2002 Natural Resources Management

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4. GENERAL NATURAL COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS SECTION SUMMARY This section includes some general concepts for managing natural communities that apply to the landscape in Roseville, as well as some suggestions for continuing the positive engagement of city residents about the management of resources within the five selected parks that this study focuses on. WHERE POSSIBLE, LINK TRACTS OF NATURAL AREAS Connectivity and size are both important factors affecting the function of natural areas. As a general rule, the larger an area is, the greater the diversity of plants and animals present. Larger natural areas are also more stable and able to withstand the affects of naturally occurring events such as drought, insects and disease, and windstorms. Patches of natural communities and sites with good restoration potential should be used to link larger areas. Linkages should consider corridors and natural areas outside the City as well as features within the City. USE PLANT SPECIES NATIVE TO THE ROSEVILLE AREA Native trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs can be planted in active use portions of parks as well as other landscape and idle areas around the city. Wisely choosing, and planting species that are native to the area can complement existing natural communities and enhance an areas ecological functionality. A good source of information on indigenous plants is the species lists provided in Appendix A of this report as well as Minnesota's St. Croix River Valley and Anoka Sandplain: A Guide to Native Habitats (1995). Plant species should be chosen based on the specific characteristics of the site including soils, slope, aspect and adjacent natural community types and quality. If possible, restore the site to replace the original natural community type that still exists in the area, or one that existed before conversion (i.e., prairie, oak forest). An Appendix of this City of Roseville 22 Parks Natural Resource Management