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TITLE OF REPORT Date of Report
District 6 Natural Resources Inventory
Report
Capitol Region Watershed District Saint Paul, MN February 2015
District 6 Natural Resources Inventory Report
BY CAPITOL REGION WATERSHED DISTRICT
Project conducted in partnership with: City of Saint Paul District 6 Planning Council By: Barr Engineering Co.
Saint Paul, Minnesota February 2015
District 6 Planning Council
\\barr.com\projects\Mpls\23 MN\62\23621154 Dist 6 Nat'l Resource Inven\WorkFiles\Report\District 6 NRI_revised final report.docx
i
District 6 Natural Resources Inventory
February 2015
Contents
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Methods .................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
2.1 Site Description ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Desktop Analysis ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Field methods ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.0 Results ....................................................................................................................................................................................12
3.1 General Observations ..................................................................................................................................................12
3.2 MLCCS Evaluation and Verification .......................................................................................................................12
3.2.1 Desktop .......................................................................................................................................................................12
3.2.2 Field Investigation Results ...................................................................................................................................14
3.3 Tree Canopy Cover .......................................................................................................................................................16
3.4 General Vegetation Community Types ................................................................................................................17
3.5 Invasive/Exotic species................................................................................................................................................17
3.6 Specific Parcel Information .......................................................................................................................................18
4.0 Management Goals, Strategies and Opportunities ..............................................................................................29
4.1 Management Goals ......................................................................................................................................................29
4.2 Management Strategies .............................................................................................................................................30
4.3 Specific Management Opportunities ....................................................................................................................31
4.3.1 Invasive Removal and Clean-ups ......................................................................................................................31
4.3.2 Native Plant Community Enhancements ........................................................................................................32
4.3.3 Wildlife Habitat Enhancement ............................................................................................................................32
4.3.4 Connectivity Enhancements ................................................................................................................................32
4.3.5 Preservation Target Parcels .................................................................................................................................32
4.3.6 Strategic Acquisitions/Easements .....................................................................................................................33
4.3.7 Other Natural Resource Management Actions ...........................................................................................33
5.0 References ............................................................................................................................................................................34
ii
List of Tables
Table 1 MLCCS Desktop Analysis Summary .......................................................................................................... 13
Table 2 Summary of Natural Areas ........................................................................................................................... 26
List of Figures
Figure 1 Project Area Stormwater Features and Wetlands (MN DNR NWI East Central Update)...... 3
Figure 2 Physical Features - Digital Elevation Model ............................................................................................. 4
Figure 3 Current Conditions ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 4 Historical Imagery ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 5 Historic Water Resources ................................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 6 MLCCS Classification (Barr) .......................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 7 Parcel Investigation ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 8 MLCCS Community Quality Ranking (Barr) ........................................................................................... 15
Figure 9 Management Opportunities …………………………………………………………………………………………… 28
1
1.0 Introduction
The Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), working with the City of Saint Paul (City), initiated a
natural resource inventory (NRI) for a targeted study (or project) area within District 6, a neighborhood on
the north side of Saint Paul. The project area contains land uses found throughout the city, including
residential, industrial, rail corridors, and commercial.
The purpose of conducting this NRI is to help CRWD, the City, and District 6 understand, prioritize,
protect, and restore the area’s natural resources and irreplaceable open spaces. This is the first NRI
collaboration effort between CRWD and the City, and CRWD hopes to use this effort as a pilot to
determine the benefits and challenges of conducting urban NRI’s.
Using desktop data and field investigations, Barr conducted an NRI throughout the project area,
cataloging native and invasive vegetation in 24 locations in this highly-developed, industrial area of the
city. The NRI data and identification of management strategies and opportunities provided in this report
will be able to help CRWD and the City by:
Informing land use planning and development
Clarifying the project area’s value with regard to water quality and wildlife habitat
Identifying degraded areas and management problems
Identifying opportunities for natural resources protection and enhancement
Identifying opportunities for flood attenuation within the project area
Providing information that can be used to develop management priorities
The results of the desktop and field studies were used to develop a proposed approach to understanding
the purposes and means for managing remnant natural resources in the project area. Options for
management goals and strategies are presented in Section 4, along with selected specific management
opportunities. Using the information and data provided in Section 3, CRWD can follow the Section 4
recommendations to develop and articulate a management plan for the project area.
2
2.0 Methods
2.1 Site Description
Located within the North End neighborhood of Saint Paul, the project area’s western, eastern, northern,
and southern boundaries are defined respectively by Interstate 35E (I-35E), Rice Street, Arlington Avenue,
and Maryland Avenue (Figure 1). The project area is composed primarily of commercial and industrial
properties with residential land use on the east side. Approximately 251 acres in size, the project area
makes up 0.07% of the city’s total 35,931-acre land area.
The Gateway State Trail runs through a portion of the site and connects recreational users from Saint Paul
to Stillwater. This recreation trail runs beyond the south-eastern end of the project site through the
recently constructed Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary. The sanctuary is situated where the Soo Line Railroad
historically operated. To the north of the project area, an approximately 11-acre wetland complex is
evidence of the historic Trout Brook wetlands once present throughout the eastern portions of the project
site (Figure 2).
L'Orie
nt St
§̈¦35E
456731
456755
456731
456749
Timber
lake Rd
N Ja
ckso
n St
Jack
son S
t
W Geranium Ave
W Maryland Ave
W Orange Ave
W Rose Ave
W Arlington Ave
N Agate St
N Pa
rk St
N Abe
ll St
N Wo
odbri
dge S
t
N Sy
lvan S
t
E Maryland Ave
N Ric
e St
W Cottage Ave
N Albe
marle
St
W Ivy Ave
E Arlington Ave
Abell
St
E Hawthorne AveW Hawthorne Ave
W Hyacinth Ave
N Sy
lvan S
t
E Geranium Ave
E Rose Ave
N Pa
rk St
N Ma
yre S
t
Trout
Broo
k Cir
Norpac Rd
L'Orie
nt St
§̈¦35E
456731
456755
456731
456749
Timber
lake Rd
N Ja
ckso
n St
Jack
son S
t
W Geranium Ave
W Maryland Ave
W Orange Ave
W Rose Ave
W Arlington Ave
N Agate St
N Pa
rk St
N Abe
ll St
N Wo
odbri
dge S
t
N Sy
lvan S
t
E Maryland Ave
N Ric
e St
W Cottage Ave
N Albe
marle
St
W Ivy Ave
E Arlington Ave
Abell
St
E Hawthorne AveW Hawthorne Ave
W Hyacinth Ave
N Sy
lvan S
t
E Geranium Ave
E Rose Ave
N Pa
rk St
N Ma
yre S
t
Trout
Broo
k Cir
Norpac Rd
!;N0 500 1,000250
Feet
Figure 1
Capitol Region Watershed DistrictSaint Paul, MN
Project Area Stormwater Features and Wetlands (MN DNR NWI East Central Update)
Subwatersheds
Freshwater Emergent Wetland
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland
Freshwater Pond
Trout Brook Interceptor
St. Paul - Storm Pipe
Project Area
Service Layer Credits: MNGeo WMS service, CRWD, FWS, City of Saint Paul, DNR
Capitol RegionWatershed District
Project Area
2
L'O
rient
St
456731
456755
456731456749
Timberla
ke R
d
N J
acks
on S
tJa
ckso
n S
t
W Geranium Ave
W Maryland Ave
W Orange Ave
W Rose Ave
W Arlington Ave
N A
gate St
N P
ark
St
N A
bell
St
N W
oodb
ridge
St
N S
ylva
n S
t
E Maryland Ave
N R
ice
St
W Cottage Ave
N A
lbem
arle
St
W Ivy Ave
E Arlington Ave
Abe
ll S
t
E Hawthorne AveW Hawthorne Ave
W Hyacinth Ave
N S
ylva
n S
t
E Geranium Ave
E Rose Ave
N P
ark
St
N M
ayre
St
Trou
t Bro
ok C
irNorpac Rd
!;N0 500 1,000250
Feet
Figure Physical Features - Digital Elevation Model
Project Area
Wetlands (MN DNR NWI East Central Update)Railroad
Building
Service Layer Credits: CRWD, FWS, City of Saint Paul, MN Geo, MN DOT
Capitol Region Watershed DistrictSaint Paul, MN
§̈¦35E
5
Cultural modifications for human purposes have generated nearly all of the current topographic, wetland
and other natural resource conditions in the project area (Bluestem Heritage Group 2013). Currently, the
site comprises a varied topography with a rail line crossing through the middle portion of the project area
(Figure 3). CRWD mapping and historical photographs indicate that most of the eastern half of the project
area was wetland, probably a mosaic of emergent and scrub-shrub wetlands. Trout Brook historically
passed through the project area, roughly north-south through the center. The central rail corridor later
defined the site’s infrastructure as it developed into its current state. Specifically, Henry Anson Castle’s
History of St. Paul and Vicinity states, “The arrival of the railroads brought the complete transformation of
Trout Brook. No longer viewed as a corridor of natural beauty and resources, it was simply the most
efficient route for travel. The wild rice marsh at the outlet was now considered a “quagmire.” Baptist Hill
and other nearby hills were viewed as impediments to progress, and flattened out. The landscape was
flattened and filled, the valley floor was lifted by up to ten feet.” (quoted in Bluestem Heritage Group
2013). Available historic imagery post-1923 shows the changes that the railroad brought to the area
(Figure 4 and Figure 5).
2.2 Desktop Analysis
Initial evaluation began by compiling all relevant and publicly-available geospatial and site-specific data.
Geologic, topographic, hydrological, ecological, and cultural layers were analyzed to identify areas for
targeted field investigation.
In addition to existing data, Barr classified areas within the project boundary using the methods specified
within the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) Minnesota Land Cover Classification
System (MLCCS) User Manual. MLCCS identifies observed physical land cover, e.g., vegetation, buildings,
pavement, water, etc. MLCCS describes an area such as the project site with land cover terminology as
opposed to more traditional land use descriptions. Using MLCCS for an initial evaluation of natural
resources in the project area provides a snapshot of the types and distribution of vegetated and non-
vegetated areas. This identifies areas of interest for further ground investigation. The initial desktop
classification was completed using high resolution aerial imagery and relevant Google Street View
photographs (Figure 6).
The MLCCS mapping was further refined using U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands
Inventory (NWI) mapping of the project area (MnDNR 2013).
Using the data extracted from Barr’s MLCCS analysis, anecdotal information provided by staff from the
City of Saint Paul and CRWD, and available geospatial data layers from various sources including the
MnDNR, Met Council, CRWD, City, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Barr
identified 24 sites for initial investigation (Figure 7). Owners of identified parcels were then contacted by
District 6 Planning Council and made aware of Barr’s planned field investigation.
2.3 Field methods
Barr ecologists visited the parcels selected for further field investigation August 28 and 29, 2014, to verify
the MLCCS analysis and to characterize general vegetation community types. The dominant species within
6
the vegetation community types at each parcel were identified, as well as physical features such as slope,
aspect, evidence of past disturbance and ongoing management practices (if any). Barr staff also looked for
previously unmapped wetlands, or wet areas that meet at least one of the three US Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) parameters for wetlands. In some of these suspected wet areas, soil data were
collected to determine the wetland status of the site. In addition, concentrations of noxious or specially
regulated weeds and other invasive non-native species were identified. Finally, Barr staff took numerous
photos of the selected parcels and general project area to document typical vegetation community types
and habitats.
L'O
rient
St
Gatew
ay S
tate
Trail
Wheelock Parkway
456731
456755
456731
456749
Timberla
ke R
d
N J
acks
on S
tJa
ckso
n S
t
W Maryland Ave
W Orange Ave
W Rose Ave
W Arlington Ave
N A
gate St
N P
ark
St
N A
bell
St
N W
oodb
ridge
St
N S
ylva
n S
t
E Maryland Ave
N R
ice
St
W Cottage Ave
N A
lbem
arle
St
W Ivy Ave
E Arlington Ave
Abe
ll S
t
E Hawthorne AveW Hawthorne Ave
W Hyacinth Ave
N S
ylva
n S
t
E Geranium Ave
E Rose Ave
N P
ark
St
N M
ayre
St
Trou
t Bro
ok C
irNorpac Rd
Trout B
roo
k
Nature
Sanctuary
SylvanField
Rice ArlingtonSports Complex
!;N0 500 1,000250
Feet
Figure General Features
Project Area
Wetlands (MN DNR NWI East Central Update)City of Saint Paul Parks
Railroad
Bikeway
Elevation Contour (2')
Service Layer Credits: MNGeo WMS service, CRWD, FWS, City of Saint Paul, DNR,
Capitol Region Watershed DistrictSaint Paul, MN
§̈¦35E
3Current Conditions
!;N0 500 1,000250
Feet
Figure
Saint Paul, MNCapitol Region Watershed District
1923
Project Area
!;N0 500 1,000250
Feet
Figure
Saint Paul, MNCapitol Region Watershed District
1957
Project Area
!;N0 500 1,000250
Feet
Figure
Saint Paul, MNCapitol Region Watershed District
1991
Project Area
!;N0 500 1,000250
Feet
Figure
Saint Paul, MNCapitol Region Watershed District
1991
Project Area
!;N0 500 1,000250
Feet
Figure
Saint Paul, MNCapitol Region Watershed District
1991
Project Area
!;N0 500 1,000250
Feet
Figure
Saint Paul, MNCapitol Region Watershed District
1991
Project Area
Historic Imagery
Service Layer Credits: MHAPO, MnGeo WMS
1923
1957
1991
Figure 4Historical Imagery
!;N0 500 1,000250
Feet
Figure 5
Capitol Region Watershed DistrictSaint Paul, MN
Historic Water Resources
Service Layer Credits: MNGeo WMS service, CRWD, City of Saint Paul, DNR, Google, MN/DOT
Streets and HighwaysProject Area
Existing Building FootprintHistoric Wetland (1848 - 1922)
Historic Stream (1848 - 1922)
14123
13144
23211
14112
1411314112
14121
13144
13134
3217042130 14122
1412
3
13134
42410
14113
14123
6231
0
2321
1
14122
13144
23000
14122
42130
61120
23112 14123 14123
23111
2311
2
14123
4231
023
212
61830
2131
0
42130
14122
14123
4241
0
!;N0 580 1,160290
Feet
Figure 6MLCCS Classification (Barr)
Service Layer Credits: MNGeo WMS service, CRWD, City of Saint Paul, DNR, Google
Project Area
Capitol Region Watershed DistrictSaint Paul, MN
Short grasses and mixed trees with 26-50% impervious cover
Short grasses and mixed trees with 51-75% impervious cover
Buildings and pavement with 76-90% impervious cover
Pavement with 76-90% impervious cover
Buildings and pavement with 91-100% impervious cover
Buildings with 91-100% impervious cover
Pavement with 91-100% impervious cover
Short grasses on upland soils
Short grasses with sparse tree cover on upland soils
Altered/non-native deciduous forest
Altered/non-native deciduous woodland
Altered/non-native deciduous woodland - saturated
Altered/non-native deciduous woodland - seasonally flooded
Permanently flooded altered/non-native dominated vegetation
Altered/non-native grass land with sparse deciduous trees - temporarily flooded
Tall grass altered/non-native dominated grass land
Long grasses on upland soils
Long grasses with sparse tree cover on upland soils
P lanted or maintained herbaceous vegetation
Upland soils with planted, maintained or cultivated mixed coniferous/deciduous trees
42130
42310
42410
61830
62310
61120
23212
23112
23000
21310
13134
13144
14113
14112
14123
14121
14122
23211
23111
32170
!;N0 500 1,000250
Feet
Figure 7
Capitol RegionWatershed District
Project Area
Parcel Investigation
Project AreaParcelsRamsey
Service Layer Credits: MNGeo WMS service
Capitol Region Watershed DistrictSaint Paul, MN
1122 33
4455
6677 88
992424
101016161111
1212
1717
13131414
15151818
191923232121 22222020
Parcels of Initial InvestigationLabel PIN Label PIN Label PIN Label PIN
1 123-192922320054 7 123-192922430025 13 123-192922340044 19 123-1929223100072 123-192922310001 8 123-192922440022 14 123-192922340058 20 123-1929223201413 123-192922420017 9 123-192922440021 15 123-192922340059 21 N/A4 123-192922420015 10 123-192922430006 16 123-302922120080 22 N/A5 123-192922420020 11 123-302922120075 17 123-192922430012 23 N/A6 123-192922430024 12 123-192922430029 18 123-192922310018 24 N/A
12
3.0 Results
3.1 General Observations
Observations are presented in this section starting with a broad overview of the natural resource
characteristics of the project area, then discussing the site in increasingly finer detail. From a broad
perspective, the project area is dominated by constructed industrial/commercial surfaces throughout the
central and eastern portions of the site boundary. The northwest and southwest corners of the project site
are residential homes and yards in a standard grid pattern. The residential lot sizes range from about 0.15
to 0.25 acre, and typically have shade tree species (maple, oak, ash) and maintained lawns. The Burlington
Northern-Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad corridor curves southeast to northwest through the center of the
project area.
Despite the predominance of constructed surfaces within the project area, there is a wide range of natural
vegetation community types also present. During the field investigation, Barr staff observed scattered
prairie remnants, native-dominated forested stands, old field/woodland areas and several wetland areas.
Wetland areas visited by Barr included those mapped in the USFWS NWI mapping, as well as non-NWI
areas determined by Barr ecologists to meet the Corps criteria for wetlands.
The overall project area slopes gently to the east, with the northwest corner at approximately 840 feet
above mean sea level (AMSL) and the eastern edge of the project area at about 800 feet AMSL. The BNSF
railroad grade that cuts through the center of the project area ranges from approximately 830 to 860 feet
AMSL. Trout Brook, which drains Lake McCarrons in Roseville, flows through a large wetland complex
north of the center of the project area, approximately between Jackson Street and the former railroad
grade, entering the Trout Brook Interceptor (TBI) pipe and tunnel system at Arlington Avenue. Trout
Brook, which historically flowed through the entire project area, is now conveyed by TBI through the
project area all the way to the Mississippi River. The recently-constructed Trout Brook Nature Preserve,
where a portion of the Trout Brook Interceptor has been daylighted, is immediately south of southeast
edge of the project area, on the other side of Maryland Avenue.
3.2 MLCCS Evaluation and Verification
3.2.1 Desktop
The MLCCS evaluation indicates that 210.5 acres, or over 83% of the 251.4-acre project area, has some
type of artificial land cover. “Artificial” refers to land cover types that are not naturally occurring or self-
sustaining. The most obvious of these land covers are buildings and paved surfaces; however, “artificial”
land covers also include planted and maintained surfaces such as lawns, residential plantings and gardens.
Thus the residential neighborhood that makes up most of the southwest corner of the project area is
considered an artificial surface by MLCCS terminology.
Non-artificial surfaces are primarily land covers of natural origin and sustained by natural processes. They
include grasslands, woodlands and forested areas. The total non-artificial land cover area is 40.9 acres, or
just over 16% of the project area. Areas dominated by remnant forest and woodlands total approximately
13
18 acres, or about 7% of the project area. Table 1 summarizes the MLCCS desktop evaluation of the
project area.
Table 1 MLCCS Desktop Analysis Summary
MLCCS Level 1 Type Acres Percent of total
project area
10000s - Artificial Surfaces and Associated Areas
13134 - Short grasses and mixed trees with 26-50% impervious cover 26.7 10.6%
13144 - Short grasses and mixed trees with 51-75% impervious cover 35.8 14.2%
14112 - Pavement with 76-90% impervious cover 8.6 3.4%
14113 - Buildings and pavement with 76-90% impervious cover 21.9 8.7%
14121 - Buildings with 91-100% impervious cover 14.5 5.8%
14122 - Pavement with 91-100% impervious cover 52.0 20.7%
14123 - Buildings and pavement with 91-100% impervious cover 51.0 20.3%
Total Artificial Surfaces and Associated Areas 210.5 83.7%
20000s - Planted or Cultivated Vegetation
21310 -= Upland soils with planted, maintained or cultivated mixed coniferous/deciduous trees 1.3 0.5%
23000 - Planted or maintained herbaceous vegetation 2.2 0.9%
23111 - Short grasses with sparse tree cover on upland soils 2.0 0.8%
23112 - Long grasses with sparse tree cover on upland soils 4.7 1.9%
23211 - Short grasses on upland soils 3.7 1.5%
23212 - Long grasses on upland soils 1.8 0.7%
Total Planted or Cultivated Vegetation 15.7 6.2%
30000s - Forested Areas
32170 - Altered/non-native deciduous forest 2.0 0.8%
Total Forested Areas 2.0 0.8%
40000s -Woodlands
42130 - Altered/non-native deciduous woodland 7.9 3.1%
42310 - Altered/non-native deciduous woodland - saturated 8.4 3.3%
Total Woodlands 16.3 6.5%
60000s - Herbaceous Vegetation
61120 - Tall grass altered/non-native dominated grassland 2.2 0.9%
61830 - Permanently flooded altered/non-native dominated vegetation 3.3 1.3%
62310 - Altered/non-native grassland with sparse deciduous trees - temporarily flooded 1.4 0.6%
Total Herbaceous Vegetation 6.9 2.7%
TOTAL PROJECT AREA 251.4 100.0%
14
Barr staff ground-truthed the desktop MLCCS evaluation in the field, and decided that no major revisions
were warranted.
3.2.2 Field Investigation Results
During the field visit, Barr checked the desktop-mapped MLCCS types against on-ground conditions. No
major modifications were made to the desktop MLCCS mapping. We acknowledge that there is a fine line
between the “artificial” and “planted vegetation” MLCCS Level 1 classes, particularly with regard to
residential lawns and plantings; however, the intensive maintenance required for residential lawns and
vegetation warrants placement of those land covers under the “artificial” surface category.
MLCCS rankings for natural community quality were also assigned based on the field investigations.
Figure 8 shows the natural community quality rankings. These correspond to the following MnDNR
descriptions (MnDNR 2004):
A = highest quality natural community, no disturbances and natural processes intact. Site must be
visited entirely or partially to accurately assess its natural quality at this level
B = good quality natural community. Has its natural processes intact, but shows signs of past
human impacts. Low levels of exotics. Site must be visited entirely or partially to accurately
assess its natural quality at this level.
C = moderate condition natural community with obvious past disturbance but is still clearly
recognizable as a native community. Not dominated by weedy species in any layer. Minimally,
the site must be visited from the edge to accurately assess its natural quality at this level. D = poor condition of a natural community. Includes some natives, but is dominated by
nonnatives and/or is widely disturbed and altered. Herbaceous communities may be assessed with this ranking from a distance if large masses of invasive species are present and the entire community is visible.
NA = Native species present in an altered / non-native plant community. This NA ranking can
only be used if the site is field checked from the edge or to a greater degree, thus confirming the presence of native species within a non-native community.
NN = Altered / non-native plant community. These semi-natural communities do not qualify for
natural quality ranking. Using NN signifies the site has been field checked and confirms it is a semi-natural community.
There were no “A” or “B” ranked areas identified in the project area.
!;N0 500 1,000250
Feet
Figure 8
Saint Paul, MNCapitol Region Watershed District
MLCCS Community Quality Ranking(Barr)
Service Layer Credits: MNGeo WMS service, CRWD, City of Saint Paul, DNR, Google
Project Area
Community Quality Ranking
Not Ranked
C
D
NA
NN
16
3.3 Tree Canopy Cover
Tree canopy cover in the project area is at least 17%. This estimate is based on the MLCCS cover type
acreages, which indicates that slightly over 83% of the project area is artificial surfaces dominated by
buildings and pavement. However, the actual canopy cover in the project area is higher, because some of
the “artificial” MLCCS cover types have at least some degree of tree canopy cover. For instance, the
residential neighborhoods in the southwest and northwest corners of the project area are mapped in
MLCCS as artificial cover types “short grasses and mixed trees” with 26-50% impervious cover (13134), or %51-
75% impervious cover (13144). Trees along the edges of the railroad corridors are also mapped with these
MLCCS cover types. Making the conservative assumption that these neighborhoods and railroad corridors
have at least one-third of their area under tree canopy allows an adjustment of the overall project area
tree canopy cover to approximately 25%.
17
3.4 General Vegetation Community Types
The field investigations of the selected parcels, as well as windshield surveys around the project area,
allowed Barr staff to identify six general vegetation community types present in the project area. These
are:
Forests/woodlands – vegetation dominated primarily by hardwood trees, especially maples,
oaks, cottonwoods, green ash and hackberries. Other less desirable species such as boxelder and
Siberian elm are also common. Where conifers are present, they are typically planted Colorado
blue spruce. There are few naturally-occurring conifers in the project area.
Mixed native/non-native upland grasslands – grass-dominated areas vary widely in species
composition, ranging from maintained turfgrass to concentrations of native prairie species. In
most occurrences of natural, unmaintained upland grasslands, there is a mix of non-native species
such as smooth brome, orchard grass, timothy and Kentucky bluegrass, and natives including big
bluestem, little bluestem and Canada wild rye.
Old fields – These are areas that frequently intergrade into grass-dominated areas, or that occur
in pockets within open woodlands in the project area. As with grasslands, they typically have a
mixture of native and non-native species.
Residential areas – While not “natural” vegetation communities per se, residential areas can
contain, or can be managed to contain, a number of native species. Most of the residences in the
project area are in the northwest and southwest corners of the project area.
Wetlands – There are at least nine wetland basins in the project area, ranging from constructed
stormwater ponds to localized depressions, to larger wetland complexes. The two best quality
wetlands in the project area are on and adjacent to Parcel 1 near the northwest corner of the
project area (see below), and in Parcel 7 in the east central part of the project area. Good quality
wetlands are also in the southeast corner and central north edge of the project area (Parcels 24
and 2, respectively). The principal wetland functions provided by wetlands in the project area are
wildlife habitat, stormwater attenuation and water quality enhancement. MnRAM ratings and
wetland management classification rankings were not determined for wetlands in the project
area; however, specific management opportunities for all are discussed near the end of this
report.
3.5 Invasive/Exotic species
The terms exotic species and invasive species are often used interchangeably; however, invasive species
are exotic species that cause damage to established ecosystems and should be managed. While there are
a number of areas dominated by non-native invasives (ragweed, burdock, thistles, etc.), the project area is
relatively free of Minnesota Department of Agriculture Prohibited Noxious Weeds (MDA 2014). No species
on the State Prohibited – Eradicate List were observed during the field investigations. Two species on the
State Prohibited – Control List, spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum
salicaria) were found in the project area. Prohibited – Controlled weeds must be controlled, meaning
efforts must be made to prevent the spread, maturation and dispersal of any propagating parts, thereby
reducing established populations and preventing reproduction and spread as required by Minnesota
Statutes, Section 18.78. (MDA, 2015). One MDA Specially Regulated species, Japanese knotweed, was seen
in two locations in the project area.
18
During the field investigations, Barr staff also encountered the Minnesota Restricted non-native tree
species common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula). Restricted
noxious weeds are plants that are widely distributed in Minnesota and are detrimental to human or
animal health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock or other property, but whose only feasible
means of control is to prevent their spread by prohibiting the importation, sale, and transportation of
their propagating parts in the state except as allowed by Minnesota Statutes, Section 18.82 (MDA 2015).
In addition, the non-native tree species Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) and the introduced tree species
northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) were found in several locations throughout the District 6 project area.
All other tree species encountered are native or introduced to the area.
3.6 Specific Parcel Information
As noted above, Barr worked with the District 6 Planning Council to access 24 parcels that were identified
in the desktop analysis as being most likely to contain remnant native plant communities and other
natural resources of interest. These parcels are likely representative of vegetation community types in the
project area. Each of the parcels is described in detail below. The parcel numbers and locations
correspond to Figure 7. The parcel descriptions are also summarized in Table 2 and Figure 9, along with
the vegetation community type(s) in the broader project area that they exemplify, and preliminary
management recommendations.
Parcel 1 is a relatively large wetland (~3.2
acre) complex that takes up most of the block
bounded by Arlington Avenue to the north,
West Cottage Avenue to the south, Sylvan
Street to the east and Mayre Street to the
west. This is a NWI-mapped wetland. The
center of the wetland is open water with
stands of cattail (Typha sp.). Large
cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) surround the
center of the wetland, with a dense buckthorn
(Rhamnus cathartica) understory. The
outermost edge of the wetland along the south, east and west sides has a varied mix of native and non-
native grasses and forbs, including sloughgrass (Beckmannia syzigachne), giant goldenrod (Solidago
gigantea), rice cut-grass (Leersia oryzoides), burdock (Arctium minus), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) and
northern water-plantain (Alisma triviale). Dense sandbar willow (Salix exigua) stands are scattered along
the southern and western edges. Along the north edge of the wetland there are dense buckthorn
seedlings under the cottonwood, and several sedge species near the edge of the open water. Although
this is a wetland complex, it nonetheless floods occasionally beyond its boundaries. In addition, an
electrical distribution line physically bisects the wetland north-south. A large dead tree near the wetland
center appears to provide habitat for a number of birds and small mammals. Overall, despite some
degradation, the wetland in Parcel 1 is one of the best remaining natural resources in the project area. The
CRWD 2007-2008 Wetland Assessment Report notes the high invertebrate Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI)
scores in the Cottage Avenue wetland, and referred to it as “a strong healthy wetland.”
19
Parcel 2 is an NWI-mapped wetland in the
southwest corner of Arlington Avenue and
Trout Brook Circle, east of the Post Office.
It is primarily an emergent wetland
dominated by cattails and reed canary
grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Purple
loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and
jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) are also
present. There are several medium-large
(10-28 inches in diameter) cottonwoods
scattered throughout the wetland and
along the perimeter of the wetland. The
trees in the center of the wetland are dying and/or have visible interior decay. This wetland floods
occasionally beyond its boundaries onto Trout Brook Circle. There were 2-6 inches of standing water in
several pools around the wetland during the field investigations. All standing water was densely covered
in duckweed (Lemna sp.), as well as areas of open water in the northern third of the site.
Parcel 3 is a highly-degraded, narrowly rectangular strip of non-native grasses and forbs. It is dominated
by smooth brome (Bromus inermis). Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe), a Minnesota prohibited
noxious weed to be controlled, is also
present (No photo of Parcel 3).
Parcel 4 is a long (approximately 500-foot)
narrow wooded strip on a small rise on the
Advance Equipment property. It is
dominated by large cottonwoods (up to 28
inches in diameter), with boxelder (Acer
negundo) and Siberian elm (Ulmus siberica)
in the subcanopy. Buckthorn is dense in the
understory, and there is a large amount of
metal and wood debris, as well as piles of
dirt. There is a small linear NWI-mapped
emergent wetland at the toe of the slope
leading up into the woods. To the south of
Parcel 4, the strip of trees narrows, but
appears to connect eventually to Parcel 7
(see below).
Parcel 5 is a planted and maintained series
of vegetated strips along the southwest
edge of L’Orient Street. Moving southwest
from L’Orient Street, Parcel 5 is first a strip
of mowed turfgrass, then a row of
20
Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens), then a mixed native/non-native herbaceous strip before abutting a
commercial building.
Parcel 6 follows the Gateway State Trail southwest from L’Orient Street. Along the north edge of the trail,
there is an approximately 25-foot strip of primarily wooded and shrub vegetation, dominated by young
cottonwoods, green ash (Fraxinus
pennsylvanica), boxelder, Colorado blue spruce
and staghorn sumac (Rhus hirta). Between the
woody vegetation and the trails is an
herbaceous strip dominated by sweet clover
(Melilotus sp.), Canada goldenrod (Solidago
canadensis), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus
corniculatus), and other non-natives. Occasional
clumps of two prairie grasses, little bluestem
(Schizachyrium scoparium) and switchgrass
(Panicum virgatum) are also present. The south
side of the trail is initially maintained turf grass
between the trail and an adjacent commercial building. Further south there is mixed native/non-native
herbaceous vegetation on both sides of the trail.
Parcel 7 is accessed from the Gateway State
Trail, and is a large roughly rectangular parcel
that is primarily an NWI-mapped emergent
wetland with a forested and shrub perimeter,
but that also has a small upland wooded area
in the north end. The northern upland area is
densely wooded with cottonwoods over
smooth brome. The emergent wetland further
south is mainly a cattail (Typha sp.)
monoculture. However, the surrounding
tree/shrub perimeter is an interesting mix of
willow (Salix sp.), tamarack (Larix laricina), and
cottonwood, with herbaceous species underneath, including joe-pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum),
greenheaded coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) and jewelweed. There is minor invasion of purple
loosestrife in the south end of the emergent wetland, and there is a patch of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia
japonica) along the southwest edge of the wetland. Japanese knotweed is an aggressive non-native
invasive species and a Minnesota Specially Regulated Plant species. The west edge of Parcel 7 abuts a
fenced auto salvage yard. There is clear evidence of trash and waste soil dumping over the fence into the
parcel.
21
Parcel 8 contains a roughly rectangular
NWI-mapped retention/detention pond
north of Parcel 24 (see below). The pond is
surrounded by a dense approximately 15-
foot strip of staghorn sumac and young
boxelder, over reed canary grass. Outside of
the perimeter shrubs/young trees is
maintained turf grass.
Parcel 9 is immediately north of Parcels 10
and 16 (see below). This parcel is primarily
occupied by the K-Mart building and
parking lot; however, the southern end of
the parcel is an upland herbaceous
vegetation community with both non-native
species and prairie grasses and forbs
present. The prairie grass species present
include big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii),
switchgrass, little bluestem and side-oats
grama (Bouteluoa curtipendula). The
vegetation is currently mowed along the
western edge of the K-Mart parking lot,
including into the prairie grasses. There is a
small non-NWI-mapped emergent wetland
within this parcel.
Parcels 10 and 16 appeared to be distinct
in desktop review, but are actually
contiguous on the ground. This area is an
interesting forested/woodland dominated
by large cottonwoods, with black locust
(Robinia pseudoacacia), green ash and
boxelder also in the canopy and understory.
Brome and goldenrod are the dominant
herbaceous species. The parcels abut the
Gateway State Trail. Management
opportunities include development of a
“pocket park” and passive recreation, as well
as wildlife/pollinator habitat enhancement.
Parcel 11 is immediately north of Maryland Avenue, west of the BNSF railroad and south of the gravel
road at the edge of an auto salvage yard. The western half of this area is dominated by small trees and
shrubs, primarily boxelder (Acer negundo), Siberian elm, small cottonwoods, buckthorn (Rhamnus
22
cathartica). The upland portion of Parcel 11
also has an early mature northern catalpa
(Catalpa speciosa), one of several found
scattered throughout the project area. As the
parce l slopes gently to the east, it becomes
dominated by an NWI-mapped wetland
dominated by sandbar willow (Salix exigua),
horsetails (Equisetum sp.) and reed canary
grass.
Parcel 12 is located on the slope northeast
of the new Trout Brook Nature Preserve
parking and information area, and is a
recently-planted restoration area. The parcel
drops approximately 20 feet in elevation to
the northeast. The flatter portion at the top
of the slope has apparently been planted
with prairie grasses and forbs, but is
currently dominated by an annual cover
drop of oats and wheat, with sweet clover,
ragweed and other invasives also present.
This is typical of the early stages of a
restoration and re-planting effort; it is
expected that the desired planted species will begin to emerge and establish over the invasives with
proper maintenance. The sloped portion of the parcel has been planted with approximately 100 bur oak
(Quercus macrocarpa) and hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) seedlings in deer-protection cylinders. The parcel
slopes down to a gravel road at the edge of an auto salvage yard.
Parcel 13 is a maintained park-like area at
the east end (dead end) of East Hawthorne
Avenue. The parcel features 10-12 large silver
maples (Acer saccharinum) and 4-5
cottonwoods over a maintained, mowed
open grassy area. There is no subcanopy,
understory or shrub layer.
Parcel 14 and Parcel 15 were mapped separately in the desktop study, but are similar in character on the
ground. Both parcels are predominantly artificial surfaces (pavement and building), but also have
significant remnant woodland and forested vegetation communities. Mixed woodland/old field in the
23
northeast corner of Parcel 15 joins woodland in the north end
of Parcel 14, and is connected via a narrow wooded strip to
cottonwood forest in the east-central part of Parcel 14. In
both Parcels 14 and 15, the cottonwoods present are up to
32 inches in diameter, which is among the largest in the
project area. The openings in the canopy are dominated by
Canada goldenrod, sweet clover and smooth brome. There
are scattered patches of prairie species, including big
bluestem, stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida) and heath aster
(Symphotrichum ericoides).
Parcel 16 - see Parcel 10.
Parcels 17 through 20 follow the railroad corridors.
Parcel 17 follows either side of the BNSF railroad between
Maryland Avenue and Jackson Street. Vegetation along the west side of the tracks tends toward an
emergent wetland community type, most likely because the tracks back up overland flow against the west
side of the railroad embankment. The east side of the tracks is drier because the elevation slopes away
from the tracks to the east. On the east
side, vegetation is dominated by blackcap
raspberry (Rubus occidentalis), brome and
Canada goldenrod. Further north, the west
side of the tracks also becomes more
upland in character, with boxelder,
cottonwood and non-native honeysuckle
dominating. The most immediate
management concern in Parcel 17 is the
eradication of a large patch of Japanese
knotweed along the west side of the tracks.
The proximity of this patch of Japanese
knotweed to the Trout Brook Nature Preserve underscores the need to eradicate the patch as soon as
possible.
Parcel 18 is the continuation of the railroad-associated plant communities north and west of Parcel 17, on
the west side of Jackson Street. Along its south edge, Parcel 18 is dominated by large cottonwoods, and is
contiguous with Parcel 15 (see above) (No photo of Parcel 18).
24
Parcel 19 is the abandoned railroad line
heading north toward Arlington Avenue. This
section of track is on an embankment
approximately 30 feet above grade. The
slopes of the embankment are a mix of
native and non-native grasses and forbs,
primarily smooth brome. Clumps of big
bluestem and other prairie grasses line the
top of the embankment along the tracks.
Parcel 20 is the east-west portion of the BNSF
railroad and adjacent land between Sylvan
Street and Rice Street. The prairie grass big
bluestem is common immediately adjacent to
the tracks on both sides. Further away from
the tracks, vegetation varies from linear
cottonwood stands to large staghorn sumac
clumps and strips of boxelder, green ash and
buckthorn.
Parcels 21, 22 and 23 are city-owned
rectangular parcels, each approximately 250 to
300 feet in length by approximately 50 feet in
width. The southern half of Parcel 21 is an
open water excavated wetland with cattail
around the perimeter. This is not an NWI-
mapped wetland. The Parcel 21 pond receives
runoff from two parallel drainage ditches to
the west of the parcel, and occasionally backs
up into these drainage ditches in high
precipitation events. Other species at the
pond include minor purple loosestrife,
hardstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus), northern water-plantain and blue vervain (Verbena hastata). A
narrow strip of boxelder and buckthorn separate the pond from the north end of Parcel 21, which is a
degraded herbaceous upland dominated by sweet clover and quackgrass.
25
Parcel 22 is a cottonwood-dominated wooded area, with boxelder and green ash, and buckthorn in the
understory (No photo of Parcel 22).
Parcel 23 is an interesting mix of scrub-
shrub and emergent wetland, cottonwood-
dominated woods and degraded herbaceous
upland, following a west to east topographic
gradient. This is not an NWI-mapped
wetland. The wet swale along the west edge
of the parcel is dominated by cattails,
jewelweed and willow. Upslope to the east of
the swale is a narrow strip of cottonwood
and boxelder. Finally, further upslope the
parcel flattens out and is a dense patch of
sweet clover, burdock and ragweed.
Parcel 24 is a long narrow wooded corridor
immediately west of the MnDOT I-35E right-
of-way. The parcel slopes downward from
both the east and west edges to form a long,
linear depression. Green ash, boxelder and
buckthorn dominate the upland edges of the
parcel. As the elevation drops toward the
center, the dominant trees are cottonwood,
black willow (Salix nigra) and silver maple.
Dominant herbaceous species are Canada
goldenrod and stiff sunflower (Helianthus
rigida) on the upper slopes and cattail and
reed canary grass in the wetter center. There is a dense stand of sandbar willow at the north end of the
parcel.
26 vv
Table 2 Summary of Natural Areas
Parcel No. Vegetation Classification Description Quality Wetland Features Estimated
Slope Ownership Natural
Resource Management Opportunities
1 42310 - Permanently flooded altered/non-native dominated
vegetation
Reed canary grass and cattail dominated wetland surrounded by buckthorn, boxelder,
and cottonwood species. C
Forested Wetland adjacent to the
Trout Brook Interceptor
1-5% Private Wetland Remove buckthorn understory to improve habitat
quality for birds.
Improve flood attenuation from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
2 62310 - Altered/non-native
grassland with sparse deciduous trees - temporarily flooded
Low lying flat parcel dominated by reed canary grass and other exotic invasive species. Cattail
wetlands on western edge. NN Emergent Wetland none Private
Wet Meadow/Wet
land
Increase vegetation diversity for pollinator and bird species
Manage reed canary and loosestrife
Prevent flooding to adjacent properties through BMPs
3 23112 - Long grasses with sparse
tree cover on upland soils Linear parcel dominated by smooth brome and burdock. Vegetation maintained to height <1’.
NN N/A 1 -5% Public Grassland Reduce management by Vegetating with aggressive native plants (Dogwood, Willow, Vibernum, etc.)
4 14112 - Pavement with 76 -90%
impervious cover
Wooded strip surrounded by industrial property. Natural area canopy dominated by cottonwood
with a highly degraded understory. NN Emergent Wetland 5-10% Public Woodland
Remove debris to improve understory vegetation.
Improve delineation between natural area and industrial property to reduce encroachment and compaction from surrounding industry
Improve flood attenuation from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
5 - 6 21310 - Upland soils with planted,
maintained or cultivated mixed coniferous/deciduous trees
Mixed coniferous/deciduous tree planting adjacent to the Gateway State Trail. Exotic forbs and grasses dominate with few native
mixed within.
C N/A 1 -5% Public Woodland/R
emnant Prairie
Manage invasive forbs and grasses.
Convert mowed turf areas along path with native grasses, forbs, and/or tree species.
7 61830 - Permanently flooded altered/non-native dominated
vegetation
Cattail dominated wetland. Willow tamarack and buckthorn along edges.
D Emergent wetland with open water
10 – 20% around wetland
edge
Public Wetland Control exotic invasive species
8, 24 42310 - Altered/non-native
deciduous woodland - saturated
Linear depression dominated by cottonwood and cattail species along L’Orient Street.
Mowed turf edge around stormwater pond to the north.
C Emergent wetland with open water
5-10% along ditch
Private Woodland/W
etland Maintain wetland functions
9 61120 - Tall grass altered/non-
native dominated grassland
Open field along south edge of K-Mart parking lot. Native grass and forb species present.
Vegetation dominated by goldenrod and reed canary grass.
C N/A none Private Dry Prairie Connect bike trail along eastern edge
Improve flood attenuation from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
Restore into remnant prairie
10 ,16 42130 - Altered/non-native
deciduous woodland
Maintained power line corridor through center with early succession woodland species on the
edges. C N/A 5-10% Private Woodland
Use open area as a pocket park/picnic area for trail users
Improve flood attenuation from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
11 42130 - Altered/non-native
deciduous woodland
Early succession woodland species along road. South side of parcel slopes up to Maryland
Avenue. Slope dominated by smooth brome. Cattail and reed canary wetland along road.
D Emergent Wetland 5-10% Private Wetland/
Mesic Prairie
Improve flood attenuation from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
Manage exotic tree species to prevent encroachment into recently restored Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary
27 vv
Parcel No. Vegetation Classification Description Quality Wetland Features Estimated
Slope Ownership Natural
Resource Management Opportunities
12 42130 - Altered/non-native
deciduous woodland
Recently restored slope dominated by annual invasive spices. Slope has been planted with
oak and hackberry seedlings NA N/A 5 – 15% Public
Oak Savanna Control exotic species
13 -14 32170 - Altered/non-native
deciduous forest Mixed deciduous canopy with a densely
colonized buckthorn understory NN N/A 0 -15% Private Woodland
Remove Buckthorn Understory to improve habitat for bird species
Develop trail network to connect surrounding natural areas
15 42130 - Altered/non-native
deciduous woodland
Large cottonwood canopy with tall grass openings. Openings are a diverse mix of non-native and native forbs and tall grass species.
C N/A 0 – 5% Private Woodland/ Remnant
Prairie
Restore remnant prairie openings
Remove Buckthorn Understory to improve habitat for bird species
Develop trail network to connect surrounding natural areas
17 - 20 13144 13134 – Short grasses and
mixed trees with 26-75% impervious cover
Rail corridor dominated by non-native grass and forb species. Cottonwood and box elder
tree species throughout C N/A 0 – 5% Private
Woodland/ Remnant
Prairie
Convert abandoned rail line into recreational trail system. Connect to Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary.
Improve ecological patch corridor dynamics with surrounding natural areas
Manage stormwater from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
21 14113 - Buildings and pavement with 91-100% impervious cover
Newly constructed stormwater pond along south side of W cottage Avenue. Site appeared
to have been recently seeded with native species. Situated along road and industrial
property.
C Open Water 0 – 10% Public Wetland/
Stormwater Pond
Control exotic species
Maintain wetland functions
22 - 23 14113 - Buildings and pavement with 91-100% impervious cover
Wooded strip along south side of W cottage Avenue. Situated along road and industrial
property. C N/A 0 -15% Public Manage stormwater from surrounding impervious
surfaces with addition of BMPs
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
18
20
21 22 23
19
17
16
8
24
Saint Paul, MNCapitol Region Watershed District
Parcel No. Vegetation Classification Description Quality Wetland Features Estimated
Slope Ownership Natural
Resource Management Opportunities
12 42130 - Altered/non-native deciduous woodland
Recently restored slope dominated by annual invasive spices. Slope has been planted with
oak and hackberry seedlings NA N/A 5 – 15% Public Oak Savanna
• Control exotic species
13 -14 32170 - Altered/non-native deciduous forest
Mixed deciduous canopy with a densely colonized buckthorn understory NN N/A 0 -15% Private Woodland
• Remove Buckthorn Understory to improve habitat for bird species
• Develop trail network to connect surrounding natural areas
15 42130 - Altered/non-native deciduous woodland
Large cottonwood canopy with tall grass openings. Openings are a diverse mix of non-native and native forbes and tall grass species.
C N/A 0 – 5% Private Woodland/ Remnant
Prairie
• Restore remnant prairie openings • Remove Buckthorn Understory to improve habitat
for bird species • Develop trail network to connect surrounding
natural areas
17 - 20 13144 13134 – Short grasses and
mixed trees with 26-75% impervious cover
Rail corridor dominated by non-native grass and forb species. Cottonwood and box elder
tree species throughout C N/A 0 – 5% Private
Woodland/ Remnant
Prairie
• Convert abandoned rail line into recreational trail system. Connect to Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary.
• Improve ecological patch corridor dynamics with surrounding natural areas.
• Manage stormwater from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
21 14113 - Buildings and pavement with 91-100% impervious cover
Newly constructed stormwater pond along south side of W cottage Avenue. Site appeared
to have been recently seeded with native species. Situated along road and industrial
property.
C Open Water 0 – 10% Public Wetland/
Stormwater Pond
• Control exotic species • Maintain wetland functions
22 - 23 14113 - Buildings and pavement with 91-100% impervious cover
Wooded strip along south side of W cottage Avenue. Situated along road and industrial
property. C N/A 0 -15% Public • Manage stormwater from surrounding impervious
surfaces with addition of BMPs
27 vv
Table 2 Summary of Natural Areas
Parcel No. Vegetation Classification Description Quality Wetland Features Estimated
Slope Ownership Natural
Resource Management Opportunities
1 42310 - Permanently flooded altered/non-native dominated
vegetation
Reed canary grass and cattail dominated wetland surrounded by buckthorn, boxelder,
and cottonwood species. C
Forested Wetland adjacent to the
Trout Brook Interceptor
1-5% Private Wetland • Remove buckthorn understory to improve habitat
quality for birds. • Improve flood attenuation from surrounding
impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
2 62310 - Altered/non-native
grassland with sparse deciduous trees - temporarily flooded
Low lying flat parcel dominated by reed canary grass and other exotic invasive species. Cattail
wetlands on western edge. NN Emergent Wetland none Private
Wet Meadow/We
tland
• Increase vegetation diversity for pollinator and bird species.
• Manage reed canary and loosestrife • Prevent flooding to adjacent properties through
BMPs
3 23112 - Long grasses with sparse tree cover on upland soils
Linear parcel dominated by smooth brome and burdock. Vegetation maintained to height <1’.
NN N/A 1 -5% Public Grassland • Reduce management by Vegetating with aggressive native plants (Dogwood, Willow, Vibernum, etc.).
4 14112 - Pavement with 76 -90% impervious cover
Wooded strip surrounded by industrial property. Natural area canopy dominated by
cottonwood with a highly degraded understory.
NN Emergent Wetland 5-10% Public Woodland
• Remove debris to improve understory vegetation. • Improve delineation between natural area and
industrial property to reduce encroachment and compaction from surrounding industry.
• Improve flood attenuation from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
5 - 6 21310 - Upland soils with planted,
maintained or cultivated mixed coniferous/deciduous trees
Mixed coniferous/deciduous tree planting adjacent to the Gateway State Trail. Exotic forbs and grasses dominate with few native
mixed within.
C N/A 1 -5% Public Woodland/R
emnant Prairie
• Manage invasive forbs and grasses • Convert mowed turf areas along path with native
grasses, forbs, and/or tree species.
7 61830 - Permanently flooded altered/non-native dominated
vegetation
Cattail dominated wetland. Willow tamarack and buckthorn along edges. D
Emergent wetland with open water
10 – 20% around wetland
edge
Public Wetland • Control exotic invasive species
8, 24 42310 - Altered/non-native
deciduous woodland - saturated
Linear depression dominated by cottonwood and cattail species along L’Orient Street.
Mowed turf edge around stormwater pond to the north.
C Emergent wetland with open water
5-10% along ditch Private
Woodland/Wetland • Maintain wetland functions
9 61120 - Tall grass altered/non-native dominated grassland
Open field along south edge of K-Mart parking lot. Native grass and forb species present.
Vegetation dominated by goldenrod and reed canary grass.
C N/A none Private Dry Prairie • Connect bike trail along eastern edge • Improve flood attenuation from surrounding
impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs • Restore into remnant prairie
10 ,16 42130 - Altered/non-native deciduous woodland
Maintained power line corridor through center with early succession woodland species on the
edges. C N/A 5-10% Private Woodland
• Use open area as a pocket park/picnic area for trail users
• Improve flood attenuation from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
11 42130 - Altered/non-native
deciduous woodland
Early succession woodland species along road. South side of parcel slopes up to Maryland
Avenue. Slope dominated by smooth brome. Cattail and reed canary wetland along road.
D Emergent Wetland 5-10% Private Wetland/
Mesic Prairie
• Improve flood attenuation from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
• Manage exotic tree species to prevent encroachment into recently restored Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary
26 vv
Table 2 Summary of Natural Areas
Parcel No. Vegetation Classification Description Quality Wetland Features Estimated
Slope Ownership Natural
Resource Management Opportunities
1 42310 - Permanently flooded altered/non-native dominated
vegetation
Reed canary grass and cattail dominated wetland surrounded by buckthorn, boxelder,
and cottonwood species. C
Forested Wetland adjacent to the
Trout Brook Interceptor
1-5% Private Wetland • Remove buckthorn understory to improve habitat
quality for birds. • Improve flood attenuation from surrounding
impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
2 62310 - Altered/non-native
grassland with sparse deciduous trees - temporarily flooded
Low lying flat parcel dominated by reed canary grass and other exotic invasive species. Cattail
wetlands on western edge. NN Emergent Wetland none Private
Wet Meadow/We
tland
• Increase vegetation diversity for pollinator and bird species.
• Manage reed canary and loosestrife • Prevent flooding to adjacent properties through
BMPs
3 23112 - Long grasses with sparse tree cover on upland soils
Linear parcel dominated by smooth brome and burdock. Vegetation maintained to height <1’.
NN N/A 1 -5% Public Grassland • Reduce management by Vegetating with aggressive native plants (Dogwood, Willow, Vibernum, etc.).
4 14112 - Pavement with 76 -90% impervious cover
Wooded strip surrounded by industrial property. Natural area canopy dominated by
cottonwood with a highly degraded understory.
NN Emergent Wetland 5-10% Public Woodland
• Remove debris to improve understory vegetation. • Improve delineation between natural area and
industrial property to reduce encroachment and compaction from surrounding industry.
• Improve flood attenuation from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
5 - 6 21310 - Upland soils with planted,
maintained or cultivated mixed coniferous/deciduous trees
Mixed coniferous/deciduous tree planting adjacent to the Gateway State Trail. Exotic forbs and grasses dominate with few native
mixed within.
C N/A 1 -5% Public Woodland/R
emnant Prairie
• Manage invasive forbs and grasses • Convert mowed turf areas along path with native
grasses, forbs, and/or tree species.
7 61830 - Permanently flooded altered/non-native dominated
vegetation
Cattail dominated wetland. Willow tamarack and buckthorn along edges. D
Emergent wetland with open water
10 – 20% around wetland
edge
Public Wetland • Control exotic invasive species
8, 24 42310 - Altered/non-native
deciduous woodland - saturated
Linear depression dominated by cottonwood and cattail species along L’Orient Street.
Mowed turf edge around stormwater pond to the north.
C Emergent wetland with open water
5-10% along ditch Private
Woodland/Wetland • Maintain wetland functions
9 61120 - Tall grass altered/non-native dominated grassland
Open field along south edge of K-Mart parking lot. Native grass and forb species present.
Vegetation dominated by goldenrod and reed canary grass.
C N/A none Private Dry Prairie • Connect bike trail along eastern edge • Improve flood attenuation from surrounding
impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs • Restore into remnant prairie
10 ,16 42130 - Altered/non-native deciduous woodland
Maintained power line corridor through center with early succession woodland species on the
edges. C N/A 5-10% Private Woodland
• Use open area as a pocket park/picnic area for trail users
• Improve flood attenuation from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
11 42130 - Altered/non-native
deciduous woodland
Early succession woodland species along road. South side of parcel slopes up to Maryland
Avenue. Slope dominated by smooth brome. Cattail and reed canary wetland along road.
D Emergent Wetland 5-10% Private Wetland/
Mesic Prairie
• Improve flood attenuation from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
• Manage exotic tree species to prevent encroachment into recently restored Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary
26 vv
Parcel No. Vegetation Classification Description Quality Wetland Features Estimated
Slope Ownership Natural
Resource Management Opportunities
12 42130 - Altered/non-native deciduous woodland
Recently restored slope dominated by annual invasive spices. Slope has been planted with
oak and hackberry seedlings NA N/A 5 – 15% Public Oak Savanna
• Control exotic species
13 -14 32170 - Altered/non-native deciduous forest
Mixed deciduous canopy with a densely colonized buckthorn understory NN N/A 0 -15% Private Woodland
• Remove Buckthorn Understory to improve habitat for bird species
• Develop trail network to connect surrounding natural areas
15 42130 - Altered/non-native deciduous woodland
Large cottonwood canopy with tall grass openings. Openings are a diverse mix of non-native and native forbes and tall grass species.
C N/A 0 – 5% Private Woodland/ Remnant
Prairie
• Restore remnant prairie openings • Remove Buckthorn Understory to improve habitat
for bird species • Develop trail network to connect surrounding
natural areas
17 - 20 13144 13134 – Short grasses and
mixed trees with 26-75% impervious cover
Rail corridor dominated by non-native grass and forb species. Cottonwood and box elder
tree species throughout C N/A 0 – 5% Private
Woodland/ Remnant
Prairie
• Convert abandoned rail line into recreational trail system. Connect to Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary.
• Improve ecological patch corridor dynamics with surrounding natural areas.
• Manage stormwater from surrounding impervious surfaces with addition of BMPs
21 14113 - Buildings and pavement with 91-100% impervious cover
Newly constructed stormwater pond along south side of W cottage Avenue. Site appeared
to have been recently seeded with native species. Situated along road and industrial
property.
C Open Water 0 – 10% Public Wetland/
Stormwater Pond
• Control exotic species • Maintain wetland functions
22 - 23 14113 - Buildings and pavement with 91-100% impervious cover
Wooded strip along south side of W cottage Avenue. Situated along road and industrial
property. C N/A 0 -15% Public • Manage stormwater from surrounding impervious
surfaces with addition of BMPs
27 vv
Buckthorn Removal
Primary Management Opportunities
Management OpportunitiesFigure 9 -
Maintain Wetland Function For Flood Attenuation
Develop Trail Network Connections
Restore Native Plant Community
Aerial Image Source: Bing Maps!;N
0 500 1,000250
Feet
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4.0 Management Goals, Strategies and Opportunities
The NRI report is intended to present a qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of natural resources
remaining within the project area. It is not intended to prescribe specific management actions for
developing, enhancing or preserving the identified natural resources in the District 6 project area.
However, this section of the NRI Report is designed to help consider the following three questions
regarding any potential actions taken to address natural resource management in the project area:.
1. Why do CRWD and the City want to manage natural resources in the area? What do CRWD and
the City hope to achieve?
2. How, in general terms, could CRWD and the City go about achieving its goals for natural
resources in the project area?
3. What specifically could be done and where to accomplish CRWD’s and the City’s goals?
The first question speaks to the need to develop management goals for the area. The second question is a
consideration of the broader means of achieving those goals. The answers to the last question are the
beginning of developing a roadmap for specific management actions that will incrementally achieve
CRWD’s and the City’s goals for the District 6 project area.
4.1 Management Goals
There are numerous potential opportunities for managing natural resources within the project area.
Management activities can be selected along a gradient from specific localized actions to broader area-
wide policies to address the desire to recognize and preserve natural resources in the project area. A
necessary first step in the selection of management activities is to consider and identify the goals of
natural resource management. Listed below, in no particular order, are several possible goals that may be
considered prior to enacting management activities.
Preservation and protection of open green space: A goal of management may be to simply
stop further degradation of the project area’s remaining natural features and protect open,
vegetated spaces.
Connectivity: Establish corridors of natural vegetation: Greenways, or corridors of open
vegetated space, provide ecological, aesthetic and recreational benefits. Moreover, there is an
established synergistic effect to connecting separate, isolated tracts of open green spaces.
Establishment of connections between natural resource elements within the project area would
also allow the continuation of the corridor into natural areas to the north and south of the site.
Wildlife habitat enhancement: The project area is in a moderately industrialized, highly
developed landscape bounded on the east by an interstate highway and on all other sides by
major city roads. In this setting, it is important to identify, preserve and enhance opportunities for
wildlife to move, forage, nest and generally survive and function. Specific management activities
can be implemented to meet the goal of sharing an intensely human-influenced space with
wildlife.
Improve pollinator habitat: This goal is a subset of the previous goal of wildlife enhancement,
but it is sufficiently important in the current context to identify it as a separate goal. Modern
urban settings are increasingly difficult for bees, butterflies and other pollinators to survive. Their
ability to survive in urban settings is important to many of our own food sources. Enhancement of
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pollinator habitat is an achievable goal in the project area, with a high potential for engaging local
residents.
Passive and active recreation: Having natural spaces interspersed within the project area’s
residences and businesses would provide opportunities for observing and enjoying nature, and
walking, running or bicycling past native plant communities.
Enhancement of native/natural plant communities: In a number of locations around the
project area, the remnants of native plant communities and/or good-quality mixed native/non-
native communities are present but declining. These are areas that could return to a healthier,
self-sustaining condition with an assist in the form of specific management actions.
Control of invasive species: Many invasive species not only degrade native plant communities
and decrease species diversity, but they also have significant economic effects at both local and
regional scales. Management of invasive species is an important goal for any natural resource
management plan.
Engineered outlets to benefit and/or improve wetland ecological function: The natural
hydrology of the remnant wetlands has been altered, with development altering drainage areas
and changing the land cover (more impervious) which has altered the quality and quantity of
runoff or stormwater to each wetland. Some wetlands may not be receiving enough some runoff
to maintain their natural hydrology, while many may be receiving too much runoff, which could
cause the water level in the wetlands to bounce too high and for too a long of a duration,
negatively impacting wetland vegetation. Installation of engineered outlets that allow a more
natural bounce of water levels could protect the wetlands from increased quantity of runoff.
4.2 Management Strategies
Once a particular management goal has been set, consideration should be given to which management
strategies are best suited to attain the goal. Listed here are several strategies that can be employed for
meeting the natural resource management goals of the project area:
Seek landowner cooperation: many of the important pieces of the overall natural resource
picture in the project area lie on private property. By presenting the benefits of developing a
healthier natural resource base within the project area, landowners may be found that are willing
to change their current property management strategies to be more natural resource-friendly. For
example, a landowner may be willing to forgo mowing portions of turfgrass areas, and allow the
areas to be planted with natives. Engagement with landowners, particularly the
industrial/commercial landowners in the project area, is an important strategy for several of the
management goals listed above.
Educate and engage local residences: Similarly, enhancement of natural resources on a smaller,
localized scale can be achieved by educating the local residences and helping them understand
their roles in achieving the overall goals. Approximately one-quarter of the project area is
residential neighborhoods; this represents a unique opportunity for identifying locally-engaged
stewards of the area’s natural resources. Help people understand how to be effective natural
resource managers in their part of the project area. For example, the goal of enhancing pollinator
habitat is most likely best achieved by working with local residences who can provide the land
and the labor to improve pollinator habitat, and who would most enjoy the immediate aesthetic
benefits. Moreover, this is a strategy for which the specific tools are most likely already developed.
CRWD has existing educational materials and guides for residential natural resource management.
Strategic acquisitions and/or easements: Meeting the management goal of enhanced
connectivity of resources is all about the real estate. Specific properties could be identified for
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outright acquisition, or for negotiation of conservation easements. (This report identifies several
properties in Section 4.3.6 Strategic Acquisitions/Easements).
Development of plant palettes for specific community types: CRWD and the City can have, on
hand, an overall plan for developing and enhancing native plant communities in specific habitats
and conditions. Rather than re-creating a planting list for every enhancement opportunity, CRWD
and the City can have a set of plant palettes for various desired community types, e.g., upland
prairie, wetland fringe, open woodland, etc., available for use as needed.
Creation of wildlife habitat structures: To support the goal of wildlife enhancement, it may be
necessary to research and learn techniques for creating appealing habitats for a range of wildlife
uses. In many instances, materials are readily available and/or already in place, and simply need
some adjustments or augmentations to be suitable habitat for birds, small mammals, reptiles,
amphibians, etc. Utilizable habitats can be created inexpensively, and should be part of the
management toolkit.
Policy development: Long-term preservation of natural resources may require re-visiting and
potentially revising City policy and regulations regarding natural resources.
Engineered stormwater outlets: Installation of engineered outlets connected to the local
stormsewer system that allow a more natural bounce of water levels could protect the wetlands
from increased quantity of runoff, particularly in Parcels 1, 2, 7, 21, 23 and 24.
4.3 Specific Management Opportunities
Listed below is a set of specific management options and opportunities, ranging from the simple to the
complex, the practical to the theoretical, and the short-term to the long-term. They have been roughly
divided into the type and/or purpose of management activity suggested, and for that reason there is
some overlap. Some management suggestions reference the locations of parcels investigated in the field;
for these see Figure 7 and 9 and Table 2. This is a comprehensive palette of potential management
possibilities for the District 6 project area. Many of these suggested actions may require coordination with
private landowners.
4.3.1 Invasive Removal and Clean-ups
Remove Japanese knotweed along southwest side of railroad tracks in Parcel 17. Japanese
knotweed can be progressively eradicated by mowing around the beginning of June, and then
applying glyphosate (Roundup) as the plant grows back. Other more powerful herbicides are also
available.
Manage invasive forbs and grasses along the Gateway State Trail, starting at L’Orient Street and
continuing generally south to Maryland Avenue.
Remove Japanese knotweed from the southwest edge of Parcel 7. Consider purple loosestrife
control in the wetland at Parcel 7.
Clean up concrete and soil piles in Parcel 11.
Remove metal and wood debris from Parcel 4. Cut buckthorn understory.
Install fencing or other property line delineation at the toe of the slope northeast of the Trout
Brook Nature Preserve Visitors Area parking lot to better define the property edge and prevent
encroachment of vehicles from the auto salvage yard.
Remove buckthorn in wooded areas, especially in the north end of Parcel 1 (Cottage Avenue
wetland).
Remove buckthorn in the southeast corner of the wetland at the corner of Arlington Avenue and
Trout Brook Circle (Parcel 2).
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4.3.2 Native Plant Community Enhancements
Coordinate with the landowners of Parcel 9 (K-Mart location) to allow management of the
remnant prairie near the south end of the parking lot. A prescribed burn would control the non-
native species present and help the prairie species. Also, coordinate with the K-Mart property
maintenance staff to reduce the mowed area south of the parking lot and avoid mowing into the
prairie grasses.
Coordinate with property management at the office building north of Parcel 8 to expand the
vegetated buffer around the stormwater pond, and to plant additional upland native plants.
Coordinate with the designer and installation contractor of the restoration planting at the Trout
Brook Nature Preserve Visitors Area parking lot to ensure that there is follow-up and maintenance
on the planting, and correction of erosion on the slope.
Convert all, or at least the adjacent 15 feet, of the mowed turfgrass area along the southeast side
of the Gateway State Trail in Parcel 6 to native grasses, forbs and/or trees.
Design prairie or other native plant community species lists and planting plans, at various scales
and configurations, for all vacant or non-native dominated publicly-owned parcels.
4.3.3 Wildlife Habitat Enhancement
Develop basic information materials for local homeowners to encourage planting of native
perennial forb and shrub species beneficial to bees and other pollinators, and butterflies.
Suggested species could include milkweed, blazing star, snowberry, asters, etc. Stress to
homeowners the low-maintenance qualities of these plants, and their importance to insect
pollinators.
Enhance Parcel 4 for wildlife utilization and to improve the quality and connectivity of the parcel
to Parcel 7 to the south and to open green spaces to the north. Cut buckthorn and remove debris.
Wildlife habitat structures could be considered for the wetland edges and upland areas in
Parcel 7.
Clear buckthorn in Parcels 22 and 23 to improve woodland bird habitat.
Consider felling dying trees in the wetland at the corner of Arlington Avenue and Trout Brook
Circle (Parcel 2) to create wildlife habitat. Leave larger standing dead trees for cavity-nesting bird
habitat.
4.3.4 Connectivity Enhancements
Clean up, eradicate non-natives, and improve Parcels 3 and 4. This would provide a continuous
vegetated corridor from Arlington Avenue to Parcel 7 (a publicly-owned parcel).
Continue the re-vegetation and native plant community enhancement that has been started
northeast of the Trout Brook Nature Preserve Visitors Area parking lot to make it contiguous with
the wooded area between the south edge of the Auto Auction auto salvage yard and Maryland
Avenue. This would help improve connectivity of vegetated open spaces at the southeast end of
the project area and continuing south under Maryland Avenue to Trout Brook Nature Preserve.
4.3.5 Preservation Target Parcels
The following parcels are priority areas for preservation:
Parcel 1 and all parcels that are part of the Cottage Avenue wetland. This is probably the most
ecologically-valuable natural resource in the project area. If it cannot be acquired (see below),
then policy should be to strictly prohibit development or further degradation of the wetland.
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Similarly, if the forested portions of Parcels 13, 14 and 15 cannot be acquired, coordination could
be performed with the landowners to keep these wooded areas preserved. These parcels are
critical to maintaining a continuous greenway corridor through the project area.
Parcel 7 is publicly owned, and could provide passive recreation and wildlife habitat opportunities.
Parcels 22 and 23 are publicly-owned and provide good wildlife habitat, despite their relative
isolation.
Parcel 7 could be developed into a small park/rest stop along the Gateway State Trail.
Parcel 19, the abandoned railroad line, has scattered prairie grass communities along the top of
the embankment that could be maintained and preserved.
4.3.6 Strategic Acquisitions/Easements
Begin acquisitions or conservation easement negotiations for parcels or portions of parcels along
the entire Gateway State Trail as it passes through the project area.
Contact landowners to acquire the wooded portions of Parcels 13, 14 and 15. If acquired and
preserved, these three parcels, along with the Trout Brook Nature Preserve Information Area to
the south and the abandoned railroad line to the north, would establish a continuous greenway
corridor through the project area and into open green space both south and north of the site.
Acquire Parcel 1 and all parcels that are part of the Cottage Avenue wetland.
Develop the Parcels 10 & 16 area along the Gateway State Trail south of Maryland Avenue into a
“pocket park.” These are privately-owned parcels, and could be a strategic acquisition for the City.
The site has access from the trail along the west and from L’Orient Street to the east. The site
would provide passive recreation opportunities along the trail, and could be a nice rest stop. A
simple first step would be to clean out weeds and underbrush.
4.3.7 Other Natural Resource Management Actions
Check inflow/outflow through the wetland at the corner of Arlington Avenue and Trout Brook
Circle (Parcel 2). The wetland tends to flow over the curb onto Trout Brook Circle.
Develop hydrologic modeling of wetlands that may have stormwater and flooding concerns
(Parcels 1, 2, 7, 21, 23 and 24) and determine whether engineered outlets connected to the local
stormsewer system that allow a more natural bounce of water levels would provide benefit.
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5.0 References
Bluestem Heritage Group. 2013. History of the Trout Brook Valley. St. Paul, MN.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). 2015. Minnesota Noxious Weeds. URL:
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/badplants/noxiouslist.aspx. Accessed February 3, 2015.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR). 2013. East-Central Update of USFWS NWI
Mapping. MnDNR