07-24-01 PTRC - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 4 • Mr. Fabel reviewed numerous articles related to buck thorn and advised of the St. Anthony program that was successfully offered. He also advised of programs with the Minneapolis Park Department, Roseville, North Oaks, Shoreview, Ramsey County, and Bethel College. Mr. Fabel reviewed his conversations with Bethel College which may offer an opportunity for a trial program. Mr. Fabel presented the program offered by St. Anthony Park who had mailings and publications to inform the public of a one-day clean-up with a contracted chipper. They had 47 homeowners sign up but the day of the chipping, 75 homeowners showed up. St. Anthony required the homeowner to cut and stack the buck thorn on the curb and the City's contractor came in and chipped it up. He noted this was a very successful program in St. Anthony. Mr. Fabel stated he believes private property will not be the problem in Arden Hills, it will be Bethel College and Northwestern College. He explained that buck thorn chips would be good to use on trails. Committee Member Messerly stated that buck thorn is almost an impossible task at Crepeau Park. Mr. Fabel stated that he does not believe it is "impossible" but may require the involvement of Arden Hills to organize and head up the project. It was noted that without the removal of buck thorn, the oak trees may die. Committee Member Crassweller suggested first focusing on a particular park, such as Crepeau Park. He stated in that venue, all the buck thorn chips could be used for those dirt trails. Once that project is successful, another area could be considered. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller moved and Committee Member Straumann seconded the motion that the Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee recommend to Council that it establish a buck thorn removal project for Crepeau Park and establish Phil Fabel as the project manager and Don Messerly as his assistant. Mr. Fabel agreed to accept this volunteer position. Council Liaison Larson reviewed his work to clear about 1.25 acres of property of buck thorn and the newspaper article he wrote as a result of that work. He stated that after removal of the buck thorn, he was amazed at the change that took place where oak seedlings and wild flowers are now growing. Committee Member Thompson stated she has also seen these changes. She stated she has learned a lot about the issue of buck thorn from the materials provided in the meeting packet and believes education of the public would result in more support. She noted that many are probably not aware of the benefit of increased oak.seedlings and wild flowers. • In response to Mr. Moore, Mr. Fabel explained that fall is the best season to recognize buck thorn since it stays green colored longer than other plants.