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Natural Resources Stewardship Program What is it? As a part of the Parks and Recreation Renewal Program, the conditionof the natural resources (trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, sedges) within the parks was studied. Many parks were overrun with invasive plant species (such as buckthorn and garlic mustard). Money from the Renewal Project was used to contract with Stantec, an environmental restoration company. Invasive plants are being removed and replaced with native plants. There is an on-going volunteer project to take over much of the work once the contract with Stantec ends.The overall program is a $2.0 M investment with $1.5M in city funds and an additional $500,000 leveraged through grants. Why is it important? Native species are better for our local wildlife and provide for more diversity in the forests and wild areas of our parks. The removal of so many invasive plants and their replacement by native species has required a huge effort by City staff, Stantec staff and volunteers. It will take many years of on-going efforts by City staff and volunteers to keep the invasive species from coming back. This is an effort that also allows a traditional way of using the parks and improves a sense of safety. Where can I find out more about it? (URL) https://www.cityofroseville.com/2786/Natural-Resources-Renewal Deer Management Program What is it? In 2014-2015, the City began addressing the issue of a potential over- population by deer in the city. The Parks and Recreation Department took on the role of working with Ramsey County to count the deer in Roseville and to develop a management plan. After a great deal of public input, a decision was made to first attempt to reduce the deer population by a ban on feeding deer. This did not have a significant impact, so in 2016, the City Council authorized a controlled deer hunt to remove 20 deer from the city’s parks. One result of the 2016 deer hunt was the finding that the health of many of the deer in the city is not good, possibly due to over-population. The Parks and Recreation Department continues to monitor and work with Ramsey County and the Departments’ of Natural Resources and Agriculture on this issue and to make recommendations to the City Council for future action. Why is it important? Over-population leads to hardship for the deer, as they do not have enough to eat. Roseville citizens request that some control measures be taken, as deer eat trees and plants in residential areas. Deer in the streets have led to accidents. Yet citizens also enjoy wildlife and want deer in our city. It is 9