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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-03 P & R Packet CITY OF CENTERVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION AGENDA Wednesday, December 3, 2008 - 6:30 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER 1. Roll Call II. SET AGENDA III. APPEARANCES IV. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES 1. November 5, 2008 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes V. COMMITTEE BUSINESS 1. Centennial Lakes Little League Request for Use of Ball Fields for 2009 Season 2. Tree Removal at Eagle Park VI. UPDATES 1. Park Signage (hours, park rules, no trespassing, no fishing, etc.) 2. Hidden Spring Park 3. Fete des Lacs 2009 Centerville Lake Walk/Run a. T-Shirt/Water Bottle Final Design 4. Climbing Wall- Tracie McBride Memorial Park VII. ADJOURNMENT Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 11-05-08 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 5, 2008 - 6:00 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Parks & Recreation Committee of the City of Centerville held the regularly scheduled Wednesday, November 5, 2008 meeting at City Hall, 1880 Main Street. Present: Chairperson Suzanne Seeley Vice-Chairperson Kevin Amundsen Committee Member Kevin Selander Committee Member Savannah Lee Committee Member Mark Haiden M[Jl)@~[~)[f@W@@] Absent: Committee Member Patrick Branch Committee Member Lori Harris Council: Council Liaison Tom Lee Staff: Staff Liaison Kim Stephan I. CALL TO ORDER 1. Roll Call Chairperson Seeley called the November 5, 2008 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. II. SET AGENDA Chairperson Seeley requested adding Mr. Mark Statz, City Engineer under Appearances to discuss having a walk through final for Hidden Spring Park for the purpose of issuing Veit Company their final payment. Motion was made by Vice-Chairperson Amundsen, seconded by Committee Member Haiden to set the agenda with the above addition. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. III. APPEARANCES Mr. Mark Statz, City Engineer, made an appearance to discuss a final walk through at Hidden Spring Park. The committee members have all walked through the park individually. Mr. Statz and committee members went through each item on the most recent punch list. The walk through was specifically to sign off on Veit Company's work so a final payment can be made. One concern discussed was the standing water in the east end of the rain garden. Mr. Statz said that this is not actually part of the rain garden, but a requirement from Rice Creek Watershed District to have a catch basin for large sediment. It would be futile to dig it out as the sediment would be back next year. Eventually it will fill with sediment and the standing water would not be there, but it should be drudged every few years. Its purpose is to be an infiltration basin for pre-treatment of run off before it gets to the 10f5 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 11-05-08 rain garden and in Mr. Stutz's opinion it is the way it was designed to be. He also stated that while the rocks holding the water in could be separated some to drain water into the main rain garden, it would defeat the purpose of the sediment basin. There was a problem getting a hose inside the drinking fountain spigot cabinet, but Veit Company corrected the problem with different couplings. The gouges in the trail have been fixed by Veit Company, the compaction has been tested and adjusted in the rain garden, and the plants have been replaced in the rain garden and on the shoreline. Though some of the replacement plantings on the beach got trampled by the shoreline restoration work, they should come back in the spring. All plantings on the entire park project, including the rain garden and shoreline restoration, have a 1 year warranty from approximately August 2008. This does not include the plantings by Natural Shore Technology. There is still a problem with the slats on the sliding bench, which Mr. Statz and Bonestroo are taking complete responsibility for. The recycled slats have been ordered for the second time; the first shipment was received damaged and will be installed when received. The snow fence was discussed. It was originally intended to stay in place for 3 years, but has taken quite a beating from the winds and waves. The question was should it be removed, replaced or maintained? It was decided it should stay in place for at least the winter, though with the lake shore restoration completed, the snow fence may no longer be needed. The committee would like it to stay in place also to deter snowmobiles from entering the park from the lake. Mr. Statz will have the snow fence shored up for the winter by Bonestroo. Mr. Statz stated he has not submitted an invoice for his portion of this project and won't until the outstanding Bonestroo issues are resolved. Motion was made by Chairperson Seeley, seconded by Committee Member Selander to recommend City Council authorize final payment to Veit Company for construction completed at Hidden Spring Park. The remaining issues will be resolved by Bonestroo, as they were not part of Veit Company's contract. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. IV. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES October 1. 2008 Parks and Recreation Committee Meetin!! Minutes Chairperson Seeley requested changing the following sentence on page 2 from 'Officer Dixon has information regarding park lighting he will get to Ms. Stephan before the next committee meeting and he will talk to Chief Makela about stepping about patrolling around Eagle Park.' to 'Officer Dixon has information regarding park lighting he will get to Ms. Stephan before the next committee meeting and he will talk to Chief Makela about stepping up patrolling around Eagle Park.' Also requested by Chairperson Seeley, in the 4th paragraph, page 4; correct the spelling ofVeit Company. Vice-Chairperson Amundsen requested changing the sentence 'The berries are eaten by birds and easier spread by bird droppings.' on page 5, last paragraph to 'The berries are eaten by birds and widely spread by bird droppings. ' Motion was made by Chairperson Seeley, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Amundsen, to approve the October 1, 2008 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes with the above corrections. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. 20f5 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 11-05-08 V. COMMITTEE BUSINESS VI. UPDATES Additional Lie:htine: at Tracie McBride Memorial & Eae:le Parks The following email is from Officer Andrew Dixon regarding supplying the committee with more information about lighting at the parks: I had planned on attending the meeting last I understood, however my schedule has been moved and I am no longer working the day of the November meeting. I will have a CSO deliver some information to you promptly and I appreciate the reminder. Andy Dixon Included in the packet was information from Officer Dixon. The committee discussed the material and agreed that the biggest point made was lighting without observation was of no benefit at all. Chairperson Seeley said that the information talked about how to deter the criminal element such as; assaults, robbery, inner city types of crime, and we really don't have that here, we have vandalism. Committee Member Selander stated the information basically said parks and equipment need to be placed where there are more homes in easier view of people. If teenagers are doing drugs in the seclusion of the trees in the park more lighting will not necessarily change this. It was suggested the committee take a step back and see what exactly the ultimate goal is, such as are we trying to make secluded areas less secluded by removing trees or better light the secluded areas? The committee formed a subcommittee of Vice Chairperson Amundsen, Committee Member Selander and Committee Member Haiden to meet at Eagle Park to discuss tree and brush removal and formulate a plan before the December meeting. It was suggested by the committee that we put information regarding eliminating buckthorn in our City Newsletter that is distributed with utility bills quarterly. City Administrator Larson said this is fine, the committee just needs to put something together. The parks will be sprayed for poison ivy in the spring per Public Works. Park Sie:nae:e (hours. Dark rules. no tresDassine:. no fishine:. etc.) Ms. Stephan reported that in discussing signs in the parks with Public Works that there had not been specific direction given as to what signs were being requested for where and what the specific wording was on the Park Rules. City Administrator requested the committee type the specifics for each park and Mr. Paul Palzer, Public Works Director will ensure signs are ordered and put up in the spring. No Trespassing Signs have been placed on the north and south property lines of Hidden Spring Park. Park hours have been posted at each park. Cit Administrator Larson also requested passing on to the committee that the City entry signs are being replaced by Anoka County and should be up soon. They confirmed that the County sign shop is making them up. The City will order the recycling, no parking, building permits required, etc. portion to be installed on the new posts. 30f5 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 11-05-08 Some additional research will have to be done as far as what exactly the Park Rules signs were supposed to say. This item will be readdressed at the next committee meeting. Problems at Eae:le Park (teenae:ers. neie:hborhood complaints) This item was discussed under Lighting. Hidden Spnne: Park This item was discussed under Appearances. Fete des Lacs 2009 Centerville Lake Walk/Run Committee Member Branch was unable to attend the meeting, but sent an update on the Festival of the Lakes 8K with the progress made during October in the following email: The race is registered on two running sites. Midwest Events and "NeedtoRun.com" (MDRA). A half page ad has been sent into the Minnesota Distance Running Association for publication in their 2009 calendar. Our run will be included on the calendar, as well as the appearances of our advertisement. I have asked Ms. Barb Leininger to measure our course and obtain a USA TF certification. She will send us a proposal. She will wait until spring to measure the course. Council Member Lee, Vice-Chairperson Amundsen and I have coordinated on a proposed route. I request the committee review and approve this route. There was a question about the web site discussion we had at our September meeting. What is needed is a page on the City's website. When people see our ads or announcement in one of the free on-line pages, they will want to link to the official web site for this run. That site should be a page attached to the City's website. We also need to make some posters and handouts we can post around town or pass out at runs earlier in the year. I will send Committee member Lee and Vice-Chairperson Amundsen some examples. It is not too early to start thinking about sponsors. I would appreciate haring your ideas on what firms would make good sponsors. The Citizen has agreed to publish a save the date item for the race. The text I sent to The Citizen is as follows: Save the Date August 8, 2009 - Festival of the Lakes 8K Run/Walk The City of Centerville Parks and Recreation Committee is planning the First Annual 8 Kilometer Run or Walk around Centerville Lake August 8, 2009. Fete des Lacs (Festival of the Lakes) is an annual Centerville event held the first full weekend of August. This run or walk will be one of several activities held in conjunction with Fete des Lacs. The run takes you through Centerville neighborhoods and the beautiful Rice Creek Regional Park. 40f5 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 11-05-08 held in conjunction with Fete des Lacs. The run takes you through Centerville neighborhoods and the beautiful Rice Creek Regional Park. Runners and walkers of all ability levels are invited. The run and walk begin at 8:00 AM; stay for the city parade starting at 10:00. Participants will receive an inaugural T-shirt and water bottle. Come out and establish the course record for you age group. A wards will be given to the top three male and top three female runners and to the fastest runner in each age group If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor or in helping as a volunteer contact Pat Branch, Race Director, bye-mail pbranch@cox.net. Drinkin!! Fountain at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park Included in your packet is a cost estimate from Mr. Paul Palzer regarding a drinking fountain being installed at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park. Mr. Tedd Peterson, Public Works asked me to have the committee also consider a few things concerning drinking fountains at the parks, he said they are a nightmare from Public Works standpoint and he would like the committee to reconsider putting yet another one in Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park. He would also like the committee to reconsider the spigot idea. While both of these are nice amenities for nice people, there are not so nice people who are causing problems with the already existing drinking fountains. They are being damaged and vandalized, the fountain at Tracie McBride Memorial Park was jimmied and left on (which he says will happen to the spigots regardless of the spring loaded shut off) they are finding garbage, dirt, rocks, gum, etc. in them on a daily basis. It has not been a good experience at this point and Mr. Peterson said people who use the ball fields bring their own water. The committee discussed the concerns of Public Works and different options possible for a drinking fountain at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park. The committee will do more research and take a step back to look at the bigger picture of vandalism opposed to not having a water fountain available to residents. While addressing the concerns of Public Works the committee does not want to set a precedent of NOT doing something because of vandals. Climbin!! Wall- Tracie McBride Memorial Park Per Mr. Paul Palzer, Public Workers Director, the climbing wall will be delivered in the next few weeks and may be installed yet this season depending on weather. VII. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Chairperson Seeley, seconded by Committee Member Selander to adjourn the November 5, 2008 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting at 8:30 p.m. All in favor. Motion passed unanimously. 50f5 . I TO: Parks and Recreation Committee Members FROM: Kim Stephan SUBJECT: Committee Business & Updates DATE: November 26,2008 Centennial Lakes Little Leae:ue Request for Use of Ball Fields for 2009 Season Included in your packet is a request from Centennial Lakes Little League to use the ball fields at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park for 2009. Following is the motion the committee made for 2008. The Parks and Recreation Committee made the following recommendation for City Council consideration at their December 5, 2007 committee meeting. City Council approved the recommendation at the regularly scheduled December 26, 2007 City Council Meeting. Please send a copy of the schedule when available. The Parks & Recreation Committee received a letter from the Centennial Lakes Little League requesting the use of the Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park ball fields and the same service provided by Public Works Staff in regards to grooming the fields prior to games. This would be the same schedule as was approved in 2007. At this time, no other requests for the ball fields have been received. Motion was made by Chairperson Seeley, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Amundsen to recommend City Council approve the request from Centennial Lakes Little League to use the three baseball and softball fields and facilities located at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park for the summer months of 2008 beginning April 1 through August 15,2008, Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. until dark with the same service provided by Public Works Staff in regards to grooming the fields prior to games. All in Favor. Motion passed unanimously. Hidden SDrine: Park Per Mr. Mark Statz, City Engineer, the snow fence at Hidden Spring Park was re-secured to the posts on Tuesday, November 11,2008. T-ShirtlWater Bottle Final Desie:n Council Member Lee requested T-Shirt/Water Bottle Final Design be added to the agenda under Fete des Lacs 2009 Centerville Lake Walk/Run so Committee Member Lee can complete the final designs and we can start shopping around for the best prices and delivery. By April, we should have approved the purchase of the shirts and water bottles so there are no delivery issues. ~ Solicitine: Race Soonsors The following was em ailed November 26, 2008 to Businesses, City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission Members, past & present. Save the Date August 8, 2009 - Festival of the Lakes 8K RunlWalk The City of Centerville Parks and Recreation Committee is planning the First Annual 8 Kilometer Run or Walk around Centerville Lake August 8, 2009. Fete des Lacs (Festival ofthe Lakes) is an annual Centerville event held the first full weekend of August. This run or walk will be one of several activities held in conjunction with Fete des Lacs. The run takes you through Centerville neighborhoods and the beautiful Rice Creek Regional Park. Runners and walkers of all ability levels are invited. The run and walk begin at 8:00 AM; stay for the city parade starting at 10:00. Participants will receive an inaugural T-shirt and water bottle. Come out and establish the course record for you age group. Awards will be given to the top three male and top three female runners and to the fastest runner in each age group If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor or in helping as a volunteer contact Pat Branch, Race Director, bye-mail pbranch@cox.net. Per Deb Barnes, The Citizen, a press release ran in our paper on November 12, Page B5. I plan to run it again in January, right after all of the New Years' Resolutions. Climbine: Wall- Tracie McBride Memorial Park Per Mr. Paul Palzer, Public Works Director, the climbing wall structure has been delivered, but was missing one piece. Public Works will install the equipment when the weather permits. A thank you note was sent to Dead Broke Saddle Club for their generous donation of$6,000. Buckthorn Included in your packet is information on Buckthorn taken from the Minnesota DNR website found at: http://www.dill.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woodv /buckthornlindex.html CENTENNIAL LAKES LITTLE LEAGUE 4175 LOVELL ROAD SUITE 330 LEXINGTON, MN 55014 November 10, 2008 Centerville Parks & Recreation Committee Attention: Kim Centervi1le City Hall 1880 Main Street Centerville, MN 55038 Dear Kim: This letter is to request the use of baseball and softball fields and facilities at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park for the summer months of2009 beginning April 1 through August 15,2009, Monday through Friday, from 4:00 p.m. until dark. These fields will be assigned as home fields for the children who live in Centerville and Lino Lakes that are served by the Centennial Lakes Little League. We will send you a copy of the game schedules as soon as they are printed so you have a schedule for our dragging agreement for Lamotte Park. Additionally, we are planning our park clean up day for Saturday, April 4, 2009 with a back up date of Saturday, April 18th . If you or any staff members of the City Councilor Park Board have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (763) 780-3836. Thank you for your continued assistance. Sincer7J)~~ patriU: iresident Centennial Lakes Little League ~~@~[Jm~m WJ N u j 1 3 ZUU8 ~ By Buckthorn Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) was first brought to Minnesota from Europe in the mid-1800s as a very popular hedging material. Shortly after its introduction here, it was found to be quite invasive in natural areas. The nursery industry stopped selling it in the 1930s, but many buckthorn hedges may still be found in older neighborhoods throughout Minnesota. Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), also from Europe, has been sold by the nursery trade in two different forms. The cultivar Columnaris has a narrow and tall form; the cultivar Aspenifolia spreads up to 10 feet and has narrow leaves that give it a ferny texture. This buckthorn aggressively invades wetlands including acidic bogs, fens and sedge meadows. Why is buckthorn such a problem? Out-competes native plants for nutrients, light, and moisture Degrades wildlife habitat Threatens the future of forests, wetlands, prairies, and other natural habitats Contributes to erosion by shading out other plants that grow on the forest floor Serves as host to other pests, such as crown rust fungus and soybean aphid Forms an impenetrable layer of vegetation Lacks "natural controls" like insects or disease that would curb its growth Regulations European or common buckthorn and glossy or alder buckthorn are listed as restricted noxious weeds in Minnesota. It is illegal to import, sell, or transport buckthorn in Minnesota. More about buckthorn _ ~H~mj.:,~i>>.i Buckthorn leafs out early and retain Identifying buckthorn leaves late into the fall creating dense shade that helps it to out- Is buckthorn in your yard? compete many native plants. What you can do to control buckthorn! Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine article The Trouhle With Backvard Buckthorn Buckthorn identification Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) Appearance: Tall understory shrub or small tree up to 25' high with a spreading loosely branched crown, often multiple stems at the base. Female and male plants. Leaves: Egg- sha ped, pointed at the tip, smooth, dark, glossy and finely- toothed. 3- 5 pair of curved leaf veins. Leaves stay green late into fall. " I / 4 ~ ~ / '~\\ .1 ./' . ~ .,/.I \\ r,~ .(,.. .~~. .. .1 ..1, \r.- '. r: .,v I , " - I .. /.1 Ii R.!,r'i:l~J L L E R Branch: Buds and leaves are opposite. Twigs often end in sharp, stout thorns. - [I r - it/..J I ;,7"".l. ' I' ~ 'I . ,l(tl.liJ~I~. ~l"\' I . J/~ ' I I.,. H., 101. 1.(11','\1~~~ ; 'lh"'i' ......... ',~ ,J' '1'.)) \J. ~ ',L'. \' l. "t' · . ll' ...I.1J I If I, ~l. t-~~J ~: · 'I' J\ .I~ I' - (L~' , .1 t.J'i :L~~,~. \' '1& l . ' t \~ J;'" \ . I J , I ~~"J:i~.,' )h', · ,,1 itt) r.l-! ., . J"\ Ii ~ .r.. t \ . ,,' fl...., 'I .. "IJ '~. . ( . lJ .....,. \ '. n'~ (.'d..,' " ~ " 1M ,1'1. ,!I.I ....p. .), I \ u . i~ Ii) .. I -,'_.... f' . ~ .~ I~ Io';( .~ ~ I )~ ..; 'r · r 'j .t~\ " ~h.:\\;',J. ~I(} - I f r " ~ ft',s,..),.~ ~\!f, I,....'.M I~~ "\ 'f I "J1 '\ fi,! r..t,tlc "I" f 7:~" ~ \ 1\ ~ , I... 1" ..~~. .... ~'oIl~.:~ .~ ,\J. ..,. '. '. ,.. : ~ .. -.' y ,~ I.." -.. . '_l(\.~L@\ t1.H ON Wood: Brown bark with elongate silvery corky projections (ca ution: native plums or cherries have a similar bark). Cut branch exposes yellow sapwood and orange heartwood. " Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) Fruit: Large, round, berry-like clusters of black 1/4" fruit. Ripens in August and September. Appearance: Tall understory shrub or small tree, grows up to 18' high, has a spreading loosely branched crown, often multiple stems at the base. ':'11fi' ~ '." ,- .:...~ .:-.:~ 1j._lJ . 'ill . r:m 1.~~".~. L ~ il.1 r. ~~ , ~ II: . ~ ICI ! -,.-; .-, @,:MN_ONR Leaves: Oval, smooth, dark, glossy, and toothless edges. 8-9 pair of leaf veins. Leaves stay green late into fall. Is buckthorn in your yard? Buckthorn is designated as a restricted noxious weed in Minnesota. It's illegal to import, sell, or transport common or European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) or glossy or alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus) in this state. However, it is may be legally available for sale in some states. DO NOT BUY IT! 1.IARK I-II LLER Branch: Buds and leaves are alternate. No thorn at tip of twig. Details on hO\\ YOU can control buckthorn on your property. Alternative plantings for buckthorn Several species of native trees and shrubs display characteristics similar to buckthorn. The following plants are an example of some of the environmentally-friendly species available at garden centers and nurseries. 1.1 ARK I-WLLER Fruit: Small clusters of berry-like, 1/4" fruit. Ripens progressively from a distinctive red-brown to a dark purple in August and September. Note: The plants shown below are just a sampling of alternatives. Many others may be available. A resource that may help you to find the right plant for your location is a multimedia CD program called Restore Your Shore. High-bush cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) This multistemmed bush has lovely spring flowers and persistent red berries. Left unpruned, it will grow tall, but it can be pruned into a dense hedge. The European species (Viburnum opulus) is often sold in nurseries, but is invasive, and should be avoided. Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) Nannyberry is a tall shrub that grows in a variety of soils. It spreads gradually from a central clump, forming nicely shaped thickets. It has sweet, edible, blue-black fruits. Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) A common shrub throughout our region. Chokecherry grows in a variety of soil types. It develops into a tall shrub on rich, loam ~"~- \~->'. --.I"I.~ \.~.-~ . ::'~<t- ...., ~,~~.. Grey dogwood (Cornus racemosa) Commonly forms thickets at wetland margins, woods edges, steam banks, low spots in prairies and savannas, and along roadsides and soils. On dry, sandy soil, it takes on a shorter, bushier form. The bright berries are too bitter for people to eat, but they make a delicious jelly and are an important wildlife food. abandoned fields. It tolerates a variety of soil types. Good for filling slopes or edges. Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) Native to rich, deciduous forest but is also commonly planted as a small ornamental tree. It prefers rich, loam soil where the rooting area is protected from summer heat or drought. Branches spread in horizontal layers giving the tree a beautiful form. American hazelnut (Cory/us americana) A widespread shrub in dry to moist forests and woodlands. It grows in a variety of soil types and tolerates dry, sandy soil or gravelly slopes. In the open, it sends up many stems forming clumps Great food and cover for wildlife. .--.'-- . (',<- :'-~l~ '-~8IA " :. -,,- \,;)' .: .\~" '.T V American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana ssp. virginiana) Also known as blue beech, this small tree grows in rich, deciduous forests beneath a canopy of taller trees. It can have single or multiple trunks. The graceful layering of overhead branches develops best in openings-such as along a woodland path-where the smooth, muscle-like bark can be seen. Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Juneberry (Amelanchier laevis) Typically grows at the margins of lakes and wetlands-places where the soil is fairly rich and moist, and where it can get partial sun. It is colonial, but not aggressive. It has attractive white flowers in early summer, and shiny black berries with lovely red foliage in the autumn. A small, slender tree that often grows in oak forests, and in mixed pine-hardwood forests. The new leaves are bronze colored in the spring, but turn dark green by summer. The showy flowers are followed by edible fruit, resembling blueberries. A beautiful landscape plant. What you can do to control buckthorn! Controlling seedlings or small buckthorn plants For individual plants If less than 3/8 inch in diameter, remove by hand. Small seedlings can be pulled and will not re-sprout. If greater than 3/8 inch, use a hand tool that pulls the shrub out, such as a "Weed Wrench" or "Root Talon". The "Weed Wrench" comes in four different sizes and will remove buckthorn stems up to 2.5 inches in diameter. Removing by hand is easier if the soil is moist. Before you pull or dig buckthorn out of your soil, Contact Gopher State One Call (1-800-252-1166) to ensure there are no buried utilities in the area. If pulling individual plants is impractical Spray foliage of short buckthorn or seedlings with a herbicide. Glyphosate (one brand name is Roundup) will kill all actively growing vegetation on which it is sprayed. Triclopyr will kill broadleaf plants and will not harm grasses when applied properly. Controlling large buckthorn Buckthorn plants that are two inches in diameter or larger, are best controlled by cutting the stem at the soil surface and then cover or treat the stump to prevent re-sprouting. This can be effectively done with hand tools (for a few plants), chain saws or brush cutters. If only cutting a few stumps they can be covered with a tin can or black plastic to prevent re-sprouting. Otherwise, stumps should be treated immediately after cutting (within 2 hours) with a herbicide containing Triclopyr (such as Ortho Brush-B-Gon or Garlon 3A or 4) or Glyphosate (Roundup) to prevent re-sprouting. The best time to cut and chemically treat the stumps is in late summer and throughout the fall. Herbicides can be applied to cut stumps with a paint-brush, wick applicator IEXT( or a low volume sprayer. When using water-soluble herbicide products like Ortho Brush-B- Gon, Garlon 3A, or any of the Glyphosate products, treat only the cut surface. When using oil-based products like Garlon 4, treat the cut surface and the remaining bark to the ground line. In cases where more than a few plants are treated, add an indicator dye (available where pesticides are sold) to the herbicide to mark cut stumps you have sprayed. Colored flags can also help mark cut stumps. When buckthorn is cut, the stumps are easily covered and lost under cut brush. For basal stem treatment, a method that applies chemical through the bark, low volume spray applications can be made with Garlon 4 and similar oil-based products. This application method uses Triclopyr ester mixed with an oil diluent ( i.e. Bark Oil Blue, kerosene or diesel oil) applied directly to the bark of buckthorn from the root collar up about 12-18 inches. This treatment works best on stems less than 2-3 inches in diameter. An ultra low volume spray wand should be used to minimize herbicide use and reduce the potential for non-target injury. Buckthorn treated in this fashion can be left standing or cut at a later date. Note: Buckthorn seeds in the soil can remain viable for up to five years. Follow-up control of seedlings that emerge after initial control efforts is important on all sites. With no follow-up control, buckthorn will come back. Fire offers a long-term management option in grassland or savanna cover-types. Burning will need to be done every two to three years. If burning is not an option, a follow up treatment of the seedlings (pulling or spraying) is needed. After buckthorn control, many sites may require replanting of desirable tree, shrub, and herbaceous species. A resource that may help you to find the right plants for your location is a multimedia CD program called Restore Your Shore. Herbicides to Control Buckthorn Trade Name Chemical Concentration Use Name Ortho Brush-B-Gon Triclopyr amine Premixed at 8% Cut stump Ferti-Lome Brush Killer and Triclopyr amine Premixed at 8.8% Cut stump Stump Killer Garlon 3A Triclopyr amine 25-50% solution with water Cut stump Garlon 4 Triclopyr ester 1 part Garlon 4 and 3 parts bark Cut stump or oil/diluent basal bark Roundup, Rodeo, Accord, Etc. Glyphosate 25-50% solution with water Cut stump Always read and follow the instructions and precautions on the herbicide label. Reference to chemical brand names in this column does not imply endorsement of those products. The herbicides listed in this article may be available under other brand names with the same active ingredient that are equally effective. The Trouble With Backyard Buckthorn Invasive buckthorn takes over natural areas and crowds out more desirable species. Here's how to battle back, beginning in your own back yard By John J. Moriarty Looking out over the back yard of our new house, I saw a lush green woods. On closer inspection, I found that the green was almost all buckthorn--no small oaks, aspens, or other native trees. The wildflowers and ferns were small and widely scattered. I knew I had to do something to change the direction of my woods, or buckthorn would take over completely. An all-buckthorn wood lot would be a boring place. The lack of diversity would limit the usefulness of the woods for wildlife, because of a lack of certain foods and cover. It would also be boring because you would see only green. There would be no blue, red, or yellow of wildflowers, nor gold, red, and yellow of fall leaves. Buckthorn woods are also unfriendly because they are normally dense with many low branches. These branches have numerous thoms, making it unpleasant to try to walk through. Lastly, I feel that native woodlands should have native species. Buckthorns are nonnative shrubs or small trees that have become a problem in Minnesota's woodlands and wetlands, where they crowd out native plants. The problem is extensive in the metro area, the southeast, and many other parts of the state. Wood lots, trails, roadsides, and back yards can have heavy infestations. Of the two species of exotic buckthorn that have become established in Minnesota, the European or common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is the most widespread and problematic. Originally imported as an ornamental, it has not been sold since the 1930s, when it was found to be a carrier of oat crown rust, an oat disease. Garden centers sell the glossy or columnar alder-buckthorn (R. frangula) in several varieties-- including columnar and fernleaf--as a horticultural plant. Several Twin Cities nurseries have voluntarily stopped selling this tree because of its ability to escape cultivation. A problem in wetlands, glossy buckthorn will also spread into upland sites. European buckthorn has small alternate simple leaves, black berries, and a flaky bark. The side branches have short terminal spurs, or thoms, which are literally a pain if you try to remove the plant. Glossy buckthorn has leaves similar to those of European buckthorn, but it has smooth bark and no spurs. The fruits are less numerous than those of European buckthorn. During the summer, buckthorns sometimes resemble a number of small trees, including wild plum and some cherry trees. Fall is the easiest time to identify buckthorn. The leaves of buckthorns do not change color until late in the fall, after most other trees have changed. The berries usually stay on the branches until March. Many species of birds, especially robins and cedar waxwings, eat the plentiful blue-black berries and help spread them to other areas. Despite this effective means of spreading, more than 90 percent of the seeds land under the parent tree. The ground under mature buckthorn trees can have about 75 seeds per square foot. (In comparison, com is planted at less than five seeds per square foot.) High densities of seeds result in 15 to 20 seedlings per square foot or up to a half million per acre. Wood lots with this density of seedlings are a green carpet of buckthorn. At this level of infestation, not much else grows. Early Intervention Buckthorn in your back yard is most easily controlled before it spreads. If you have only one or two buckthorn trees, remove them right away. A large area with many trees to control presents a bigger problem. If you have more than five acres of buckthorn, contact your local resource manager for advice. The Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, Minneapolis Park Board, and Hennepin Parks all have undertaken large-scale control programs on their properties. Control of buckthorn in large heavily infested areas is not yet economically feasible. Several state and regional agencies are beginning to research control methods, including biological control, which uses other organisms to eliminate or reduce the problem species population. Buckthorn Removal Here are the basic steps for removing buckthorn on your property: 1. Cut down all buckthorn trees greater than 3 inches in diameter. Buckthorns of this size produce berries. A handsaw works well, but a chain saw is more efficient if you have many trees to remove. When cutting trees, remember to keep track of the stumps. If stumps are not treated or removed, they will resprout vigorously. Within four years a stump sprout will grow big enough to flower and produce fruits. 2. Dig out the stumps or treat them with an herbicide. Of the several chemicals that work well, the two most common ones are glyphosate (Roundup) and triclopyr (Brush-B-Gon). Be sure to use chemicals properly, following all label instructions. If possible, look for an appropriate chemical product that comes with a spray nozzle. Wear protective clothing, such as rubber gloves and rubber boots. If you don't want to use chemicals, you can dig the stumps out with a shovel or grub ax. I had to remove about two dozen trees to clear our garden. This can lead to some really tough calluses and is much more aerobic than spraying. You can quickly dig out stumps of medium-sized trees (1 to 3 inches in diameter), but you can easily miss this size tree when cleaning out a large infested area. At home I wander around with my loppers and spray bottle a couple of times a year to catch any I have missed. 3. Pull up small trees (less than 1 inch) by hand. They do not have strong roots. Because small trees are also easily overlooked, they are a recurring problem, but one you can control with a little effort. 4. Remove seedlings with a hoe. By cutting down the seed-producing trees, you will eventually eliminate this problem. 5. Tell your neighbors about buckthorn. One of the best control methods is education. Remember, your neighbors' buckthorns will add seed to your side of the fence. Encourage your neighbors to remove their buckthorn, maybe offer to help, and share this Volunteer article; but do not remove anything without permISSIOn. 6. Decide what to do with buckthorn debris after removal. A 6-inch diameter buckthorn can be more than 20 feet tall. After removing trees, you could end up with a large pile of brush. If you have the space, you might want to make brush piles to attract a number of wildlife species. Another option is chipping the trees. I have used several large chip piles for my garden and trails. Many communities have brush pickup days: Contact your city to get more information. 7. Replace buckthorn with native species (see "Landscaping Without Buckthorn"). With buckthorns cut down, the character of the landscape will be changed. The understory will be much more open. Privacy hedges will have gaps. Effective buckthorn control takes a lot of effort. But if many of us work on small areas, we can help keep the problem from spreading. To learn more about using native trees and shrubs, consult a good book such as Landscaping for Wildlife by Carrol Henderson, available by calling 800-657-3757. Many garden centers offer advice on selection. Ask if the species spreads easily; aggressive plants can end up being a problem. For free fact sheets on growing native plants, contact the DNR Information Center. John J. Moriarty is a wildlife biologist with Hennepin Parks. He has been battling buckthorn at work and at his home in the Twin Cities for several years. He wrote about moles and shrews in the January-February 1998 issue. How Big Is Your Back Yard? The big impact of a little buckthorn Control of invasive species such as buckthorn costs Minnesota state parks, scientific and natural areas, and other natural lands tens of thousands of dollars every year. For example, in two years Myre-Big Island State Park spent more than $30,000 to control buckthorn, honeysuckle, and Siberian elm. Does it make a difference at Afton State Park, say, if an invasive exotic such as European buckthorn is planted in your back yard? Yes. No park is an island (well, so to speak anyway). Along with the wind, birds are the primary transporters of berries and seed. Because of buckthorn's cathartic effect, a bird picking up a berry in LeRoy would not make it a hundred miles away to Afton before expelling that berry, but it could certainly deposit it a mile away in Lake Louise State Park. European buckthorn infests most state parks and natural areas in or near cities. It was, and still is, planted as hedgerows and ornamental trees. Selecting plant materials native to your landscape region helps ensure that what gets picked up and carried away by a bird, an animal, or the wind will not result in the loss of a natural community down the road or across the state. To volunteer to help with control efforts, or to get a copy of fact sheets on exotic species, call the DNR Information Center or visit the DNR web site. --Kathryn E. Bolin DNR Resource Management Specialist Landscaping Without Buckthorn Native shrubs add more color and beauty throughout the seasons Red Cedar An evergreen with dense foliage and sharp needles, red cedar has several different growth forms, from columnar to low and spreading. This tree can exceed 30 feet, but is normally less than 20. It does best in dry sites. Northern white cedar Also known as arborvitae, this evergreen has dense foliage. Many horticultural varieties of arborvitae are available, including columnar forms. The size depends on the variety. This tree grows well in wet or dry habitats. Speckled alder This multi stemmed, upright species grows well in wet or dry areas, occasionally reaching a height of more than 20 feet. It is one of the few deciduous trees that has cones. Its cones and catkins add visual interest. Unfortunately, nurseries do not commonly stock this tree. Dogwood Most of the many species are multi stemmed and good berry producers for wildlife. Red osier dogwood has bright red stems, which add color to the landscape in summer and winter. Serviceberry. Also called Juneberry and amelanchier, this tree will grow larger than buckthorn and comes in single or multistemmed forms. A multi stemmed tree can be pruned to form a dense hedge. Serviceberry has showy flowers and edible fruit, resembling blueberries. High-bush cranberry This is another multi stemmed bush with lovely spring flowers and persistent red berries. Left unpruned, most varieties grow tall, but it can be pruned into a dense hedge. Several horticultural varieties are small and dense. American hazelnut This multi stemmed bush can grow to be 8 feet tall and almost as wide. Its fruits are hazelnuts, also called filberts. They are edible, if you can beat the squirrels to them. The fruit husks are large and decorative. Viburnums There are a number of species and varieties, including nannyberry, arrowwood, and blackhaw. These range from bushy shrubs to small trees. All have white spring flowers and produce plentiful berries. -- John J Moriarty Caramel Apple Bread Pudding 1 cup unsweetened applesauce 1 cup vanilla soymilk 1/2 cup fat-free egg product or 3 egg whites 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla 5 cups of whole wheat bread cubes (preferably older bread) 3 T almonds 1/2 cup fat-free caramel topping, heated Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9-inch quiche dish or pie plate with non-stick cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except bread, almonds and caramel with wire whisk. Fold in bread, pour into dish or pie plate and sprinkle with almonds. Bake 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into wedges and drizzle with caramel. Pumpkin Pie 1 regular pre-made pie crust, unbaked Filling: 3 egg whites or 1/2 cup fat-free egg product 1/2 cup sugar or Splenda@ 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1/8 tsp salt 15 oz can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) 12 oz can evaporated fat-free milk 1 tsp vanilla Heat oven to 425 degrees. In medium bowl, beat eggs slightly with wire whisk and add remaining filling ingredients. Pour filling into unbaked pie crust. Bake 15 minutes; reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Cover the edge pie crust with a 2-3 inch strip of foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake about 45 minutes longer or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Coolon rack at least 1 hour before serving. Pie can remain at room temperature for up to 5 hours and then should be covered and refrigerated. Top with whipped cream before serving.