highways US61, 1-494, and -194. These highways prevent the movement of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and ground-dwelling insects that are an important part of the forest's food chain. They also pose a significant risk to other mammals, birds, and flying insects (e.g., butterflies, dragonflies) attempting to cross them. Two pinch points in the continuous forest are on Battle Creek and Lower Alton Road west of McKnight Road. A pinch point in the greenway exists at Lower Alton Road between Battle Creek Regional Park and the golf course. Battle Creek is pinched where it crosses under 1-94 between Tanner's and Battle Creek Lake, at the outlet of Battle Creek Lake, and at Century Avenue. Greenway challenges . The large forests are far from each other and connected by poor quality corridors. . Development at the edges of the large forests affects habitat quality inside the forests. Edge effects shrink the actual size of interior forest habitat, reducing breeding area for forest songbirds (e.g., warblers, vireos) and other forest animals. . Low quality forest habitat is due to over-abundance of European buckthorn and invasion by other non-native plants (e.g., garlic mustard). . Groundcover plants, trees, and shrubs were affected by cattle grazing in the past, and are today affected by abundant white-tailed deer. Grazing and browsing affects some plant species but not others, reducing forest plant diversity. . The forests were protected from severe fires historically, but not from all fire. . Feral and free-roaming cats affect small mammal populations and shrub nesting birds. . Two- and four-lane roads inside the greenway prevent movement of some species. . The challenges described for the lowland greenways affect Battle Creek, a mostly developed 114 square mile watershed. Battle Creek is a typical urban stream, with very low flows at times and with very high flows alter rainstorms3, but water quality and aquatic life are fair to good. 4. Fish Creek Forests 3 See Met COlmcil monitoring reports for 2001 and 2003 at: htto:/iwww.metrocouncil. org/environrnentiRiverslakesiStrearns/RevortsiBattle .pdf, http://www.rnetrocOllllcil. org/enviromnentlRiversLakes/Streams/Reports/2003 _ Reportl03Battle.pdf Natural Resources Plan Page 7 Greenway composition and regional barriers This large, mostly forested greenway includes four units of Ramsey County's Fish Creek Open Space. It is at the north end of a large, mostly forested greenway that includes forests in Newport, St. Paul Park, and Cottage Grove. Fish Creek is part of this corridor and begins at Carver Lake in Woodbury, then flows through the Fish Creek Open Space and beneath 1-494 and US61 to the Mississippi River. A smaller creek, Snake Creek, begins in the Bailey Nursery grounds and also flows to the Mississippi. This is a historical forest area of oak forest, oak-maple-basswood forest, and aspen-oak woodland. A portion of this greenway is in the Mississippi River Critical Area and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Regional barriers to this upland greenway are the major divided highway 1-494 and development to the east in Woodbury. These barriers prevent the movement of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and ground-dwelling insects that are an important part of the forest's food chain. The highway poses a significant risk to other mammals, birds, and flying insects (e.g., butterflies, dragonflies) attempting to cross it. The main pinch point in the continuous forest is near Sterling Street at 1-494. Greenway challenges . The challenges are the same as the challenges for Battle Creek Forests above. . Many parcels in this greenway are not developed. Development is a serious threat to the potential of this greenway. . Fish Creek and Snake Creek are reported to have eroding banks and beds. Local Habitats Local Habitats are individual natural areas and backyard habitat connections (Figure 7-3). The purpose of local habitats is to protect, buffer, and manage small, isolated wild habitats and protect local ecosystem services. Local habitats mostly 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. Some Local Habitats are also part of a greenway. For example, the Priory Neighborhood Preserve is a city-owned natural area that is part of the larger Holloway-Beaver Lake Wetlands Greenway. Local Habitats include . Maplewood Neighborhood Preserves; . Natural areas withi n active parks; . Neighborhoods that have contiguous backyard habitat; . Natural areas that are used for stormwater management;. . County and city open space sites that have natural vegetation; . Private sites that have natural vegetation. Two local habitats are significant because of their size and arrangement. 3M Lake Wetlands This is the largest concentration of local habitat in Maplewood. It contains 3M Lake and wetlands identified by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as regionally significant. It is at the top of a watershed and runoff Natural Resources Plan Page 8 comes from nearby. This improves chances to manage runoff and protect or restore water quality in the lake and wetlands. Highwood-Vista Hills Wetlands The Highwood and Vista Hills neighborhoods are unique in Maplewood due to the dozens of small, kettlehole wetlands formed by the glaciers melting in place here (i.e., an ice-stagnation moraine). It is at the top of a watershed and runoff comes from nearby lawns, driveways, and streets. This improves the chances to manage runoff and protect or restore water quality in the wetlands. The Highwood-Vista Hills Wetlands overlap with the Battle Creek Forest Greenway. Small forested wetlands provide excellent habitat for frogs and other aquatic life. Local Habitat Challenges . Small habitats are affected more than large habitats by edge effects. Edge effects include invasion by non- native plants (e.g., European buckthorn, garlic mustard) and animals (e.g., European Starling, House Sparrow) and predation on wildlife by feral and free-roaming cats. . Many native species do not survive in small habitats for very long because they have small populations there, and small populations can easily go extinct. . Small habitats can be over-used by people because the impacts are concentrated in a small area. In small habitats vegetation is easily trampled and lost, erosion is quick to start, and dumping of trash, lawn clippings, leaves, and debris often happens. . Small lakes and wetlands are easily polluted because the runoff from impervious surfaces and turf grass is large and overwhelms the ecosystem's ability to absorb and treat it. When they are at the top of a watershed, small lakes and wetlands tend to have better water quality because less runoff reaches them. Active Parks and Trails The purpose of active parks and trails is to provide easy access for people's recreational enjoyment. These places provide fewer ecosystem services than greenways and local habitats because they usually have turf grass, compacted soils, and impervious surfaces, and are poor wildlife habitat. However, some parts of active parks, trails, and golf courses could be used to expand habitat and reduce edge effects in greenways and local habitats. In addition, areas within active parks that are not needed for active recreation may be restored to native plant communities. The Parks Chapter of the Comprehensive covers parks in detail. Challenges in Active Parks and Trails . It is necessary to understand which parts of active parks and trails have an effect on greenways and local habitats, positive and negative. . Some specialist wildlife is disturbed by human activity. This is more important in greenways than in local habitats. . Wheels, shoes, and dogs spread seeds of non-native plants to natural areas (e.g., garlic mustard). . Maintenance activities in parks and along trails can affect greenways and local habitats. Herbicide drift is one example. Special Natural Resource Issues Some natural resources issues are widespread in the city and are addressed by topic through city-wide programs. Existing programs include Natural Resources Plan Page 9 . Stormwater Management Program; . Maplewood Tree Program; . Buckthorn Management Program. Additional programs should be established to address natural resources issues such as; . Invasive plants and animals (other than buckthorn); . Wetland buffer improvements; . Sustainable landscaping and yard care; . Toxic waste sites; . Impaired waters. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has designated the following Maplewood Lakes as impaired Kohlman, Gervais, Spoon, Keller, Round, and Phalen; . Stream restoration. This natural resources plan provides a new framework for protecting natural resources in Maplewood. It addresses regional, city-wide, neighborhood, and site levels. It encompasses both public and private lands. This comprehensive approach will enable Maplewood to protect and manage natural resources. Implementation strategies are discussed in the following section. Natural Resources Plan Page 10 Implementation Strategies for Natural Resources The city's present and future residents will benefit by using Maplewood's natural resources in a sustainable way. The city's reputation and its quality of life will be enhanced, residents and visitors will see beauty and variety in the environment, and healthy ecosystems will provide services and benefits that keep the city's lakes and streams clean and its wildlife populations diverse. This is a large vision with many ambitious goals for protecting, restoring and managing natural resources in the city. It will take many years of discussion, planning, budgeting, and other work to make it a reality. The five-year plan for natural resources has the following strategies. The city will amend the plan in the next five years as the city's priorities and resources change, as new strategies and opportunities arise, and as staff and officials learn about new approaches to sustainability. Education . Educate residents about nature, natural resources, and protection and management of resources. . Adopt both city-wide and neighborhood-based educational programming. . Give annual progress report to city council. . Organize public tours of the greenways and local habitats. . Develop education materials and create a natural resources page on the city's website. Post natural resources plan, maps of greenways and local habitats, brochures, technical information for stewardship work by residents, etc. . Present workshops to explain the natural resources plan. Answer questions: What are greenways and local habitats, why are they needed, where are they, and how do they affect residents? . Organize city-wide species counts for wildlife and plants, through event such as "BioBlitz Day." . Provide training on natural resources management for staff. City Planning and Zoning . Integrate natural resources (e.g., greenways and local habitats) into the city's Comprehensive Plan, zoning, ordinances, development review, daily operations, capital budgeting, and bonding initiatives. . Consider adopting zoning overlay for Natural Area Greenways to encourage preservation and management. The overlay would consist of the greenways plus a 300-660 foot buffer. The overlay can provide incentives or mandate landowners to adopt certain approaches to construction and land treatment that improve natural resources in the greenway. . Modify city's operating procedures and annual budgets to implement feasible strategies identified above. . Hold brain-storming session with city leadership to identify strategies for implementing the natural resources plan. Discussion should focus on three things 1) integrating all public lands, across all uses and owners; 2) integrating the public and private use of land and waters, where feasible; and 3) integrating the existing stormwater infrastructure and management approach with the vision for natural resources. Ideas for stormwater may include: . Wetland and Floodplain Buffers. Set water quality buffer width using best available science and incorporate in city ordinances and standards. Being implemented in 2008. . Storm water Utility Incorporate in the city's stormwater utility the locations for stormwater management that benefit greenways and local habitats. Implementation is ongoing, but focus should include regional view and the integration of greenways and local habitats. Natural Resources Plan Page 11 o Update the city's zoning and ordinances to implement win-win strategies such as: o Conservation Design Ordinance. Create an ordinance or zoning overlays that encourage low impact development and conservation design practices. Examples include City of Lino Lakes, rural residential cluster development ordinance of Chisago City and Marine on St. Croix, and St. Croix County, WI. Examples of conservation development designs and approaches are widelyavailable4 This type of ordinance preserves large natural areas, manages stormwater ecologically, minimizes land clearing and grading, reduces infrastructure costs (sewers, curb and gutter, irrigated turf grass, pavement extent, utility run lengths), and promotes stewardship of natural resources. Incentives to landowners might include accelerated permitting, variances, and increased density. o Alternative Storm water Standards. This tool is part of a conservation design ordinance or can stand alone. Its focus is to promote low impact development practices for stormwater management, and integrate these practices with existing stormwater management infrastructure operations and maintenance. Many examples exist.5 Protection and Restoration Inventory and Evaluate Natural Resources o Conduct land cover inventory for city using Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS). At a minimum, MLCCS should be done for the greenways and for all city-owned Local Habitats. o Identify parcels with high ecological quality that need protection. o Identify areas in active parks that could be restored to natural habitat. o Identify locations in active parks, golf courses, and recreational trails that are part of greenways and local habitats and their buffers. o Identify locations in active parks, golf courses, and recreational trails useable for alternative, ecological stormwater management. These areas can manage runoff from the parks, golf courses, and trails; or can intercept and manage runoff from other land. o Identify other locations on public land (e.g., school property, county land, City Hall) that benefit greenways and local habitats. o Assess natural resources city-wide, identify opportunities, and prioritize conservation and management initiatives. Protect Natural Areas o Develop and adopt a land protection plan for Fish Creek Forests Greenway using strategies outlined in this section and the section below on Protect Natural Areas on Private Land. o Pursue protection options initiated in 2007-2008 for city-owned parks and natural areas, including: ordinances, no-net loss policy, zoning, conservation easements, and Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan should define special land use conditions for the Maplewood Neighborhood Preserves, active parks, and other city open spaces. The Comprehensive Plan should also define conditions and policies such as no-net loss in Neighborhood Preserve acreage. 4 Applied Ecological Services: httfL/l}~~~'}Y:xm1?Ji~g~_~:LQSQ!WGQ!J!?_~IYJtU:QDn~Y:fftD; Urban Land Institute: htto:/iminnesota.llli.org/ContentfN avis:ationMenu18/ConservationDesis:niConsef\iationDeveloprnentFrarnework. pdf 5 Low Impact Development Center, Inc.: httn:l/\'lvv"\v.lmvinmactdeveloDrnentore; National Stormwater Center: htlIX-!ZWJ!{w~,!?lQunwnl~lg_(,';)Jl~I,_Q;rg; USEP A NPDES Stormwater Program: httTJ:/lcfrmb.eTJa.gov/nvdes/stolTInvatennonth.cfm; Minnesota Erosion Control Association: htlTJ:/lvvviTw.rnnerosion.org; Applied Ecological Services: htlJ2;l/~~'{~~'}Y,-,mph~_d~_gD_SQm{~tQ1InY{~tl;~IIYlgLffu}. Natural Resources Plan Page 12 . Convene a budgeting session with city leadership to identify the strategies to fund protection and restoration of greenways, local habitats, and their buffers. Budget for the 5-year and longer term planning horizons. Strategies include . Park Dedication. Transfer dedications from other parts of city to greenways and local habitats. Increase amount of park dedication required. . Grants. Seek grants for greenways. (E.g., Minnesota Department of Natural Resource's Regional Park or Natural and Scenic Areas grant with 40% match for Regional Park or 50% for Natural and Scenic Areas6. MNDNR Environmental & Conservation Partnerships Grant program for up to $20,000, with 50% municipal in-kind/cash match.) . Private Easements. Encourage private landowners to enter into conservation easements with a group such as Minnesota Land Trust. . Donation of Land or Easement Seek donation of land or donation of conservation easement. Trust for Public Land can be intermediary. Donations can reduce federal and state taxes. Identify key messages and incentives to landowners on tax benefits of donation. . Acquisition. Consider a bonding initiative for greenway and local habitat acquisition'. . Collaboration. Collaborate with adjacent communities, county, and agencies in development and implementation of plans for Natural Area Greenways. Protect Natural Areas on Private Land Protecting natural areas on private land is complicated and requires a willing landowner. Each property needs a different approach. Implementing the natural resources plan will lay the groundwork for approaching landowners with ideas for protecting natural areas in greenways and local habitats. There are several tools for approaching landowners: . Educate landowners about the resources on their particular site and in their neighborhood. . Provide stewardship training to residents. . Encourage landowners to enter into conservation easements with a group such as Minnesota Land Trust. . Develop incentives for landowners to donate conservation land to city. . Adopt zoning and development ordinances with incentives to protect open space. Natural Resources Management Plans . Develop management plans for Natural Area Greenways and city-owned Local Habitats. . Develop site-specific management plans for each Maplewood Neighborhood Preserve. . Develop management plans addressing city-wide management issues such as invasive species. . Develop a Maplewood Tree Plan to cover boulevard trees, park trees, woodlots and forests. . Modify park and trail operations to adopt environmentally friendly maintenance practices and to minimize edge effects to nearby greenways and local habitats. City-wide Natural Resources Issues Storm water Management . Alternative Storm water Standards. Discussed above. 6 See htto://www.dm.state.mn.us/grants/land/naturat scenic.htmt 7 See http://conservationcampaign.org Natural Resources Plan Page 13 . Identify Target Locations. Complete a study to identify and prioritize areas with existing conditions that create problems for downstream lakes, streams, and wetlands in the city. . Blue Storm water Program for Existing Developments. Create a program to deliver technical advice and assistance about low impact retrofit practices to improve ecosystem services involving stormwater (vegetation filtration, infiltration, recharge, and water level stability). These include rain gardens, bioswales, infiltration plantings (e.g., butterfly and botanical gardens, prairies), tree boxes, created wetlands, cisterns, and many more practices. Street and Boulevard Design and Maintenance . Investigate alternative road de-icing options. Options range from new formulations of calcium chloride to a solution containing sugar beet juice. . Sweep streets on annual schedule. This is being implemented. . Identify erosion-prone street shoulders at lakeshores, streams, and wetland edges and take corrective action. This is being implemented, and will include a focus on Natural Area Greenways and Local Habitats. . Develop guidelines for environmentally friendly street design such as plantings in cul-de-sac center islands, tree boxes in boulevards, and innovations such as Portland's Green Street program8. Urban Forest Management . Develop and implement an Urban Forest Management Plan for the city that addresses boulevard trees, park trees, and woodlands. . Monitor tree disease and pest outbreaks and implement control program (Dutch elm, oak wilt, emerald ash borer, etc.). Being implemented. Expand to include other diseases and pests as they occur. . Consider adapting the Minnesota Forest Stewardship whole-site planning model for the city'. Non-native Invasive Species Management . Educate city staff and residents on threat of invasive species and management options. . Develop a volunteer program to help monitor city-owned land for new invasions. . Partner with adjacent cities and agencies in controlling invasive species regionally. . Monitor developments in control methods for buckthorn, garlic mustard, reed canary-grass, Siberian elm, and other target species and revise outreach materials as needed. Urban Wildlife Management . Participate in Ramsey County's deer management program. . Explore options to reduce populations of bird and mammal species that compete with or prey on native songbird populations (feral and free-roaming cats, raccoons, starlings, house sparrows, crows and grackles, etc.). Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Plan . Update city's planning, development review, zoning and ordinances to incorporate these programs. 8 See http://www.porttandontine.com/BES/index.cfm?c~44407& 9 http://na.fs. fed. us/stewardship/index. shtm Natural Resources Plan Page 14 Implementation Schedule for Natural Resources Plan The Natural Resources Plan proposes a new approach to managing Maplewood's natural resources. One of the first steps in achieving the goals is to gain a better understanding of Maplewood's resources. To do this, the implementation plan recommends that Maplewood conducts a land cover classification survey of the whole city. This work will lay the foundation for planning and management. It should be completed before the city attempts to prioritize protection and restoration projects. Therefore, the implementation schedule focuses on planning, not on specific restoration and management projects. Category Date Key Activities Cost Estimate Planning 2008 1. Develop policies, zoning, and ordinances to Staff implement natural resources plan 2. Develop land protection plan for south Maplewood Staff 3. Determine staffing needs for implementation of Staff natural resources plan 2009 1. Conduct MLCCS inventory for entire city ($10,000 $25,000 grant received) 2. Assess and prioritize protection and management Staff proj ects 3. Develop funding strategies Staff 4. Develop Maplewood Urban Forest Plan Staff 5. Develop master plan for one neighborhood $75,000 preserves 2010 1. Develop management plan for each greenway $40,000 2. Develop general management plan for local habitats $10,000 3. Develop master plan for two neighborhood $15,000 preserves 2011 1. Develop master plan for two neighborhood $15,000 preserves 2012 1. Develop master plan for two neighborhood $15,000 preserves 2013 1. Develop master plan for one neiqhborhood preserve $7,500 Education, 2008 1. Develop natural resources workshop focusing on $5,000 grant Outreach, protection and stewardship of neighborhood Community resources. Present in one neighborhood and to Engagement busi nesses Staff 2. Enhance natural resources section of website Staff 3. Present community-wide programs on sustainable landscapinq topics 2009 1. Present natural resources workshop for four Staff neighborhoods 2. Present community-wide natural resources programs 3. Conduct "BioBlijz" for one site 2010 1. Present natural resources workshop for four Staff neighborhoods 2. Present community-wide natural resources programs 3. Conduct "BioBlijz" for one site Natural Resources Plan Page 15 2011 1. Present natural resources workshop for four staff neighborhoods 2. Present community-wide natural resources programs 3. Conduct "BioBlitz" for one site 2012 1. Present community-wide natural resources staff proQrams 2013 1. Present community-wide natural resources staff proarams Restoration 2008- See Parks Chapter for restoration and management and 2013 projects at Neighborhood Preserves. Management Natural resources management activities are contingent upon assessment and prioritization which is scheduled for 2009 (after MLCCS data compiled). Land 2009- 1. Acquire non-buildable land for preservation $25,000- protection 2013 $100,000/acre via 2. Acquire buildable land for preservation $100,000- acquisition (Cost-share grants available for land in Mississippi $300,000/acre Critical Area) 3. land throuah donation $10,000/transaction General costs for restoration and management: Per acre Buckthorn removal $1000-$10,000 Prairie restoration (including three years management) $4000-$8000 Woodland restoration $2000-$20,000 Wetland restoration $2000-$8000 Yearlv maintenance of restored areas $1 00-$250 Natural Resources Plan Page 16 6. Figures Figure 7.1. Natural and semi-natural land in Maplewood Figure 7.2. Natural Area Greenways Figure 7.3. Local Habitats Figure 74. Maplewood's Natural Resources, Parks, Trails, and Open Space 7. Tables Table 7.1. Status of Selected Historical and Current Species in Maplewood Table 7.2. Acres in Natural Area Greenways and Local Habitats -TO BE COMPLETED WHEN MAPPING COMPLETED Glossary -- This will be part of the final Comprehensive Plan. There will be one glossary for the whole plan, not a separate section for natural resources. Natural Resources Plan Page 17 ~ " " [JCity of Maplewood Boundary Forested Upland Habitat o (Lower Value) 1 2 3 (Higher Value) Non-Forested Upland Habitat o (Lower Value) 1 (Higher Value) Forested Lowand Habitat o (Lower Value) 1 .2 (Higher Value) Non-Forested Lowland or Aquatic Habitat 1 (LowerValue) 2 .. .6 (Higher Value) ~S1ream or Water Flow Path Figure 1 Natural and Semi-Natural Land Cover City of Maplewood Com prehensive Plan Dale: 04-28-08 Source: MNDNR Twin Cities Metro Hybrid Land Cover (2000) modified using 2006 and 2003 digital orthophotography; StreetMap USA DraVl'l1 by: DMM Reviewed by: KAC AES Job No.: 08-0036 File Name: maplewood--9reenwaLplan_1 0_figure1 prioritization.mxd .".,.~....... ....rll...Jl ..."""~-'" i .it\t .~. . ~ .JI .........lI... ",pkcl'_,",o"" II! Phalen-Ciilsey 'Chairl'-of-Il'akes ~" h "'; F",,,h\\'.{, l"V'\f_" , 11 Hollow~y-Bee( Lake Wetla ds " 7" [Jelly of Maplewood Boundary :;:;:; Natural Area Greenways []Lake ~stream or Water Flow Path o co Miles Figure 2 Natu ral Area G reenways City of Maplewood Com prehensive Plan Dale: 04-28-08 Source: 2006 and 2003 digital orthopholography; City of Maplewood base data; SlreelMap USA DraVl'l1 by: DMM Reviewed by: KAC AES Job No.: 08-0036 File Name: maplewood--9reenwaLplan_1 O_figure2nallareagreenways.mxd .".,.~....... ....rll...* .""""~-'1! i .; ,. .~. . ~ .JI .........lI... ",pkcl'_,",o"" D F' o [Jelly of Maplewood Boundary III Local Habilal Local Habilal Concenlralion []Lake ~stream or Water Flow Path ighwood- Isfa HUls , }jj, Wetlands o th;: "I\0JtG ce Miles Figure 3 Local Habitats City of Maplewood Com prehensive Plan Dale: 04-28-08 Source: 2006 and 2003 digital orthopholography; City of Maplewood base data; SlreelMap USA DraVl'l1 by: DMM Reviewed by: KAC AES Job No.: 08-0036 File Name: maplewood--9reenwaLplan_1 O_figure3Iocalhabilals.mxd .".,.~....... ....rll... ..."""~-' i .; .~. . ~ .JI .........lI... ",pkcl'_,",o"" h [Jelly of Maplewood Boundary ;:;:;: Natural Area Greenways Local Habilal Concenlralion III Local Habilal Open Space III Cily Park - Existing Regional Trail -Existing Road Trail ExislingWalkingPalh - Mississippi River Critical Area OliO Mississippi National River and RecrealionArea []Lake -stream or Water Flow Path Figure 4 Natural Resources Plan Map City of Maplewood Com prehensive Plan Dale: 04-28-08 Source: MNDNR Twin Cities Metro Hybrid Land Cover (2000); 2006 and 2003 digital orthopholography; City of Maplewood base data; SlreelMap USA DraVl'l1 by: DMM Reviewed by: KAC AES Job No.: 08-0036 File Name: maplewood--9reenwaLplan_1 O_figure4nallresQurcesplan.mxd ~ J: " .".,.~....... ....rll... ..."""~-' i .; .~. . ~ .JI .........lI... ",Pkcl'_,",o"" Agenda Item 9.c. MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER REPORT FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATUR<\L RESOURCE COMMISSION REPORT March -April 28, 2008 March-April, 2008 Public Progr.lm Attendance: Name Date Number Adult Seminars and Monitoring: 1. Landscaping with Native Plants Saturday, March 1 30 2. Native Trees and Sh111bs Wednesday, March 5 30 3. Bluebird Workshop Saturday March 8 5 4. Living on the Water's Edge Thursday, March 20 27 5. Frog Monitoring Monday, March 31 6 Special Events: i\dopt A Park tor Clcan Saturday, April 19 85 Fourteen groups adopted ten parks. This was quite a bit more successful than last year. l"amily Programs: 1. Build a Bat House Saturday, March 22 16 2. Spring to Your Senses Puppct Show Thursday, March 20 17 Preschoo1/Sch ool/Service One school program Due to snow conditions many Saturday April: Two prcschool groups schedulcd. 1 Staff is working with Edgcrton and Weaver Included in this arc two classroom runoff ,md rain gardens. Schools to plant tcach about ranI stornl water IS Eastern to provide (24- 3 0 students) projects at Neighborhood Prcservcs and thc N aturc Centcr. 'IliscclluIlCllUS: \\larking Coordinator on Shann a ncv\! city- 1. environmental 2. Grants nature center and a was to the N aturc Centcr as onc of Jan 3. 'lature. IS are N aturc Ccnter for a or out 4. 2008, 2008 Nature Center Naturc Ccntcr a Following are a. a tree program b. to create a tool lor on concerns. c. an cost \vaste d. Establish a rain barrel program for the city in conjunction with the watershed district. e. Secure additional grant opportunities f. Continue working with staff on the city campus plan. g. Create a Mobile "What saves Watts" Energy Bike exhibit to improve visitation to the Nature Center. This exhibit can also be taken to schools and special events. h. Finish and implement the Nature Center yard and parking lot improvements to demonstrate best environmental management practices. 2 ~ SEH MEMORANDUM TO: DuWayne Konekwo Maplewood Environmental Manager FROM: Ron Leaf, PE - SEH Project Manager Al Sundernllln, PG - SEH Environmental Investigation Lead DATE: February 29, 2008 RE: Gladstone Savanna - Site Remediation Sunmlllry SEHNo. A-MAPLE070100 City No. 04-21 Background On behalf of the City, SEH submitted a Response Action Plan (RAP) and Construction Contingency Plan (CCP) to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in early February 2008 and review conmlents were received on February 28. The RAP and CCP covers the nlllnagement and disposal of contanlinated soils and debris located on the Gladstone Savanna site. The City is participating in the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Voluntary Investigation and Cleanup (VIe) Program for the Savanna site. The Savanna property covers approxinlately 27 acres located at the southwest comer of English Street and Frost Avenue in the City of Maple wood, Minnesota. The property was fIrst developed as a railroad repair facility in the late 1800's. The property ceased repair operations in the 1940's and was subsequently acquired by the Whirlpool-Seeger appliance company and was used for storage, shipping and receiving of appliances. The buildings that existed as part of these operations were demolished in 1979-1980. A 573-foot deep water supply well (Unique Nunlber 233514) was located on the property in 1998 by the City ofMaplewood/Minnesota Department of Health and sealed on September 21, 2001. In 1994 the City of Maple wood acquired the property from the Trust for Public Land. Previous investigations and site activities by SEH and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) consultant, Delta Consultants (Delta) have characterized the nature and extent of contanlination on the property. A Phase II Investigation Report was prepared by SEH (January 2008) which outlines the results of the site investigations conducted by SEH in March 2007 and Delta in October 2007. The results of these investigations have defIned the type, extent and location of contamination. Future land use plans for the subject property include the installation of a storm water treatment facility in the western third of the property and the completion of restoration and enhancement of the renlllining areas into an urban natural open space. Included in the open space restoration may be trails, infornlational kiosks, and other infornlal green space and educational features. The recently completed Phase II investigation and RAP/CCP documents were necessary to nlllnage the contaminated soils during future construction activities occurring on the site. Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., 3535 Vadnais Center Drive, St. Paul, MN 55110-5196 SEH is an equal opportunity employer I www.sehinc.com I 651.490.2000 I 800.325.2055 I 651.490.2150 fax Gladstone Savanna - Site Remediation Sunmlllry February 29, 2008 Page 2 Results The majority of the impacted soil is found in the central and eastern portions of the site and is located near fornler buildings associated with railroad operations as illustrated in Fih'llTe 5 from the RAP/CCP (attached). These areas are where the nlllchine shop, the paint shop, the erecting shop, the transfer pit, and the brass foundry were located. The remaining areas include the roundhouse in the northeast comer of the site, the water tanks/shed along the east tracks leading to the roundhouse, and the track extension located on the west edge of the fornler rail yard. We have proposed three methods of handling the contaminated soils found on the site. A small area of soils on the east side of the fornler nlllchine shop will be removed from the site and disposed of at a pernlitted landfill. The remaining soils will be nlllnaged using one ofthree options: leave in-place; beneficial reuse on-site; or landfill disposal. As the Savanna Open Space site designs are further developed and finalized, a letter addendum to the RAP will be prepared which addresses the MPCA conmlents and specifies which options will be used based on the [mal site improvement plans. This addendunl will be submitted to the MPCA prior to construction. The preliminary plan illustrated in Fih'llTe 5 shows these areas as having a mininmm soil cover of 2 to 3 feet. At this stage, we anticipate that adequate cover soil could be available from the western portion ofthe site from excavation and grading in the area of the planned stornl water facility. The RAP/CCP docunlent contains more detailed infornllltion on the parameters analyzed and levels found throughout the on-site. Approval ofthe RAP/CCP by MPCA does not require the City to take action on the property in 2008. Instead, the RAP/CCP establishes the methods of managing the contanlinated soils at the time any site work would occur, whether in 2008 or several years later. Attachment 1. Fih'llre 5 from RAP/CCP Dated February 8, 2008. s:\ko\m\maplc\070] OO\2-mgmt\mcmo ] gladstone summaJ)i fcb 29 - ZOOS.doc en '7 8 0.. :-:Jrmf- I W If: " rn ffi N '- I!I~ p U m "- Ole- ~ '" o "- Ole- " "W' I ;j~:.\ ill 5-2[ Cf)m I w wffi "B." D!i2J cO<< ~ ~ "- Ole- "- "- aC- ~ ~ It'f:: , ~f- ----:;:: ~ ;J,"' u: ~ c " Z '" ~ "- Z f" Q~o f--ZUl o",w ""'>z w"'Z ~~~ ozo "-00 Ule-O WUlS ",ow o::;~ ~<.9~ o '" "- o '" "- ~ ~ " , Iii ~~ ~ U ! ! ~ 0 ~ ,,~ ~ ~~ III '" d: $ 0 I ~g ~ ! , " ! i! 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