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Meeting Location: Municipal Center
City of Apple 7100 147th Street West
Valley Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124
September 5, 2024
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
INFORMAL MEETING TENTATIVE AGENDA
6:00 p.m.
1. Parks Referendum Update
2. Misc. Committee / Staff Communications
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING TENTATIVE AGENDA
7:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order and Pledge
2. Approval of the Agenda
3. Audience —10 Minutes Total Time Limit— For Items Not on this Agenda
4. Approval of the June 2024 Minutes
Agenda Items
A. Update on Parks Amenity Plan Process
B. Update on Family Aquatic Center and Rebranding Efforts
C. Youth Baseball/Softball Complex Concept
D. Alimagnet Natural Resource Management Plan
6. Committee / Staff Discussion Items
A. Parks Referendum Update
7. Input from Committee Members on Next Agenda
A. Future Meeting Item — Update on Park Dedication
8. Adjourn
NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS - Tentative:
Thursday, October 3, 2024 6:00 p.m. (Informal) and 7:00 p.m. (Regular)
Regular meetings are available on Spectrum Cable Channel 180 and on the City's website at
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CI Of 4°"' PARKS &RECREATION ADVISORY
APPIe COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: September 5, 2024
valley SECTION: Regular
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
September 5, 2024
Minutes of the June 6, 2024, Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
PRESENT: Committee Chair Lisa Hiebert; Committee Members Mark Schori, Dave Freed,
Craig Long, Noel Hammill, and Jess Smith; Parks and Recreation Director Eric Carlson;
Parks Superintendent Steve Rother; Recreation Superintendent Nate Rosa; and
Administrative Coordinator Kayla Hechsel.
ABSENT: Recreation Facilities Manager Brian Christianson; Golf Course Manager Jim
Zinck; and Committee Member Randy Bailey
ITEM 1. Call to Order
Chair Hiebert called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Everyone took part in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
ITEM 2. Approval of Agenda
MOTION: by Freed, seconded by Long, approving the Agenda as presented
VOTE: Yes — 6, No — 0
ITEM 3. Audience —10 Minutes Total Time Limit — For Items Not on the Agenda
No one present to speak.
ITEM 4. Approval of the May 2024 Minutes.
MOTION: by Hammill, seconded by Schori, to approve the May 2024
minutes as presented.
VOTE: Yes — 6, No — 0
ITEM 5.A. Agenda Items — 2024 Pool Season Preview
Recreation Superintendent Nate Rosa provided a recap of numbers from the 2023 pool
season, including average attendance, days open, private rentals, operating hours, and
staffing levels for both the Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center and the Redwood
Community Pool. Superintendent Rosa also gave a preview of the 2024 pool season, which
officially began on the same day as this meeting —June 6. He highlighted that we have an
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
September 5, 2024
80% return rate for staffing, which is outstanding. Staff are very pleased with the staffing
levels we have this season. Superintendent Rosa also emphasized the new offerings and
special events we are having at the pools this year, including Tot Swim, Twilight Swim, the
season kick-off and ending events, men -only and women -only open swim nights, as well as
the Final Farewell to Redwood Pool Celebration on Wednesday, August 21.
Committee Member Schori asked if we have considered implementing a non-resident rate,
and Superintendent Rosa expressed that we have but that we wouldn't make any changes
until the launch of the new pool in 2026. Chair Hiebert confirmed that the staff working at
the men -only and women -only swim will be of the same gender as the event participants.
Committee Member Schori also asked if there are plans for the island in the middle of the
lazy river at the Aquatic Center, and Recreation Superintendent Rosa expressed that we are
looking at adding theming to the island to dress it up.
ITEM 6. Committee/Staff Discussion Items
Parks & Recreation Director Eric Carlson gave an update on the 2023 Parks Referendum
projects. He shared that the City Council will be approving contracts for the Construction
Manager we are planning to hire for the Redwood Park and Kelley Park projects. He
highlighted that we are quickly moving forward on plans to improve the Family Aquatic
Center, with construction planned to begin in September. Finally, Director Carlson
mentioned that we hope to tackle the expansion of the Johnny Cake Ridge Park pickleball
courts in 2025.
ITEM 7. Input from Committee Members on Next Agenda
Director Carlson acknowledged that the Committee has asked for more information about the
Park Dedication process, which we will provide at a later meeting. No additional input on
future items was given.
ITEM 8. Adjourn
There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting was
adjourned.
MOTION: by Freed, seconded by Hammill, to adjourn the meeting at 7:23
p.m.
VOTE: Yes — 6, No — 0
-2of3-
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
September 5, 2024
Respectfully Submitted,
Kayla Hechsel, Administrative Coordinator
Approved by the Apple Valley Parks
and Recreation Advisory Committee Lisa Hiebert, Chair
on September 5, 2024.
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ITEM DESCRIPTION:
ITEM:
PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEETING DATE:
Update on Parks Amenity Plan Process
STAFF CONTACT:
Eric Carlson, Director
Action Requested
N/A — informational item
Summary
SECTION:
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:
5.A.
September 5, 2024
Parks and Recreation Department
Regular
The City hired HKGi as a consultant to assist in the development of a park amenities plan for
the Apple Valley park system. The planning process included reviewing some of the following
information:
• Inventory of existing amenities and their respective service areas
• Condition/age assessment of park amenities
• Demographic data
• Walkshed data
• Benchmark data in comparison to neighboring communities
• Street Light data (cell phone data)
The park amenities that have received the most planning include playgrounds, tennis courts,
and basketball courts. After reviewing data, a Draft Parks Amenity Plan was developed, which
provides a plan for amenity replacement over the next five years. The Draft Parks Amenity
Plan was posted on the City website in July for the public to review. We placed signage at each
playground in the city to encourage residents to log into our website to learn more information,
provide comments, and participate in the process.
To gather as much community feedback as possible, we hosted meetings in 49 parks between
July 29 and August 29, and as of August 29, we have received 423 comments on our social
pinpoint site. The site will remain open to public comment until Friday, September 13.
Over the next few weeks, we will be reviewing all of the feedback we've received, and we will
update the Draft Parks Amenity Plan to best reflect what we have heard. An updated Plan will
be posted on the City website by mid -October so residents can review and comment. Our goal
is to adopt the plan by the end of the year so that we can begin making improvements in 2025.
Background
In November 2023, Apple Valley residents approved a parks referendum authorizing a total of
$73.25 million to invest in parks, trails, natural resources, Kelley Park, Redwood Park, Hayes
Arena, the Apple Valley Community Center and Senior Center, a youth baseball/softball
complex at Hayes Park, and a community pool at Redwood Park. Of this total, $18,750,000 is
dedicated to the improvements of parks, which includes playgrounds, trails, lighting, irrigation,
tennis/basketball/pickleball courts, skate park, and parking lots.
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ITEM:
PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEETING DATE:
SECTION:
Update on Family Aquatic Center and Rebranding Efforts
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
STAFF CONTACT: DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:
Eric Carlson, Director
Action Requested
September 5, 2024
Parks and Recreation Department
Regular
Recommend proposed improvements to the Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center and support the
rebranding efforts.
Summary
As a part of the 2023 Parks Referendum, we are planning improvements to the Apple Valley Family
Aquatic Center. These improvements include:
New pool filters
New HVAC equipment
Concession stand improvements
Refurbished slides
Refurbished pool shell
Bathhouse improvements
ADA improvements
Additional shade
Concrete deck improvements
Si na e improvements
Landscaping improvements
Games area improvements
Use of solar
Emergency Gates/Fence
Splash Valley Wate ark Brandin
Additionally, we have worked to rename and rebrand the facility, and that recommendation is:
We will provide additional information regarding costs and project budgets at the meeting as this
information was not available at the time this packet was created.
Background
In November 2023, Apple Valley residents approved a parks referendum authorizing a total of
$73.25 million to invest in parks, trails, natural resources, Kelley Park, Redwood Park, Hayes Arena,
the Apple Valley Community Center and Senior Center, a youth baseball/softball complex at Hayes
Park, and a community pool at Redwood Park. Of this total, $8,200,000 million is dedicated to the
improvements of the Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center, which includes updating mechanical
equipment, renovating the bathhouse and concession stand, adding shade structures,
renaming/rebranding the facility, and more. The tentative project schedule is as follows:
Sept. 2024—May 2025 — Construction
June 2025 — Open for Use
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ITEM DESCRIPTION:
ITEM:
PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEETING DATE:
Youth Baseball/Softball Complex Concept
STAFF CONTACT:
Eric Carlson, Director
Action Requested
SECTION:
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:
5.C.
September 5, 2024
Parks and Recreation Department
Regular
Recommend Concept for Project 2024-116, Youth Baseball/Softball Complex Construction
Summary
After extensive engagement with our local youth associations, residents, and ISD 196, City staff
have worked with Confluence, Inc., the project's landscape architect, to develop a concept for
the youth baseball/softball complex that will be constructed at Westview Elementary/Hayes Park.
The concept includes the following elements:
• Four (4) new fields in a wheel with new backstops, fencing, and dugouts
• Irrigated natural turf
• Athletic field lighting and scoreboards
• Additional parking
• Paved trails
• Stormwater retention basin
• Irrigated flexible field space appropriate for football, soccer, and lacrosse
• No outdoor ice skating/hockey on the site
• Relocation of the VAA Building
• Construction of a small maintenance garage
Staff are seeking the Committee's support to approve this concept so that we can continue to
work on the details of our design, plans, and specifications, and move the project forward to
solicit for construction bids.
Staff are in the process of working with ISD 196 to establish a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA)
for the construction of the complex and future usage and maintenance parameters. Staff will
present the JPA to the Committee for review when the final version has been developed.
Background
In November 2023, Apple Valley residents approved a parks referendum authorizing a total of
$73.25 million to invest in parks, trails, natural resources, Kelley Park, Redwood Park, Hayes
Arena, the Apple Valley Community Center and Senior Center, a youth baseball/softball
complex at Hayes Park, and a community pool at Redwood Park. Of this total, $5,200,000 is
dedicated to the construction of a youth baseball/softball complex at Westview
Elementary/Hayes Park.
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ITEM DESCRIPTION:
ITEM:
PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEETING DATE:
SECTION:
Alimagnet Natural Resource Management Plan
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
STAFF CONTACT: I DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:
Eric Carlson, Director
Action Requested
5.D.
September 5, 2024
Parks and Recreation Department
Regular
Recommend City Council Adopt the Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan
Summary
Through the process leading up to the passage of the Parks Referendum, staff repeatedly heard
how important preserving and improving our natural resources is to our residents. Alimagnet
Park contains one of our largest wooded areas, and considerable work is needed to promote
future natural resource health of the park.
Working in partnership with Dakota County, we have developed a Natural Resource
Management Plan for Alimagnet Park. The purpose of the Natural Resource Management Plan
(Plan) is to describe the current and preferred natural resource conditions, goals, and activities
for Alimagnet Park within the City of Apple Valley. The Plan includes information on
Alimagnet Park's historical and existing vegetative cover, noxious and invasive plants, and
land cover; ecological impacts, past and present, including fire suppression, diseases, wildlife,
and climate change; plant community assessment; wildlife; target vegetation communities,
including management priorities, methods, and five-year workplan. The Plan also includes
plant restoration goals and recommendations, a restoration process, schedule, and cost
estimates.
Goals of the plan include:
1. Maintain natural areas where restoration and management investments have already
been made.
2. Expand ecological restoration and management into new locations based on need and
City priorities.
3. Use an ecosystem approach to restore, enhance, and maintain natural areas in a cost-
effective manner.
4. Monitor activities to allow for adaptive management and continual improvements in
efficiency and outcomes.
5. Evaluate the pros and cons related to the future of the disc golf course in Alimagnet
Park. Outcomes could be removal of the disc golf course, reduce to a 9-hole course, the
continuation of the current 12-hole course, or an expansion to an 18-hole course. An
additional outcome may be the relocation of existing holes to better meet the needs of
protecting the park's most valuable natural resources.
Additionally, we received substantial feedback about the impact deer have in the surrounding
neighborhood. Staff is researching how to move forward with the creation of a city-wide Deer
Management Plan.
Staff is seeking the Committee's recommendation for City Council to adopt the revised Natural
Resource Management Plan for Alimagnet Park.
Background
In November 2023, Apple Valley residents approved a parks referendum authorizing a total of
$73.25 million to invest in parks, trails, natural resources, Kelley Park, Redwood Park, Hayes
Arena, the Apple Valley Community Center and Senior Center, a youth baseball/softball
complex at Hayes Park, and a community pool at Redwood Park. Of this total, $2,000,000 is
dedicated to improving and protecting the natural resources in Apple Valley's parks.
Resource
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Signature Page
LANDOWNER
As the authorized representative of the landowner of the property consisting of a City park, I reviewed and
approve this Restoration Plan. I agree that the City of Apple Valley will follow the guidelines included in this
Restoration Plan to manage that portion of its property included in Alimagnet Park. The Restoration Plan will
be used to develop a mutually acceptable Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the County to begin
implementing the Restoration Plan. Other applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations not
addressed within this Restoration Plan will be followed.
City of Apple Valley Date
DAKOTA COUNTY
Dakota County prepared and discussed this Restoration Plan with the authorized representative of the
Landowner. The County agrees to work with the Landowner in using this Restoration Plan as the basis for
creating a jointly developed Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to implement this Restoration plan in a fair and
reasonable manner. The County will assess and update this Restoration plan to assist the Landowner in
managing Alimagnet Park.
Land Conservation Manager
Date
City of Appk> Valley -- Aftagnet Park Natuirai Resource Management P" an
Table of Contents
I. Plan Purpose and Goals................................................................................................................................... 4
II. Property Ownership........................................................................................................................................ 5
III. Property Location and Landscape Context...................................................................................................... 6
IV. Historical, Current, and Adjacent Land Use.................................................................................................. 10
A. Historical and Current Land Use............................................................................................................... 10
B. Adjacent Land Use.................................................................................................................................... 14
V. Land............................................................................................................................................................... 15
A. Topography and Aspect............................................................................................................................ 15
B. Geology..................................................................................................................................................... 19
C. Soil ............................................................................................................................................................. 21
VI. Water.............................................................................................................................................................25
A. Surface Water........................................................................................................................................... 25
B. Groundwater.............................................................................................................................................26
C. Wetlands...................................................................................................................................................27
VII. Vegetation..................................................................................................................................................... 30
A. Plant Community Assessment.................................................................................................................. 31
1. Site Evaluation........................................................................................................................................ 33
B. Previous Restoration Activities................................................................................................................. 42
VIII. Wildlife........................................................................................................................................................... 43
A. Previous Observations and Surveys.......................................................................................................... 45
IX. Recommendations........................................................................................................................................... 46
A. Land...........................................................................................................................................................46
1. Erosion Control.......................................................................................................................................... 46
2. Shoreline Stabilization............................................................................................................................... 47
B. Vegetation Management.......................................................................................................................... 47
1. Management Unit Target Plant Communities and Goals.......................................................................... 47
2. Suggested Future Considerations.............................................................................................................. 54
B. Water Management.................................................................................................................................. 56
C. Wildlife Management............................................................................................................................... 56
1. Priority Species.......................................................................................................................................... 56
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 2
2. Problem Species........................................................................................................................................ 57
3. Indicator Species........................................................................................................................................ 57
4. Habitat Enhancements.............................................................................................................................. 57
X. Management Plan............................................................................................................................................. 58
A. Prioritized Tasks........................................................................................................................................ 58
B. Five -Year Work Plan.................................................................................................................................. 58
XI. Other Considerations....................................................................................................................................... 61
XII. References & Resources................................................................................................................................. 64
APPENDICES.......................................................................................................................................................... 65
Appendix A: Plant Species Recorded at Alimagnet Park................................................................................... 65
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 3
Goals1. Plan Purpose and
Purpose
The purpose of the Natural Resource Management Plan (Plan) is to describe the current and preferred natural
resource conditions, goals, and activities for Alimagnet Park within the City of Apple Valley. The Plan includes
information on Alimagnet Park's historical and existing vegetative cover, noxious and invasive plants', and
land cover; ecological impacts, past and present, including fire suppression, diseases, wildlife, and climate
change; plant community assessment; wildlife; target vegetation communities, including management
priorities, methods, and five-year workplan. The Plan also includes plant restoration goals and
recommendations, a restoration process, schedule, and cost estimates.
A Joint Powers Agreement (JPA, which will serve as a contract between the City and the County, and will be
developed in conjunction with the Plan) will include: a work plan for implementing jointly agreed upon natural
resource activities and priorities; the respective roles and responsibilities of the City, the County or partners;
schedules; cost estimates; and specific funding contributions (cash/in-kind) and funding sources.
Goals
Alimagnet Park represents one of the City of Apple Valley's most cherished natural areas. Some limited
ecological restoration and management work has been conducted within portions of the park, resulting in
moderate quality native plant communities and valuable habitats for native wildlife. However, most of the
park's natural areas have not been managed and consist of degraded plant communities. With intentional and
strategic restoration and management efforts, Alimagnet Park could represent a much higher quality complex
of upland and lowland natural areas providing significant benefits for native vegetation, wildlife, and public
enjoyment.
The City of Apple Valley has identified the following natural resources goals for the Apple Valley portion of
Alimagnet Park:
1. Maintain natural areas where restoration and management investments have already been made.
2. Expand ecological restoration and management into new locations based on need and City priorities.
3. Use an ecosystem approach to restore, enhance, and maintain natural areas in a cost-effective
manner.
4. Monitor activities to allow for adaptive management' and continual improvements inefficiency and
outcomes.
' Generally non-native plant species and those native plant species that grow and spread aggressively, become overabundant, and
degrade habitats.
z An approach to land and water management that considers all interacting factors in an ecosystem and designs management
techniques that replicate, at the lowest practical cost, the ecological structures and processes that enable ecosystems to adapt to
changing conditions.
s Structured decision making in the face of uncertainty, with an aim to reducing uncertainty over time by a cycle of implementation,
monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 4
5. Evaluate the pros and cons related to the future of the disc golf course in Alimagnet Park. Outcomes
could be removal of the disc golf course, reduce to a 9-hole course, the continuation of the current 12-
hole course, or an expansion to an 18-hole course. Anadditional outcome may bethe relocation of
existing holes to better meet the needs of protecting the park's most valuable natural resources.
Landowner Information
Name: City ofApple Valley
City Park Information
Watershed: Vermillion River
Watershed Organization: Vermillion River Joint Powers Organization
Parcel Identification Numbers:
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 5
���°��������� Location ����� Landscape ���� ��� Property �-� �� _-� _��_ _ ^� Context
the most important parcels to consider for permanent protection and/or natural resource restoration, based
onvarious ecological criteria. For more context concerning these features relative to the location of the City
ofApple Valley's portion ofAUnnagnetPark, refer toFigures 1,2,and 3.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan
Figure 1. Location Map
Alimagnet Park MCBS Sites of Biodiversty
Significance
Municipal Boundaries Below
500 1,000 2000 3.000
—JJF�B1 Water Bodies" Moderate
Bate of Aodal Phetngraphy, Staring 2023 City Parks
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan
Figure 2. Subregion and Landscape Map
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan
Figure 3. Local Landscape Map
Alimagnet Park is the second largest natural area in the City of Apple Valley (approximately 85 acres, Figume1\;
the Minnesota Zoo isthe largest. The AUrnagnetPark includes anadditional 141acres tothe west inthe City
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan
large tracts of wooded areas, diverse native vegetative communities, water resources (including adjacent
Alimagnet Lake), and high visibility, the park is a well-known and heavily used community resource. While
some park users enjoy disc golf, integrated into the park's natural areas, many residents enjoy dog walking,
watching wildlife, and other passive recreation. Limited restoration and management investments have been
made at the park over the decades, including restoration and enhancement of the park's oak forests and
woodlands; however, most of the park's natural areas are degraded due to invasive vegetation and lack of
management.
The park lies approximately 1.5 miles east of the junction of Interstates 1-35E and 1-35W and just northeast of
County Road 42. There are many nearby City and County parks, and Metro Conservation Corridors exist within
approximately 1.5 miles of the park (Figure 2). In addition to smaller city parks in the immediate vicinity of
Alimagnet Park, noteworthy natural areas include Terrace Oaks Park (a little over one mile north of Alimagnet
Park), the Minnesota Zoo and adjacent Lebanon Hills Regional Park (approximately two miles northeast of the
park), and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (approximately 3 miles north). Nearby trails and
greenways can be found surrounding the park, including an east -west paved trail along McAndrews Road
approximately one-half mile to the north (Figure 3). Ecological connectivity is significantly constrained by
existing residential development; however, future analysis is recommended to determine if opportunities
exist.
The DNR County Biological Survey (DNR 1997) identified the majority of the park as a Moderate quality Site of
Biodiversity Significance (Figure 1). A search of DNR's Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS or Biotics,
DNR 2023) for the park and a 1-mile radius identified one tracked natural feature — the red -shouldered hawk
(Buteo lineatus), observed near the site in 2022. Implementing the recommendations in this NRMP will
improve habitat conditions for this Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and others.
Historical, Current, and Adjacent
A. IHistoiriicall and Current Land Use
According to vegetation mapping by Marschner (1974), prior to European settlement (early 1800s), the
general area around Alimagnet Park was occupied by Oak Openings and Barrens, today referred to as Oak
Savanna, with a relatively small portion of Big Woods — Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Basswood, etc.) in the
northwestern corner of the park. This provides insight to restoration targets, but must be tempered with
current conditions and site constraints.
European settlement significantly changed the pre -settlement landscape. Native prairies were plowed, forests
and woodlands cut, wetlands drained, watercourses straightened, fires suppressed, and intense agricultural
practices introduced, including row cropping and livestock grazing.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 1.0
Although many of the changes had already occurred in the late 19th and early 2 Oth centuries, some ofthe best
evidence of past land use is depicted in historical aerial photographs (Figures 4, 5, 6\,the oldest being from
1957.
Figume4. Earliest Historical Land Use Image (1937)
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 1. 1.
Figure 5. Historical Land Use (1951-2000)
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 1.2
Figure 6. Current Aerial Photo
The earliest aerial image available of what is now Alimagnet Park (from 1937) depicts a highly varied landscape
/Figune4\. While much of the area that is forested today was wooded in the historical aerial photograph,
most of these areas were less dense, and woodlands have expanded over time. Most ofthe parKswetlands
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 1.3
and even much of Alimagnet Lake appeared to be dry or covered with vegetation due to the severe drought
that occurred in the late 1930s. Over subsequent decades (Figure 5), the forest canopy increased in several
locations, including along the northwestern portion of the park, and water was apparent in the site's wetlands
and Alimagnet Lake. Forest canopy increased primarily due to fire suppression and invasive species
introduction. Water level increased primarily due to increased precipitation and from increased stormwater
runoff from increased residential development and impervious surfaces in the subwatershed. Residential
development begins to encroach around the park by the 1970s and continues, especially southeast of the
park, into the 1980s. Figure 6 presents a current aerial photograph of the park.
According to the DNR County Biological Survey, as of 1997, only about 2.6 percent of high -quality, native plant
communities remained in the County. While most of the City of Apple Valley is built out, urban development
in the County has increased rapidly in recent years, and the growth rate is expected to continue at a high pace.
This growth continues to expand into farmland and natural areas, making natural resource protection and
restoration, such as in Alimagnet Park, increasingly important.
B. Adjacent Land Use
City parks provide a variety of ecosystem services and are an integral component of green infrastructure in
urban areas. Yet because of suburban development, green spaces have become increasingly fragmented,
negatively impacting population abundance, species richness, and genetic variation within species. The
adjacency of parkland, cultivated land, open areas, and residential sub -divisions can affect vegetation and
wildlife management options, may present opportunities to enlarge existing habitat areas and/or create
corridors for wildlife movement, and may determine the characteristics of local surface water hydrology.
Alimagnet Park is in the heart of suburban development in the County. The adjacent land -use setting has
several ramifications for the park. Land adjacent to the Apple Valley portion of Alimagnet Park consists of the
Burnsville portion of the park (to the west), Alimagnet Lake (to the north and northwest), and suburban
residential land use (to the north, east, and south, Figure 3). Suburban development and land use present a
variety of ecological stressors experienced by the natural communities of the park, a prominent one being in
the form of "edge effects." Edge effects experienced by Alimagnet Park's natural areas include: noise from
roads and residences, increased stormwater runoff into lakes and wetlands, air pollution from cars,
microclimate changes from cleared or modified vegetation, increased predation, disturbance of wildlife by
domestic cats and dogs, and sources of invasive vegetation. The park is more "buffered" by natural land
covers to the north (Alimagnet Lake) and to the west (Burnsville's forested parkland, Figure 3). Given these
adjacent land cover types, it is unlikely that significant new encroachments will occur on the park's northern
and western perimeter; however, the suburban edge effects mentioned above have stressed, and will
continue to stress, the ecological health of Alimagnet Park. Some minor dumping of landscaping debris was
observed along the east edge of the Park where it abuts private lots.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 1.4
Connectivity
Habitat connectivity plays an important role in ecosystem health and resilience to global environmental
change. Enhancing connectivity of urban green spaces should be linked by corridors forming a network
facilitating dispersal and movement. Ecological restoration and management within the park will benefit the
ecological integrity and resilience of both the Apple Valley and Burnsville's portions of the park. These
parklands together provide a large, contiguous tract of forest and woodland habitat interspersed with a
variety of depressional wetlands. Large wooded habitats are required by many forest bird species, and most
of the park's wetlands are buffered by surrounding forests, increasing their ecological value and restoration
potential. Existing development patterns make it challenging to restore meaningful natural corridors to other
natural areas in the vicinity of the park (Figure 2); however, increased native plantings on private lands and in
rights -of -way can provide increased habitat, ecological "buffers" (which reduce edge effects), and improved
connectivity for birds and flying insects, including many pollinators. Cost -share programs are a good way to
encourage private landowners to conduct native plantings on their own property, which benefits adjacent and
nearby natural areas like Alimagnet Park.
A. Topography airn sect
Topography and the orientation of slopes (aspect) relative to north, south, east, and west are important
factors in the development and formation of soil, potential for soil erosion, and the type and stability of
vegetation that will grow in a given location. In general, more topographic variation will result in more
complexity and diversity of vegetation communities and hydrologic features. Generally, south- and
southwest -facing slopes will be drier and support shorter vegetation than north and northeast facing slopes.
The aspect of slopes within Alimagnet Park can have a strong influence on soil temperature and moisture. In
the northern hemisphere, north -facing slopes are often shaded, while south -facing slopes receive more solar
radiation for a given surface area, because the slope is more often tilted toward the sun and is not shaded
directly by the earth. Aspect can significantly influence locational climate (microclimate). Soil temperatures
and soil moisture on south -facing slopes are typically warmer and drier than those on north -facing slopes, due
in part to the increased solar radiation and direction of the prevailing winds in the summer. Likewise, soils on
north -facing slopes tend to be cooler and wetter, due to diminished solar energy. The soils, topography, and
aspect of slopes within Alimagnet park are represented in Figures 7, 8, and 9.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 1.5
Figure 7. Soils and Topography
Alimagnet Park
Contours {0ft.} �
Soil Types
Auburndale silt loam
Chetek sandy loam, 8m15
peomn|slopae
ChetaKsandy loam, 15to2s
percent slopes
Kingsley sandy learn, 15to25
pmrcenin|npon
Kingsley sandy learn, 25N4O
peosn|a|opae
Kingsley sandy learn, 3to8
pe,uan|o|upem
Kingsley sandy loam, 8m15
percent slopes
K�ngs|ey-Mahmmed|complex, 15
w25percent slopes
K|ngm|*y-Mahtom*dicomplex, 25
to4Upercent slopes
Kingsley-Mah|ommdi-8p*noor
complex, 8m15percent slopes
Lindstrom silt loam, 2m6percent
a|npeo
Oft*rhuitsilt loam, 1io6percent
ompom
Ouamo|KI o a m
Quarn silt loam, ponded
Spencer silt loam, 2m8percent
slopes
N�N�NTimu|a0o|dcomplex, 12m18
percent slopes, eroded
Urban land -Kingsley complex, 15
\o25percent slopes
Urban land -Kingsley complex, 3
/o15percent slopes
��Uman|ond-Waukogancnmp|ux.0
��|o1pementu|umem
Wadenaloam, 2iu6percent
slopes, eroded
Waukegan silt loam, 0to2
percent slopes
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 1.6
Figure 8. Slope Aspect
g�A k,"
1�1 UIIIIIII
Alirnagnet Park
uf
. . . . ....
Aspect
U
315 45
270 90
225 135
180
0 200 400
1 eat
NO I
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 1.7
Figure 9. Percent Slope
Figures 7 through 9 illustrate the landform heterogeneity of the park, which includes a variety of upland and
lowland settings. The majority ofthesiteischaracterizedbyroUingtohiUytopography,indudingnnanyareas
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 1.8
communities at the park, such as the mesic forests and woodlands along the park's northwest boundary,
which slopes down to Alimagnet Lake. Fire -dependent communities (e.g., dry-mesic forests, oak savannas)
will be most effectively restored and maintained on relatively flat areas or south- or west -facing slopes.
Steeper slopes (including the park's northwest boundary and near the southern tip of Alimagnet Lake) should
be managed in a manner that considers their increased erosion potential. For instance, use of wheeled
equipment may not be appropriate for many of these areas due to safety concerns as well as the potential for
erosion. Likewise, slopes can also influence management costs, with steeper areas typically being more costly
to manage due to compromised accessibility and reduced efficiency.
B. Geollogy
Bedrock formed as a result of ancient oceans, beaches, reefs or mudflats that once existed millions of years
ago. Sand and clay and marine animals became compressed and formed a variety of sedimentary rock layers,
with different depths and characteristics.
The major bedrock units found in the County include the Decorah, Platteville, Glenwood Sequence, underlain
by St. Peter Sandstone, Prairie du Chien Group, Jordan Sandstone, St. Lawrence Formation, and the Franconia
Formation. Some of these layers may not exist at Alimagnet Park because of past geologic events that buried
them. Bedrock in the County is typically more than 50 feet below the surface in areas north of the Vermillion
River and less than 50 feet in areas south of the Vermillion River. In Dakota County, the Prairie du Chien
limestone is the most common bedrock first encountered beneath the surface soil and unconsolidated
sediments, but another is St. Peter Sandstone.
Bedrock is important because its layers create the underground aquifers where groundwater is stored. As the
primary source of drinking water for County residents, it is critical that the quantity and quality of this
groundwater is managed and protected. Depth to bedrock at Alimagnet Park ranges from approximately 50 to
300 feet below grade (I :. l raa � .I r we uwu a as �; w Villa irk � � .: dalkota...coui.... a ep�r lbj, and
county irm� u.irn irn � aa�r �.a� I�r� a �rock
the thickness of the uppermost bedrock formations are approximately 145 to 155 feet thick (St. Peter
Sandstone, the first bedrock encountered) and 125 to 140 feet thick (the underlying Prairie Du Chien) (Mossier
2013).
Dakota County has very diverse surficial geology (Figure 10) that helped create a very scenic and ecologically
diverse landscape. The most recent glaciers extended south into the northern portion of the County, and the
resulting terminal moraines are characterized by a typical "knoll and basin" topography. South of these
moraines, the rock surface is quite irregular. In some places, the softer rock (sandstone) was worn down and
is much lower than the more resistant rock layers (limestone). This has created areas with isolated, mesa -like
uplands, 100 to 200 feet above the surrounding land. Glacial deposits have partially concealed these uplands
and covered their surfaces with only a thin layer of glacial drift. In some areas, especially the Minnesota and
Mississippi River valleys, level alluvium and terrace deposits were formed by glacial rivers and contemporary
floods. More level outwash plains formed from melting glaciers and characterize much of the central portions
of the County.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 1.9
The surficial geology of Alimagnet Park is important because it is a highly influential factor in determining
characteristics, such as topography, soil type, soil drainage, and vegetation structure and community
composition, and italso protect aquifers from contamination. The surOcia|geology iscomprised ofmixed till
associated with the New Ulm Formation, which formed glacial deposits ranging from 50 to 300 feet deep at
the park.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 20
Figure 10. Surficial Geology
Extensive work in identifying and classifying soils was undertaken because of its importance to management
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 21.
updated in May 1994, provides a generalized depiction and description of soils in the County. Soil formation is
the result of the interaction of five soil -forming factors: parent material, climate, organisms, topographic
position or slope, and time (Foth, 1990). Taken collectively, these factors can help determine the dominant
plant and animal communities and in turn help form soils. Mapped soil units/types are important because
they affect the vegetative and hydrologic features of the park and suggest the most appropriate use and
management of the land.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 22
Table 1. Soils of Alimagnet Park
Depth to
Soil
Percent
Area
Hydric
Highly
Code
Soil Name
Taxonomic Class
Slope
[acres]
Drainage
Water Table
Soil?
Erodible?
[cm]
Fine -silty, mixed,
Moderately well
150B
Spencer silt loam
superactive, frigid
3
0.1
76
Yes
No
Oxyaquic Glossudalfs
drained
Course -loamy, mixed,
Somewhat
155C
Chetek sandy loam
superactive, frigid
3
2.4
excessively
unknown
No
No
Inceptic Hapludalfs
drained
Fine -silty, mixed,
189
Auburndale silt
superactive, frigid Mollic
0.5
14.9
Poorly drained
0
Yes
No
loam
Epiaqualfs
Fine -silty, mixed,
279B
Otterholt silt loam
superactive, frigid Haplic
3
2.6
Well drained
201
Yes
No
Glossudalfs
Coarse -loamy, mixed,
342B
Kingsley sandy
superactive, mesic Mollic
4
13.4
Well drained
201
Yes
No
loam
Hapludalfs
Coarse -loamy, mixed,
Kingsley sandy
342E
superactive, mesic Mollic
20
6.0
Well drained
201
No
Yes
loam
Hapludalfs
Coarse -loamy, mixed,
342F
Kinsley sandy loam
superactive, mesic Mollic
25
3.1
Well drained
201
No
Yes
Hapludalfs
Fine -silty, mixed,
Very poorly
344
Quam silt loam
superactive, frigid
0.5
1.9
drained
0
Yes
No
Cumulic Endoaquolls
Urban: Not identifiable
Urban: Varies
Urban land-
Kingsley complex:
861C
Kingsley complex
Coarse -loamy, mixed,
5
0.3
Kingsley: Well
201
No
No
superactive, mesic
drained
Mollic Hapludalfs
Urban: Not identifiable
Urban: Varies
Urban land-
Kingsley complex:
861E
Kingsley complex
Coarse -loamy, mixed,
20
2.0
Kingsley: Well
201
No
No
superactive, mesic
drained
Mollic Hapludalfs
Kingsley-
Coarse -loamy, mixed,
895C
Mahtomedi-
superactive, mesic Mollic
10
27.7
Well drained
201
No
Yes
Spencer complex
Hapludalfs
Kingsley-
Coarse -loamy, mixed,
896E
Mahtomedi
superactive, mesic Mollic
18
3.5
Well drained
201
No
Yes
complex
Hapludalfs
Kingsley-
Coarse -loamy, mixed,
896F
Mahtomedi
superactive, mesic Mollic
30
0.4
Well drained
201
No
Yes
complex
Hapludalfs
W
Water
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Note that all of the soils that occur at Alimagnet Park are classified as "Glossudalfs" or "Hapludalfs", which
refers to a type of 'alfisol', which is defined as a forest soil. This is significant, since soil formation takes
hundreds to thousands of years; this indicates that the site has been forested or wooded for a long time. Soils
mapping of Alimagnet Park (Figure 7) identifies nine general soil units based on formation, relief, and drainage
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 23
(see "Soil Name" column in Table 1) and 13 unique soil map units plus open water (see "Soil Code" column in
Table 1). Each soil map unit has unique characteristics that influence the species composition of plant
communities, drainage class, and erosion potential. Therefore, soil type can be very useful for informing
management and restoration decisions.
1. Spencer silt loam (15013): The Spencer series consists of very deep, moderately well drained soils
formed mostly in loess or other silty deposits overlying loamy till on drumlins and ground
moraines. This soil is typically associated with forests in undisturbed locations. In the park, this soil
exists in one small area in the southwest corner of the site.
2. Chetek sandy loam (155C): The Chetek series consists of very deep, somewhat excessively drained
soils which are shallow to sandy outwash. This soil is associated with mixed deciduous and coniferous
forest. In the park, this soil exists in the south-central portion of the site.
3. Auburndale silt loam (189): The Auburndale series consists of poorly drained, hydric soils. This soil is
typically associated with wetland grasses, alder shrubs, and trees such as quaking aspen and black ash.
In the park, this soil is found in several low-lying areas and around wetlands.
4. Otterholt silt loam (27913): The Otterholt series consists of very deep, well drained soils formed mostly
in loess or other silty deposits and in the underlying loamy till on ground moraines. This soil is typically
associated with forests in undisturbed locations. In the park, this soil exists in the northeast portion of
the site.
5. Kingsley sandy loam (342B, 342E, 342F): The Kingsley series consists of very deep, well drained soils
that formed in loamy glacial till on glacial moraines. This soil primarily supports mixed deciduous
forests often dominated by oaks. This soil is found primarily in the western and north -central portions
of the park in existing forests and woodlands. The highly erodible quality of these soils combined with
their steep slopes (especially 342E and 342F) underscores the importance of using appropriate
management techniques to prevent erosion.
6. Quam silt loam (344): The Quam series consists of very deep, poorly and very poorly drained soils that
formed in silty water -sorted sediments in flats, swales and depressions on glacial moraines and lake
plains. These soils are associated with grasses, rushes, sedges, and reeds. This soil is found in the
southwest portion of the park within two wetland basins.
7. Urban land -Kingsley complex (861C, 861E): This complex, consisting of urban land and Kingsley sandy
loam, is found in a small area along the north -central boundary of the park.
8. Kingsley-Mahtomedi-Spencer complex (895C): This complex of soil series is a morainal deposit found
on moderate to steep slopes. This soil is the dominant complex in the park, occupying the majority of
the park's eastern half. The highly erodible quality of these soils combined with their moderately steep
slopes underscores the importance of using appropriate management techniques to prevent erosion.
9. Kingsley-Mahtomedi complex (896E, 896F): The Mahtomedi series is often associated with the
Kingsley series and shares several key characteristics including being well drained. This soil supports a
variety of forests, often containing oaks. In the northwest portion of the park, this soil is found along
the steep slopes leading down to Alimagnet Lake. These steep slopes combined with highly erodible
soils underscore the importance of using appropriate management techniques to limit erosion.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 24
A. Surface Water
One of the unique and attractive features of Dakota County is the amount and diversity of its surface waters.
Major riverine systems, including the Mississippi, Minnesota, Cannon, and Vermillion rivers create the borders
or flow within the County. Glaciers and the deposition that resulted from their melting, sculpted the land, and
caused many of the topographical and hydrological features that occur throughout the County. Several
creeks, streams and brooks are found in the southern portion of the County. Numerous small lakes and hills
(glacial "kames") are found in the northern and western portions of the County. The two largest lakes, Crystal
and Marion, are highly desirable for their scenic beauty and recreation. A variety of different types of
wetlands are scattered throughout the County including several unique wetlands, known as fens, located in
the Minnesota River Valley.
Over the last one hundred some years, most of these surface waters have been significantly degraded, due to
agricultural and municipal stormwater runoff. Numerous wetlands, which filter and retain water and
recharge the groundwater, have been lost. In fact, Dakota County has lost approximately 85% of its wetlands
since the time of statehood. Pollution, including excess bacteria, sediment, excess nutrients (such as nitrogen
and phosphorous from fertilizer), and lack of dissolved oxygen, has taken a toll on aquatic ecosystems (e.g.,
the ability of fish and other aquatic organisms to live and reproduce). Although regulations and voluntary
efforts have improved water conditions, protection and management of natural areas, especially those
adjacent to water bodies, is a very important strategy for achieving water quality goals.
In 2002, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) deemed Alimagnet Park as impaired for aquatic
recreation due to nutrient enrichment. In 2005, the Cities of Burnsville and Apple Valley developed a lake
management plan for Alimagnet. Partners, including the Cities, Alimagnet Lake Association, and others, have
worked to remove rough fish and curly leaf pondweed, dredged stormwater ponds that drain to the lake, and
installed a winter aeration system. The statewide ban on phosphorus in fertilizer also helped reduce the
pollutant loading. In 2015, a total maximum daily load (TMDL) plan was approved for the Lake, and efforts
continue to improve this important lake's water quality. A summary of some of this work (including an
analysis of stormwater runoff flowing into Alimagnet Lake) is provided in the Vermillion River Watershed's
brochure: "Impaired Waters in the City of Apple Valley and the Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy
(WRAPS)"; see: I.ht�I��:��vr✓vr✓v.,.yf.EulnuVVuouiriv��rvr✓at��..rshe o..orp��✓.�::� �cr��t�������..I:�lcr� ��1�7�����7S�F ��; Cu�y.crf I�.Y,,�l��::::
_�„. �y fu r„ arm er]t so„ A Subwatershed Assessment was also completed for Alimagnet Lake in 2016, which
identified best management practices that could be implemented in the watershed. To date, a number of
practices have been installed by Apple Valley and Burnsville. The two cities operate under a Joint Powers
Agreements to complete in -lake management for the lake, including fisheries and aquatic plant management.
The Cities have partnered with VRWJPO to complete an in -lake alum treatment study, with planned
applications beginning in the Fall of 2024. The City of Apple Valley completed a Surface Water Management
Plan 2018-2027 (Barr 2018), which provides much more detail on Alimagnet Lake and its watershed (see:
https://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/Do cumentCenterZView/507/2018-Surface-Water-Manaement-
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 25
Plan?bidld=). There are no other large surface water features in Alimagnet Park; wetlands are discussed
below in Section VI.C.
B. Groundwater
Groundwater accumulates below the surface of the land and is stored in aquifers: complex, underground
geologic layers of sand, gravel, and porous rock. If groundwater exists in suitable quantity and quality, and can
be delivered for human use, it is of great economic value. This is one example of what is called "ecosystem
services", or services 'performed' by nature that people benefit from for free. In the northern portion of the
County where glacial deposits are deep, groundwater is often extracted using drilled wells that extend into
sand and gravel deposits. In the southern part of the County where the layer of glacial deposits is shallow,
most drilled wells extend into the porous bedrock. Most public water supplies obtain water from one of the
deeper bedrock aquifers.
Due to its relative abundance, quality and reasonable access, groundwater provides drinking water for most
County citizens, irrigation water for agricultural crops (especially on the sandier soils in the eastern part of the
County), and water for industrial and manufacturing companies. There is concern about the long-term supply
of groundwater, due to increased residential and agricultural irrigation, municipal water use, changing climate,
and pollution of aquifers. The need to protect groundwater -dependent ecological systems like trout streams
and fens is also paramount. Most of the County's groundwater is "highly sensitive" to surface contamination.
And once an aquifer is polluted, it is very expensive or even prohibitive to improve its quality to drinking water
standards.
Given groundwater's importance and potential vulnerability, it is important to be aware of the potential for
groundwater contamination from pesticide and herbicide use. In rural parts of the County, the greatest risk to
health from drinking water is pesticide and nitrogen contamination. Naturally occurring manganese and
arsenic are concerns County -wide. Important factors to consider during natural resource management
activities are depth -to -groundwater and the ability of the overlying geologic materials to protect the
groundwater aquifer; the more overlying material the better the underlying aquifer is protected.
The DNR defines groundwater sensitivity as an area where natural geologic factors create a significant risk of
groundwater degradation through the migration of waterborne contaminants. Migration of contaminants
dissolved in water through sediments is affected by many things, including biological degradation and
contaminant type and density. General assumptions include:
• Contaminants move with water
• Flow paths are vertical
• Permeability of the sediment is the controlling factor
The pollution sensitivity of buried sand and gravel aquifers and of the first buried bedrock surface represents
the approximate time it takes for water to move from land surface to the aquifer. Based on soil type (see
Figure 7), soil layer thickness, and the texture of surficial geology (see Figure 10), the travel time for water to
infiltrate from the park's ground surface to the underlying aquifer varies from hours to approximately a year.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 26
The Minnesota Hydrology Atlas Series HG-02 (Adams 2016) defines five relative classes of geologic sensitivity
(High, Moderate, Low, Very Low, and Ultra Low). The pollution sensitivity is inversely proportional to the time
of travel.
• In areas of higher sensitivity, contaminants may reach the groundwater within hours to months.
• In areas of lower sensitivity there is time for a surface contamination source to be investigated, and
possibly corrected, before serious groundwater pollution develops.
Based on these factors, groundwater sensitivity for Alimagnet Park is ranked as Low to Moderate (i.e., it would
take months to a week for surface contaminants to reach groundwater, per Adams 2016). According to the
Minnesota Department of Agriculture web mapper
tt, : r�a_or�ra, oarc_u ocor�r ,:�, �rvell,a,:�,:�vue�rver iridex.htr nV?uc:=4'7a342afe66546407l,)935c8e'76023 a l
( ),
the Park is not located in Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA).
C. e-flirns
Wetlands are important natural features in the suburban landscape of Dakota County, and of Apple Valley, as
well. Some of their benefits include: reduce flood risk, filter stormwater, clean water, replenish groundwater
supplies, and offer habitat to a diversity of aquatic and terrestrial plant and wildlife species. Approximately
4.0 of Alimagnet Park's 85 acres are wetlands (Figure 11). The park's wetland types include one sedge
meadow, one invasive cattail marsh, and numerous basins that contained areas of open water with patches or
fringes of herbaceous vegetation (not dominated by cattails). These lowland, aquatic habitats are important
elements in the mosaic of ecosystems present in the park, although most of the park's wetlands are severely
degraded due to altered hydrology and/or invasive species (primarily reed canary grass and invasive cattail).
Yet patches of native species (e.g., sedges, bulrushes) exist in several of the basins, particularly in one
relatively high -quality sedge meadow in the southwest portion of the park.
The following are the definitions of the components of the codes in the NWI index (Figure 11):
P = Palustrine. The Palustrine System includes all nontidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent
emergents, emergent mosses or lichens, and all such wetlands that occur in tidal areas where salinity due
to ocean -derived salts is below 0.5 ppt.
L = Lacustrine. The Lacustrine System includes wetlands and deepwater habitats with all of the following
characteristics: (1) situated in a topographic depression or a dammed river channel; (2) lacking trees,
shrubs, persistent emergents, and emergent mosses or lichens.
CYl1:1.y'[.IIaLV I
L2 = Lacustrine, littoral. This Subsystem includes all wetland habitats in the Lacustrine System. It extends
from the shoreward boundary of the System to a depth of 2.5 m (8.2 ft) below low water, or to the
maximum extent of nonpersistent emergents if these grow at depths greater
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 27
CLASS
AB = Aquatic Bed. Includes wetlands and deepwater habitats dominated by plants that grow principally on
or below the surface of the water for most of the growing season in most years.
UB = Unconsolidated Bottom. Includes all wetlands and deepwater habitats with at least 25% cover of
particles smaller than stones (less than 6-7 cm), and a vegetative cover less than 30%.
EM = Emergent. Characterized by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes, excluding mosses and lichens.
This vegetation is present for most of the growing season in most years. These wetlands are usually
dominated by perennial plants.
FO = Forested. Characterized by woody vegetation that is 6 m tall or taller. Characterized by woody
vegetation that is 6 m tall or taller.
SS = Scrub -Shrub. Includes areas dominated by woody vegetation less than 6 m (20 feet) tall. The species
include true shrubs, young trees (saplings), and trees or shrubs that are small or stunted because of
environmental conditions.
411: OWNIY.9
1 = Persistent. Characterized by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes, excluding mosses and lichens.
This vegetation is present for most of the growing season in most years. These wetlands are usually
dominated by perennial plants.
NTHINIa i:1011►VA1I
A = Temporary Flooded. Surface water is present for brief periods (from a few days to a few weeks) during
the growing season, but the water table usually lies well below the ground surface for most of the season.
C = Seasonally Flooded. Surface water is present for extended periods especially early in the growing
season, but is absent by the end of the growing season in most years. The water table after flooding
ceases is variable, extending from saturated to the surface to a water table.
E = Seasonally Flooded/Saturated. Surface water is present for extended periods (generally for more than
a month) during the growing season, but is absent by the end of the season in most years. When surface
water is absent, the substrate typically remains saturated at or near the surface.
F = Semi -permanently Flooded. Surface water persists throughout the growing season in most years. When
surface water is absent, the water table is usually at or very near the land surface.
H = Permanently Flooded. Water covers the substrate throughout the year in all years.
MODIFIER
X = "Excavated", which is a special modifier. This Modifier is used to identify wetland basins or channels
that were excavated by humans.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 28
Figure 11. National Wetland Inventory Features
AHmagnet Park PABH PEMI F PUBH
Wetland Type PABHx PF01A PUBHx
.......... .
...... ..... L2ABH
MO ino 800 PEM1A PSS1C
I
Feet L2UBH PEM1C PUBF
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 29
Vegetation
The vegetation found at Alimagnet Park is determined by several factors including, but not limited to: physical
site conditions, such as topography; soils and hydrology; historic and current land use; climate; invasive
species; and wildlife. Vegetation is also affected by natural processes, such as succession or natural events
that create change and variation. Abrupt changes (disturbances), including wildfires, high winds and floods,
can change the vegetation structure and composition very quickly and for long periods of time. Human -
induced changes, such as farming, pasturing, and tree cutting, can have similar effects. Natural succession, or
the gradual change of plant communities over time, occurs as vegetation changes and responds to changes in
environmental variables (e.g., light, water and nutrients). These responses are reflected in plant community
composition, structure, and distribution by differential survival and reproduction of species.
The effects of disturbance and succession can vary widely. Different areas will be at varying developmental
stages, due to diverse local histories — punctuated by acute disturbances, such as fire and flooding. These
conditions interact with inherent environmental variability (e.g., soils, climate, topography) to create a mosaic
of vegetation in various conditions across the landscape, including here at Alimagnet Park. In terms of wildlife
habitat formation, this mosaic results in shifting patches of refugia, which in turn promotes biodiversity.
A major consideration for developing this comprehensive natural resource management plan is to understand
the types of vegetation found in Alimagnet Park or in the local area prior to European settlement. This can
give the restorationist clues about what plants may have been found in the past and which ones may still
thrive in the park today. Fortunately, during the original territorial surveys in the 1840s, field notes on
vegetation were taken by the surveyors. These notes were compiled in 1974 into a valuable information
source called "The Original, or Pre -settlement, Vegetation of Minnesota," and is used today to help us
reconstruct patterns of plant communities across the state.
In general, the northern and western portions of the County consisted of a matrix of hardwood forests with
many lakes and wetlands interspersed. American basswood, sugar maple, elm, red oak, and an understory of
shade -loving wildflowers made up what the original surveyors called the "Big Woods", which dominated in
moister areas that were protected from fire, while bur and white oak, aspen and black cherry were the
dominant in drier areas. The southern part of the County consisted primarily of prairie and savanna, with
fewer lakes and more streams. Depending on soils, topography and hydrology, tall grasses measuring eight
feet in height would have been common, with a diverse mix of other grasses and wildflowers (forbs). Short
grasses and a wide variety of other types of forbs were found on sandy, gravelly or steep sites. Savannas,
basically prairies with scattered oak trees, formed a transitional plant community between grasslands and
forests; fires was intermediate in frequency in these savannas. Forested floodplains, with cottonwood, silver
maple, willow, and American elm, were found in wide river valleys. Prairie or savanna would often have been
found near small rivers, even up to the water's edge. A much larger number of wetlands existed in the
southwestern portion of the County than are found today. In fact, it has been estimated that less than 15
percent of pre -statehood wetlands remain in Dakota County.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 30
A. P11 int ComimunirtyAssessment
Alimagnet Park was divided into Land Management Units (Management Units), based on information derived
from the following: 1) a land cover site evaluation using field and office research, including the Minnesota
Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS); 2) the principle of creating realistic restoration goals (taking into
consideration cost and available resources); 3) proposed target communities; and 4) restoration tasks. Figure
12 shows eight Management Units for this site. Note that sometimes several areas, although they may be
discontiguous, are designated as being in the same Management Unit, because they have similar management
needs and goals.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 31.
Figure 12: Land Management Units (green alpha -numeric labels)
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 32
An evaluation of Alimagnet Park was conducted by Douglas Mensing (RES Principal Ecologist) and Michael
Lopez (RES Ecologist) on October 16, 2023. The Management Units, shown in Figure 12, above, and
summarized in Table 2, were developed to help describe the plant communities and define restoration and
management tasks for Alimagnet Park. There are four major (forest/woodland) Units (1 through 4), and
several smaller Units (or portions of Units) that are encompassed within the larger forest/woodland Units.
Detailed plant species lists for each Unit, based on recent field surveys, are provided in Appendix A. Plant
communities within the Management Units were evaluated using methods adapted from MLCCS quality
ranking guidelines: A=highest quality, B=good quality, C=moderate quality, D=poor quality, and
NN=altered/non-native. MLCCS Classifications are a snapshot of the habitat structure at the time of
assessment but should not necessarily be interpreted as the most desirable end goal for habitat restoration
purposes.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 33
UNIT 1 (SE forest/woodland unit):
Area: 15.5 acres
Dominant MLCCS Classifications:
• Oak forest — mesic* subtype
*moderately moist within a spectrum from dry to
wet soils
Evaluation and Ecological Concerns:
Unit 1 is located in the southeast portion of the
park bordering the southeastern edge of
Alimagnet Lake (Figure 12). This unit is
dominated by upland forests (C to D quality).
Dominant species present in the moderately
dense (defined in DNR Field Guide) canopy/sub-
Photo 1: View of the central portion of Unit 1.
canopy include white oak (Quercus alba), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), northern pin oak (Quercus
ellipsoidalis), American elm (Ulmus americana), and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). Other trees occurring
less frequently include cottonwood (Populus deltoides), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and black cherry
(Prunus serotina). The moderately dense understory/shrub layer is dominated by the non-native "common"
or European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), but also contains non-native honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.).
Native trees and shrubs in the understory/shrub layer include boxelder (Acer negundo), hackberry (Celtis
occidentalis), green ash, quaking aspen, and black cherry. The moderately sparse ground layer consists of an
assemblage of forbs, graminoids, and woody species. Native species such as sedges (Carex spp.), Virginia
stickseed (Hackelia virginiana), white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima), and others are present. However, this
stratum also includes invasive species such as garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), common burdock (Arctium
minus), and seedlings of common buckthorn and invasive honeysuckle. Buckthorn removals occurred
between 2014 and 2016 in the southwest portion of Unit 1, but it appears that limited subsequent
management has been conducted.
The park's disc golf course encroaches on the southern edge of Unit 1 (Figure 12), resulting in areas of cleared
vegetation and bare soils. Due to the unit's steep slopes (some >25%) and highly erodible soils (dominated by
Kingsley-Mahtomedi-Spencer complex, 8-15% slopes), management activities should be conducted with care,
especially given the unit's adjacency to Alimagnet Lake.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 34
UNIT 2 (NE forest/woodland unit):
Area: 28.2 acres
Dominant MLCCS Classifications:
• Oak forest - mesic subtype
Evaluation and Ecological Concerns:
Unit 2 is located in the northeast portion of the
park, northeast of Unit 1 (Figure 12). Unit 2 is
dominated by mesic oak woodlands and forests
(C to D quality). The northeast portion of the
unit features a relatively steep west- to
southeast -facing slope. Drainageways with
moderate erosion flow east to west near the
Photo 2: View of the northern portion of Unit 2.
shared border with Unit 1; these drainageways
appear to originate at a culvert outlet on the eastern edge of the park (near Garden View Drive), flow through
two depressional wetlands, and into Alimagnet Lake. The dense, continuous canopy/sub-canopy is
dominated by white oak (Quercus alba) and northern pin oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis); other species include bur
oak (Quercus macrocarpa), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), quaking aspen
(Populus tremuloides), black cherry (Prunus serotina), American elm (Ulmus americana), and box elder (Acer
negundo). The moderately dense understory/shrub layer contains variable cover by invasive species including
common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), and to a lesser extent, non-native honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.).
Other understory/shrub species include box elder, hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), riverbank grape (Vitis
riparia), and prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum). The moderately sparse but relatively diverse ground
layer includes many forbs, grasses, and woody species, including Virginia stickseed (Hackelia virginiana),
Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica), Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), wild bergamot (Monarda
fistulosa), and moderate cover by common buckthorn seedlings. A dense stand of invasive Japanese
knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) can be found in the northeast portion of the unit. Buckthorn removals have
occurred in recent years in the northwest portion of Unit 2, and replacement plantings have included native
and some non-native/ornamental species (see Appendix A for species observed).
Due to the unit's steep slopes (some >25%) and highly erodible soils (dominated by Kingsley-Mahtomedi
complex, 8-15% slopes), multiple erosion gullies have formed. Management activities should be conducted
with care, especially given the unit's adjacency to Alimagnet Lake.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 35
UNIT 3 (SW forest/woodland unit):
Area: 20.5 acres
Dominant MLCCS Classifications:
• Oak forest - mesic subtype
Evaluation and Ecological Concerns:
Unit 3 is located in the southwest portion of the
park, west of Unit 1 and just east of Burnsville's
portion of the park (Figure 12). The unit is
dominated by mesic oak woodlands and forests
(almost entirely CD quality). The dense,
continuous canopy/sub-canopy is dominated by
white oak (Quercus alba). Other canopy/sub-
canopy species include northern pin oak
Photo 3: View of the southeast portion of Unit 3.
(Quercus ellipsoidalis), American elm (Ulmus americana), black cherry (Prunus serotina), and green ash
(Fraxinus pennsylvanica). The moderately sparse understory/shrub layer is dominated by common buckthorn
(Rhamnus cathartica). Less common species include nannyberry (Viburnum lentago), black cherry,
chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), common blackberry (Rubus
allegheniensis), black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis), Missouri gooseberry (Ribes cf missouriense), and invasive
honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.). The moderately sparse ground layer contains moderate cover of common
buckthorn seedlings and sparse cover of several herbaceous invasive species including common burdock
(Arctium minus), ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), and Japanese hedge parsley (Torilis japonica). Native
forbs, graminoids, and woody species include pointed -leaf tick -trefoil (Desmodium glutinosum), false
Solomon's seal (Maianthemum racemosum), early meadow -rue (Thalictrum dioicum), Pennsylvania sedge
(Carex cf pensylvanica), and scattered oak seedlings. Buckthorn removals occurred between 2014 and 2016 in
the southern two-thirds of Unit 3, but it appears limited subsequent management was conducted.
The park's disc golf course extends through the central portion of Unit 3 (Figure 12), resulting in areas of
cleared vegetation and bare soils. As with Units 1 and 2, steep slopes (many >25%), ravines, and highly
erodible soils (dominated by Kingsley sandy loam) require that management activities be conducted with care,
especially given the unit's adjacency to Alimagnet Lake.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 36
UNIT 4 (NW forest/woodland unit):
Area: 10.1 acres
Dominant MLCCS Classifications:
• Oak forest — mesic subtype
Upland soils with planted, maintained or
cultivated coniferous trees
Evaluation and Ecological Concerns:
Unit 4 is in the northwest portion of the park
with Alimagnet Lake to the east, Burnsville's
portion of the park to the west, and Unit 3 to the
south (Figure 12). Steep, northeast -facing slopes
leading down to the lake comprise the northern
portion of the unit, while the southern portion
contains less abrupt, largely southeast -facing
Photo 4: View of the northern portion of Unit 4.
slopes. The 1937 aerial photograph (Figure 4) shows most of this unit to be sparsely wooded, and the
southeastern portion of the unit was treeless. Currently, the unit is dominated by mesic oak woodlands and
forest (BC to CD quality). The dense, continuous canopy/sub-canopy is dominated by white oak (Quercus
alba). Other trees occurring less frequently include northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and paper birch (Betula
papyrifera). The moderately sparse understory/shrub layer is dominated by common buckthorn (Rhamnus
cathartica). Other woody invasives including glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) and honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.)
are scattered throughout the unit. Other native understory and shrub species include ironwood (Ostrya
virginiana) and gray dogwood (Corpus racemosa). The moderately sparse ground layer contains seedlings of
invasive shrubs including common buckthorn, and less frequently, honeysuckle and glossy buckthorn. Native
woody species in the ground layer include white oak seedlings, red raspberry (Rubus idaeus), riverbank grape
(Vitis riparia), black cherry (Prunus serotina), and woodbine (Parthenocissus inserta). Herbaceous native
ground layer species include sedges (Carex sp.), Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), pointed -leaf
tick -trefoil (Desmodium glutinosum), tall hairy agrimony (Agrimonia gryposepala), and enchanter's nightshade
(Circaea lutetiana) among others.
A stand of planted pines exists in the southeastern portion of the unit (which was treeless in 1937; see Figure
4). This planted pine stand is not considered a natural community (hence it has a quality rank of "NN"). The
canopy/subcanopy is dominated by mature red pine (Pinus resinoso), but also contains white pine (Pinus
strobus). Sparse understory/shrub and ground layers lie below the pines.
This unit has not undergone management. Most of the soil in the unit is mapped as Kingsley sandy loam (3 to
8% slopes). The remaining areas bordering Alimagnet Lake are comprised of Kingsley-Mahtomedi complex
(15-25% slopes, highly erodible) and Auburndale silt loam. As with previously -described units, these slope and
soil conditions require that management activities be conducted with care, especially adjacent to Alimagnet
La ke.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 37
UNIT 5 (herbaceous/open water wetlands):
Area: 1.9 acres (all basins combined)
Dominant MLCCS Classifications:
• Semipermanent flooded altered/non-
native-dominated vegetation
• Mixed emergent marsh
• Palustrine open water
Evaluation and Ecological Concerns:
Unit 5 is comprised of 11 open -water and
herbaceous wetlands (5A through 5K) scattered
throughout Units 1 through 4. These basins
range in quality from C to NN and contain an
assortment of native and invasive forbs and
Photo 5: View of a shallow marsh within in the southern
portion of Unit 2.
graminoids. The edges of these basins tend to be dominated by invasive, non-native reed canary grass
(Phalaris arundinacea); however, a variety of native species are also present, including graminoids such as lake
sedge (Carex lacustris), American manna grass (Glyceria grandis), and soft -stem bulrush (Schoenoplectus
tabernaemontani). Common forbs across these basins include nodding bur -marigold (Bidens cernua), mad -
dog skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), and northern bugleweed (Lycopus uniflorus). Open water portions of
these basins contained varying densities of two floating species: watermeal (Wolffia sp.) and common
duckweed (Lemna minor). Shrubs, including gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), nannyberry (Viburnum
lentago), and invasive common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), are common along the perimeter of these
communities.
Most of these basins are too small to be mapped as a discreate soil map unit, but most are found within areas
mapped as Auburndale silt loam. Water quality in the wetlands was observed to be generally clear, and as
mentioned in the Unit 2 description, an eroding drainageway flows through two of these basins on the
southern edge of that unit.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 38
UNIT 6 (sedge meadow):
Area: 0.3 acres
Dominant MLCCS Classifications:
• Wet meadow, seasonally flooded
Evaluation and Ecological Concerns:
Unit 6 is located in the southwest portion of the
park, within Unit 3. This wetland is a sedge
meadow (BC quality) and contains a diverse
assemblage of native graminoids and forbs. The
wetland is dominated by sedges including lake
sedge (Carex lacustris). Forbs include nodding
bur -marigold (Bidens cernua), mad -dog skullcap
Photo 6: View from the southern portion of Unit 6.
(Scutellaria lateriflora), buttercups (Ranunculus sp.), bulbet-bearing water hemlock (Cicuto bulbifera) and
others. Although native graminoids dominate the wetland, invasive species including purple loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria) occur sparsely on the wetland's edge.
This basin is mapped as Quam silt loam, a very deep, poorly drained soil series. Unit 6 represents a
particularly high -quality plant community within the park that warrants prioritized protection and
management.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 39
UNIT 7 (invasive cattail marsh):
Area: 1.2 acres
Dominant MLCCS Classifications:
• Semi permanently flooded altered/non-
native herbaceous vegetation
Evaluation and Ecological Concerns:
Unit 7 is located in the southwestern portion of
the park and is dominated by a dense stand of
invasive narrow -leaved (Typha angustifolia) or
hybrid (Typha x-glauca) cattail; therefore its
ecological quality rank is NN. Other herbaceous
vegetation includes native nodding bur -marigold
Photo 7: View of the east portion of Unit 7.
(Bidens cernua) and Canadian wood nettle (Loporteo conadensis), and additional invasive species include
purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). A very sparse shrub layer
consists of scattered pussy willow (Salix discolor), black willow (Salix cf nigra), and silver maple (Acer
saccharinum).
The Quam silt loam underlying the management unit was formed in silty water -sorted sediments in
depressions on glacial moraines.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 40
UNIT 8 (shoreline wetlands):
Area: 0.6 acres
Dominant MLCCS Classifications:
• Saturated altered/non-native
herbaceous vegetation
• Littoral open water
Evaluation and Ecological Concerns:
Unit 8 consists of three shoreline wetlands
along the edge of Alimagnet Lake, adjacent to
Management Unit 3. These wetlands consist of
rooted herbaceous vegetation that transitions
into the shallow, littoral zone of the lake. All
Photo 8: View of wetland 8C and Alimagnet Lake.
three wetlands are dominated by invasive reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), so they are of NN quality;
however, they also contain native ground layer species such as jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), nodding bur -
marigold (Bidens cernua), and bulrushes (Scirpus spp.), which indicates they might have the capacity to
recover, if reed canary grass were to be controlled. Woody vegetation, mostly on the upland edges of the
wetlands, included black willow (Salix cf nigra), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), green ash (Fraxinus
pennsylvanica), nannyberry (Viburnum lentago), common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), red -osier
dogwood (Cornus sericea), gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), and invasive common buckthorn (Rhamnus
cathartica). These wetlands are mapped as Auburndale silt loam, consisting of loess or silty alluvium, and are
associated with depressions and drainageways on ground moraines.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 41.
Table 2: Summary of Land Management Unit Quality
Land Management Unit
MLCCS Classification Description
Management
Quality
Dominant Soil Type
Unit Area [acres]
Index
15% slopes)
complex (8-15% slopes)
e Oak forest — mesic subtype
Kingsley sandy loam (3-
UNIT 3
20.5
CD to D
8% and 15-25% slopes)
e Oak forest — mesic subtype
Kingsley sandy loam (3-
UNIT4
e Upland soils with planted, maintained or
10.1
BC to NN
8% slopes)
cultivated coniferous trees
e Semi -permanent flooded altered/non-
native-dominated vegetation
UNIT 5
0 Mixed emergent marsh
1.9
Cto NN
Auburndale silt loam
0 Palustrine open water
UNIT 6
e Wet meadow, seasonally flooded
0.3
BC
Quam silt loam
e Sernipermanently flooded altered/non-
UNIT 7
1.2
NN
Quam silt loam
native herbaceous vegetation
e Saturated altered/non-native
UNIT 8
herbaceous vegetation
0.6
NN
Auburndale silt loam
e Littoral open water
TOTAL
78.3
B. Previous Restoration Activities
Before addressing the specific priorities and activities for each Management Unit, it is important to
acknowledge the past efforts to restore Alimagnet Park undertaken by the City of Burnsville and its partners
over many years. Past restoration work in the Apple Valley portion of the park has been limited to removal of
invasive brush in2O14-2Ol6inthe southwestern portion. |tappears that little ifany management followed
the initial removals.
Table 3: Historical Land Management Activity
Year/Season
Unit
Activity
Responsible
Work Treatment under
Party
Management Agreement
Undesirable wood vegetation thinned
City/Great River
2014-2016
2,3
and removed over 20 acres of oak
Greening/Con-
None
woods including herbicide treatments
and a controlled burn
tractor
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 42
Dakota County encompasses a variety of ecological subsections, including Big Woods, Oak Savanna, the
Rochester Plateau, and the St. Paul Baldwin Plains and Moraines. Each subsection contains multiple habitats
and hosts an associated suite of wildlife Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Coupled with an
abundance of water resources, these habitats supported diverse plant communities and associated wildlife.
However, over time, European settlement brought many changes to the landscape. The deep, fertile soils of
most prairies were converted to agricultural fields. Forests were logged, wetlands were drained, and stream
and river courses and flows were altered. Overhunting was also a major issue and many wildlife populations
declined precipitously.
Large mammal species, including bison, elk, black bears, wolves, and mountain lions were once found in the
County. In the 1800s, early explorers and settlers, from Radisson to Hennepin, documented bison grazing the
prairie terraces near Fort Snelling. By 1860, bison were nearly extirpated from all of North America. During
the drought years in the 1930s, numerous elk antlers were retrieved from shallow lakes in southern
Minnesota, evidence of their historic presence on the landscape. Black bears, among other predators, were
common throughout the 18t" and 19t" centuries, demonstrating that the animal diversity in the state and the
County could support a variety of large predators.
Smaller mammals were also likely more abundant in the County during the pre -settlement era. From fur
traders' records in the 1930s, it is evident that beaver, muskrat, and mink were killed for their furs; and
populations of these species declined precipitously. Prairie species, such as Franklin's ground squirrel,
American badger, and several vole and mice species declined with the conversion of prairie and savanna to
agriculture, though these declines are mostly anecdotal.
Hunting and land use changes also affected bird populations. The extinction of the passenger pigeon
highlights the extreme pressure that hunting had on many of the County's wildlife species, while species, such
as prairie chickens, were locally extirpated as prairie was converted to agriculture. Waterfowl populations
declined as well, due to hunting and wetland drainage for agriculture and development. During the mid-20tn
century, predators such as hawks, bald eagles, and owls, were negatively impacted by hunting and human -
caused pollution. Chemicals, such as DDT, caused declines in populations of species like bald eagles, as the
chemical weakened eggshells and led to low brood success. This species was listed as threatened on the first
state endangered species list published in 1984, but recently has been de -listed.
Largely anecdotal information exists regarding the decline of reptiles and amphibians in the County. Many
reptiles, such as eastern racers and six -lined racerunners, depend on prairie habitat — particularly bluff prairies
— and have likely experienced precipitous declines given historic habitat conversion. Wetland drainage and
pollution by fertilizers and other chemicals have led to declines in wetland species, including amphibians, such
as Blanchard's cricket frog, and reptiles, such as Blanding's turtles. These more amphibious species are not
only tied to land and water habitats but are also often sensitive to pollution of these habitats.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 43
Soil erosion from agricultural operations and intense land use increased sediment loads to rivers and streams,
negatively affecting aquatic ecosystems. Suburban development resulted in more warm water runoff into
cool streams, which led to adverse thermal effects and stressed aquatic life. These land use changes had
many negative effects on wildlife. Frog and salamander species, sensitive to chemicals and changes in
hydrology, declined. As runoff and pollution flowed into rivers like the Vermillion, it resulted in declines in
many types of aquatic species. Brook trout, for example, are sensitive to warm water; and rivers like the
Vermillion saw declines in trout populations as runoff, pollution, and warm water from treatment plants
flowed into the river. While there is conflicting evidence as to whether brook trout were native to the river,
having potentially been stocked in the 1800s, trout decline throughout the 20t" century is a clear example of
the effects of development on wildlife. Brook trout are now restricted to only three streams in the entire
County.
Importantly, the combination of research, public interest, education, changing attitudes, laws and regulations,
and increased land protection and natural resource management have had a generally beneficial effect on
wildlife during the last decades. Increased environmental regulation has benefitted wildlife populations.
Beginning in the 1980s, the introduction of water quality rules at the federal and state levels has improved
water quality impacted by point source pollution (e.g., waste -water treatment plants), and is also providing a
solid framework to quantify and limit non -point sources (e.g., field runoff), which should greatly benefit
wildlife that relies on clean water. Other pollution regulations, like the ban on the use of DDT, have resulted in
increases in bald eagle and other raptor populations in the County and in the entire region. A greater focus on
land conservation has also ensured that there is available habitat for County wildlife. For example, the
establishment and expansion of critical protected public and private lands has protected habitat for numerous
SGCN and other wildlife. Ecological restoration of these and other habitats has also ensured that quality
habitat exists for these populations. And finally, an increase in public involvement in conservation has
benefited a number of species. For example, the rebound of the bluebird population, from its historic low in
the mid-1900s, was due in large part to nest box campaigns involving local citizens.
Unfortunately, residential and agricultural development, invasive species, and climate change continue to
have significant impacts on County wildlife. Animals that require specific habitat types or habitats adversely
impacted by development, agriculture, and pollution, have been most impacted. Invasive species have
become one of the most significant issues for native species diversity in Minnesota. Invasive shrubs, like
buckthorn, not only adversely affect native plant diversity, but have been shown to cause declines in shrub -
nesting bird species. Invasive European earthworms have also been linked to declines in forest floor dwellers
like salamanders and ovenbirds.
Looking forward, tree pests and diseases, like the emerald ash borer and oak wilt, have been shown to provide
avenues for the introduction of invasive plant species, which could negatively affect wildlife in the future.
Conversely, these tree maladies may also provide welcome habitat for species like cavity -nesting birds.
Climate change effects on wildlife will depend on a number of factors and are predicted to shift the range of
many species northward and potentially out of Dakota County. Ultimately, climate change may either create
or remove habitat for many native wildlife species.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 44
One of the main restoration goals for Alimagnet Park is to increase wildlife habitat. Providing
improved habitat for the species present at Alimagnet Park, as well as restoring habitat for species that
have vanished but may have historically used Alimagnet Park, will help increase plant and animal
diversity and overall ecosystem health. Refer to Tomorrows Habitat for the Wild and Rare: An Action
Plan for Minnesota Wildlife (DNR 2005) to determine and plan for SGCNs that could potentially use
Alimagnet Park. Apart from plant community restoration, there are specific restoration tasks that
could be undertaken to encourage wildlife use of Alimagnet Park. For example, red-headed
woodpeckers, a Rochester Plateau and Oak Savanna subsection SGCN, depend on dead trees in mixed
forests and oak savanna habitats for nesting and feeding. A long-term goal of this restoration plan is to
establish a mixture of savanna and woodland habitats with different aged tree species ("mixed stand")
that will provide varied structure for wildlife. Management that retains or creates dead trees in the
park could provide much -needed habitat for species like the red-headed woodpecker.
The City of Apple Valley will explore partnerships with the City of Burnsville and Dakota County to
perform annual aerial deer surveys, weather permitting. The City should monitor annual deer counts
and trends to determine if additional actions are required to balance the needs of the natural and built
environment, along with public safety and public health.
A. Previous Observations and Surveys
Formal wildlife surveys were not conducted for this restoration plan, and limited data are available from other
sources. eBird records of bird observations at Alimagnet Park indicate over 150 species use the site
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2721283?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec).
It is recommended to monitor wildlife in the park to get a better understanding of what species occupy the
site, when, and their health, condition of their populations, etc. At Dakota County Parks, wildlife of a variety
of taxa are regularly monitored over time. Collecting baseline data on wildlife and their populations allows
ecologists to infer whether vegetation management and water resources management goals, decisions, and
implementation strategies are being successful or not. If monitoring occurs for several years, trends will
develop that can be analyzed. Analysis can show which management activities were most effective and help
guide future management of the site, which is an important component of "adaptive management".
Wildlife surveys that would be of interest are the following:
• Birds, including breeding birds and secretive marsh birds
• Insects, including bumble bees, dragonflies, moths, butterflies
• Small mammals
• Frogs and toads
• Bats
• Fish
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 45
• Turtles
• Beavers
• Snakes, skinks, reptiles
If interested, wildlife survey protocols used by Dakota County staff can be shared with City of Apple Valley
staff.
. Eirosion Cointroll
Erosion is currently not a widespread issue at the
park; however, there are a few locations of
concern. An eroding drainageway was observed
flowing westward on the southern edge of Unit 2
(Figure 12). This drainageway, apparently fed by
suburban stormwater discharged from the
adjacent developed area, is experiencing
moderate erosion, which is detrimental to the
forests the drainageway flows through, the
wetlands it flows through, and its receiving
water, Alimagnet Lake. A second eroded
drainageway was identified in the far eastern
Photo 9: Eroded drainageway along border of Units 1 and 2.
portion of Unit 2 (Figure 12). This feature originates near Garden View Drive and is strongly impacted by
stormwater drainage patterns associated with the surrounding suburban landscape. These two eroding
drainageways should be monitored, and opportunities should be explored to reduce stormwater inputs
and/or the rate of flow into these drainageways.
Some of the trails and disc golf areas leading down towards Alimagnet Lake showed signs of erosion. This is
largely due to the absence of vegetation, compacted soils, and opportunities for sheet runoff to be
concentrated as it flows downslope. These areas could be improved through a combination of minor re-
grading (to prevent flows from concentrating in the first place), soil decompaction and revegetation, and
routing foot traffic to more stable, sustainable locations.
Any management activities conducted on the park's steep slopes, especially those leading down to Alimagnet
Lake or other water resources, should be approached with care. For example, wheeled or tracked equipment
(e.g., skid steer) is not appropriate in most of these steep locations, and any soil disturbance should be
immediately stabilized (e.g., erosion control blanket, appropriate native seeding) and monitored until erosion
is no longer a concern.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 46
m Shorelline Stalbikation
The shoreline of Alimagnet Lake is generally quite stable (i.e., not eroding) despite the relatively steep slopes
that lead down to the waterline in many areas. Therefore, regular monitoring or erosion interventions do not
appear to be warranted at this time. Sediment deposition that appears to have collected over the years was
observed on the lake's shoreline at Unit 8B. This sediment appears to have originated from erosion of the trail
leading down to that location.
B. Vegetation Management
m Management Unit Tairget Hant Communities and Goalls
The primary objective for Alimagnet Park is to improve the plant communities to better reflect the diversity,
composition, and structure that would have been present at the time of European settlement and to improve
the ecological functions that the historical native plant communities would have provided. Target
communities, particularly wetland communities, are approximate and represent a complex vegetation mosaic.
Different portions of a single wetland Management Unit may require different management goals and
techniques. Restoration and management efforts will approximate the target communities shown in Figure
.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 47
Figure 13: Recommended Target Communities
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 48
Recommended target plant communities are described by the MNDNR (2005), and detailed descriptions can
be found at the following links (the code at end of each link below references the plant community types
shown in Figure 13):
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Goals for each of the land Management Units are described below. More detailed descriptions of Sub -unit
prioritization, scheduling, and tasks is provided in Table 5.
UNIT 1:
Restoration goals: Work in Unit 1 is not expected to occur within the next five years, but when possible in
future years, target management activities include:
1. Remove and control all invasive trees (and possibly selectively thin aggressive native trees, like
boxelder) to prepare the canopy/sub-canopy for native diversification and for achieving target canopy
cover (70-90%) over the coming decades. Take care not to remove snags and all of the large dead or
dying trees (unless they are diseased), since these are important for wildlife habitat. Heterogeneity
throughout the unit is advantageous for species and habitat diversity. For instance, canopy gaps
(sometimes formed naturally by oak wilt or localized blowdown) can be beneficial by providing areas
with greater sunlight and increased ground layer vegetation diversity.
2. Remove and control all invasive understory/shrub layer vegetation and, if warranted, selectively thin
native understory/shrub layer vegetation to increase sunlight reaching the ground layer and to
improve views to the lake. Coverage goal of invasive brush will be <10%, and visual permeability goal
through understory/shrub layer (leaf -on conditions) will be >_50%.
3. Where there is sufficient fine fuel (e.g., oak leaves), conduct at least one prescribed burn (to reduce
reliance on herbicide for control of vegetation). In order to protect vulnerable wildlife species,
unburned refugia should be left within the unit, which is typically accomplished naturally through
natural heterogeneity of burn coverage due to site conditions.
4. After restoration/management is initiated in this unit, annually conduct critical cuts and/or fall foliar
spraying of invasive shrubs, and spot spray invasive herbaceous vegetation as necessary to achieve
<10% cover.
5. After invasive vegetation is under control, conduct native overseeding where warranted (ideally post
burning) using appropriate native herbaceous species (see description of FDs37, Southern Dry-Mesic
Oak (Maple) Woodland).
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 49
6. Conduct annual monitoring to assess progress, evaluate achievement of performance standards, and
allow for adaptive management.
UNIT 2:
Restoration goals: Work in Unit 2 is not expected to occur within the next five years, but when possible in
future years, target management activities include:
1. Remove and control all invasive trees (and possibly selectively thin aggressive native trees, like
boxelder) to prepare the canopy/sub-canopy for native diversification and for achieving target canopy
cover (70-90%) over the coming decades. Take care not to remove snags and all of the large dead or
dying trees (unless they are diseased), since these are important for wildlife habitat. Heterogeneity
throughout the unit is advantageous for species and habitat diversity. For instance, canopy gaps
(sometimes formed naturally by oak wilt or localized blowdown) can be beneficial by providing areas
with greater sunlight and increased ground layer vegetation diversity.
2. Remove and control all invasive understory/shrub layer vegetation and, if warranted, selectively thin
native understory/shrub layer vegetation to increase sunlight reaching the ground layer and to
improve views to the lake. Coverage of invasive brush will be <10%, and visual permeability through
understory/shrub layer (leaf -on conditions) will be >_50%.
3. Where there is sufficient fine fuel (e.g., oak leaves), conduct at least one prescribed burn (to reduce
reliance on herbicide for control of vegetation). In order to protect vulnerable wildlife species,
unburned refugia should be left within the unit, which is typically accomplished naturally through
natural heterogeneity of burn coverage due to site conditions.
4. After restoration/management is initiated in this unit, annually conduct critical cuts and/or fall foliar
spraying of invasive shrubs, and spot spray invasive herbaceous vegetation as necessary to achieve
<10% cover.
5. After invasive vegetation is under control, conduct native overseeding where warranted (ideally post
burning) using appropriate native herbaceous species (see description of FDs37, Southern Dry-Mesic
Oak (Maple) Woodland).
6. Conduct annual monitoring to assess progress, evaluate achievement of performance standards, and
allow for adaptive management.
UNIT 3:
Restoration goals: Work in Unit 3 is a priority, due to previous investments in invasive brush removal and its
adjacency to ongoing restoration and management work in the Burnsville portion of the park.
1. Within five years, remove and control all invasive trees (and possibly selectively thin aggressive native
trees, like boxelder) to prepare the canopy/sub-canopy for native diversification and for achieving
target cover (70-90%) over the coming decades. Take care not to remove snags and all of the large
dead or dying trees (unless they are diseased), since these are important for wildlife habitat.
Heterogeneity throughout the unit is advantageous for species and habitat diversity. For instance,
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 50
canopy gaps (sometimes formed naturally by oak wilt or localized blowdown) can be beneficial by
providing areas with greater sunlight and increased ground layer vegetation diversity.
2. Within five years, remove and control all invasive understory/shrub layer vegetation and, if warranted,
selectively thin native understory/shrub layer vegetation to increase sunlight reaching the ground layer
and to improve views to the lake. Coverage of invasive brush will be <10%, and visual permeability
through understory/shrub layer (leaf -on conditions) will be >_50%.
3. Within five years, where there is sufficient fine fuel (e.g., oak leaves), conduct at least one prescribed
burn (to reduce reliance on herbicide for control of vegetation). In order to protect vulnerable wildlife
species, unburned refugia should be left within the unit, which is typically accomplished naturally
through natural heterogeneity of burn coverage due to site conditions.
4. Annually conduct critical cuts and/or fall foliar spraying of invasive shrubs, and spot spray invasive
herbaceous vegetation with spot spraying as necessary to achieve <5% cover.
5. Within five years (but only after sufficient removal and control of invasive species), conduct native
overseeding where warranted (ideally post burning) using appropriate native herbaceous species (see
description of FDs37, Southern Dry-Mesic Oak (Maple) Woodland).
6. Conduct annual monitoring to assess progress, evaluate achievement of performance standards, and
allow for adaptive management.
UNIT 4:
Restoration goals: Work outside of the pine plantation/altered forest (i.e., outside of Sub -unit 4A) is not
expected to occur within the next five years, but when possible in future years, target management activities
include:
1. Remove and control all invasive trees (and possibly selectively thin aggressive native trees, like
boxelder) to prepare the canopy/sub-canopy for native diversification and for achieving target cover
(70-90%) over the coming decades. Take care not to remove snags and all of the large dead or dying
trees (unless they are diseased), since these are important for wildlife habitat. Heterogeneity
throughout the unit is advantageous for species and habitat diversity. For instance, canopy gaps
(sometimes formed naturally by oak wilt or localized blowdown) can be beneficial by providing areas
with greater sunlight and increased ground layer vegetation diversity.
2. Remove and control all invasive understory/shrub layer vegetation and, if warranted, selectively thin
native understory/shrub layer vegetation to increase sunlight reaching the ground layer and to
improve views to the lake. Coverage of invasive brush will be <10%, and visual permeability through
understory/shrub layer (leaf -on conditions) will be >_50%.
3. Where there is sufficient fine fuel (e.g., oak leaves), conduct at least one prescribed burn throughout
unit. In order to protect vulnerable wildlife species, unburned refugia should be left within the unit,
which is typically accomplished naturally through natural heterogeneity of burn coverage due to site
conditions.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 51.
4. After restoration/management is initiated in this unit, annually conduct critical cuts and/or fall foliar
spraying of invasive shrubs, and spot spray invasive herbaceous vegetation as necessary to achieve
<10% cover.
5. After invasive vegetation is under control, conduct native overseeding where warranted (ideally post
burning) using appropriate native herbaceous species (see description of FDs37, Southern Dry-Mesic
Oak (Maple) Woodland).
6. Conduct annual monitoring to assess progress, evaluate achievement of performance standards, and
allow for adaptive management.
SUB -UNIT 4A:
Restoration goals: Work in the pine plantation/altered forest is a lower priority, due to the prevalence of
planted pines, but the stand could be thinned and managed for long-term healthier trees.
1. Within five years, remove and control all invasive trees and at least begin to selectively thin planted
pines. Goal is to remove at least half of the trees over a period of five to ten years.
2. Within five years, remove and control all invasive understory/shrub layer vegetation to increase
sunlight reaching the ground layer. Coverage of invasive brush will be <10%.
3. Within five years, if advantageous to restoration goals and where there is sufficient fine fuel (e.g., oak
leaves, pine needles), conduct at least one prescribed burn throughout the subunit (to reduce reliance
on herbicide for control of vegetation), but protect any young/vulnerable plantings.
4. Within five years, after invasive vegetation is under control, conduct native overseeding where
warranted (ideally post burning) using appropriate native herbaceous species (FDc34, Central Dry-
Mesic Pine -Hardwood Forest).
5. Annually control invasive herbaceous vegetation with spot spraying as necessary to achieve <5% cover.
6. Long-term, burn on a rotation of approximately every 20 to 30 years.
7. Conduct annual monitoring to assess progress, evaluate achievement of performance standards, and
allow for adaptive management.
UNIT 5:
Restoration goals: Work in these wetlands is not expected to occur within the next five years, but when
possible in future years, the City should prioritize which wetland basins they would like to enhance. In general,
it is recommended that higher quality wetlands (e.g., SB) and/or wetlands within priority forest restoration
areas (i.e., SG, SH, and 51, being within forest management Unit 3) be enhanced before other wetlands. Future
target management activities include:
1. Remove and control all invasive understory/shrub layer vegetation on wetland fringes.
2. Remove and control all invasive herbaceous vegetation in wetlands.
3. After restoration/management is initiated in a wetland, annually control invasive herbaceous
vegetation with spot spraying as necessary to achieve <5% cover.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 52
4. Where there is sufficient fine fuel in the unit's wetlands, burn entire basins at least once (to reduce
reliance on herbicide for control of vegetation).
5. After invasive vegetation is under control, conduct native overseeding in low native cover/diversity
areas using appropriate native herbaceous species (see descriptions of WPs54 (Southern Wet Prairie),
WMn82 (Northern Wet Meadow/Carr), and MRn83 (Northern Mixed Cattail Marsh)).
6. Conduct annual monitoring to assess progress, evaluate achievement of performance standards, and
allow for adaptive management.
UNIT 6:
Restoration goals: Work in Unit 6 is a priority, due to the relatively high quality of this wetland. Target
management activities include:
1. Within five years, begin annual control of invasive woody and herbaceous vegetation with spot
spraying as necessary to achieve <5% cover.
2. Within five years, burn the entire wetland at least once (to reduce reliance on herbicide for control of
vegetation).
3. Within five years, after invasive vegetation is under control, native overseeding where warranted
(ideally post burning) using appropriate native herbaceous species (see description of WMn82b, Sedge
Meadow).
4. Conduct annual monitoring to assess progress, evaluate achievement of performance standards, and
allow for adaptive management.
IL1111tt�
Restoration goals: Work in this wetland is not expected to occur within the next five years, but if enhancement
of this invasive cattail marsh is desired by the City, when possible in future years, target management activities
include:
1. Remove and control all invasive understory/shrub layer vegetation on the wetland's edge.
2. Remove and control all invasive herbaceous vegetation in wetland.
3. Wick, boom, or spray cattails in the late summer/early fall. Multiple applications over multiple years
will likely be necessary.
4. Burn the entire unit at least once (to reduce reliance on herbicide for control of vegetation), ideally
during a drought year when cattails are stressed.
5. After invasive vegetation is under control, conduct native overseeding in low native cover/diversity
areas using appropriate native herbaceous species (see description of MRn83, Northern Mixed Cattail
Marsh).
6. After restoration/management is initiated, annually control invasive herbaceous vegetation with spot
spraying as necessary to achieve <5% cover.
7. Conduct annual monitoring to assess progress, evaluate achievement of performance standards, and
allow for adaptive management.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 53
UNIT 8:
Restoration goals: Work in one of these shoreline wetlands is a priority as a pilot project. Sub -unit 8B may be
the best candidate, as it is relatively small and would provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of
restoration methods with limited initial investment. Target management activities include:
1. Within five years, remove and control all invasive understory/shrub layer vegetation on the edge of
Sub -unit 8B.
2. Within five years, remove and control all invasive herbaceous vegetation in 8B.
3. Within five years, burn all non -inundated portions of 8B at least once (to reduce reliance on herbicide
for control of vegetation).
4. After invasive vegetation is under control, conduct native overseeding where warranted in 8B using
appropriate native herbaceous species (see description of WMn82 (Northern Wet Meadow/Carr).
5. Annually control invasive herbaceous vegetation (particularly reed canary grass) with spot spraying as
necessary to achieve <5% cover.
6. Within five years, conduct native shallow emergent plug planting in the shallow lake zone of 813, ideally
in May or June; see description of LKi32 (Inland Lake Sand/Gravel/Cobble Shoreline). Sub -units 8A and
8B had more organic and loamy substrates, so emergent species found in LKi54 (Inland Lake Clay/Mud
Shore) may be more appropriate for those locations.
7. Conduct annual monitoring to assess progress, evaluate achievement of performance standards, and
allow for adaptive management.
m Suggested Future Considerations
Ecosystem Approach
As the science of restoration ecology has advanced over recent decades, an ecosystem approach to
restoration and management has become more accepted. This approach, which has been assimilated into this
restoration plan, considers all interacting factors in an ecosystem and designs management techniques that
replicate, at lowest practical cost, the ecological structures and processes that enable ecosystems to adapt to
changing conditions. Restoration and management actions are typically considered and implemented in the
following sequence, although not all actions may be applicable to a given site or project. Actions that restore
processes and structures are done first because these may increase species diversity without seeding and
planting. If that fails to restore the desired biodiversity, seeding and planting become necessary.
• Restore natural disturbance regimes (e.g., fire, flooding, grazing).
• Introduce biocontrols when available and feasible.
• Remove and control invasive trees and shrubs mechanically.
• Install native trees and shrubs where suitable.
• Remove and control invasive herbs.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 54
• Install herbaceous seeds and plants.
• Use herbicides sparingly and only when other methods fall short of goals.
• Conduct long-term monitoring, and use adaptive management.
During the implementation, assessment, and refinement of this restoration plan over the coming years, this
ecosystem approach should be considered to help guide decisions and maximize the benefits and efficiency of
restoration efforts.
Climate Change and Target Communities
In general, given the current trends in Minnesota's climate (including projections based on research), it is likely
that the warmer climate, with increased frequency and magnitude of drought, will favor drier plant
communities over the majority of Minnesota, including Alimagnet Park. Many of these drier plant
communities can be efficiently managed with prescribed fire. This restoration plan was developed with this
understanding in mind. As climate predictions are refined over the coming years and decades, adjustments to
this plan (and associated management practices) may become warranted.
Disc Golf Course Expansion
The City of Apple Valley wants to evaluate the pros and cons related to the future of the disc golf course in
Alimagnet Park. Outcomes could be removal of the disc golf course, reduce to a 9 hole course, the
continuation of the current 12 hole course, or an expansion to an 18 hole course. An additional
outcome may be the relocation of existing holes to better meet the needs of protecting the park's
most valuable natural resources.
In general, it is recommended that future disturbances associated with the possible addition of six new
holes occur in close proximity to existing holes and/or in areas of lower ecological quality. Figure 12
illustrates existing infrastructure associated with the disc golf course (yellow pins) as well as the
ecological quality of the park's native plant communities (ranks are represented by black -font labels;
see the legend for a description of each). Using this criteria, disc golf expansion would best be focused
in the southwest portion of Unit 3 and the southern portion of Unit 1. If additional area is needed,
extending disc golf holes along the east edge of Unit 1 (because of its low ecological quality and
adjacent to the neighborhood) or up into Unit 4A (which is low quality due to the presence of a pine
plantation) could also be explored. Once the City has implemented a few years of the
recommendations found in this NRMP it is recommended that a more detailed assessment be
conducted in order to consider detailed site conditions such as specific vegetation communities,
potential for erosion, and site selection criteria of disc golfers. If it is ultimately decided that disc golf is
to remain at the site, the City should also, consider planting native savanna grasses and wildflowers in
between fairways, to provide habitat for wildlife.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 55
B. Water Management
This restoration plan is not focused on water resources —it is more focused on upland resources —however,
Alimagnet Park contains, and is adjacent to, a variety of important aquatic habitats, including Alimagnet Lake,
the namesake of the park. It is well known that uplands and lowlands, although seemingly distinct, are in fact
linked and interdependent systems. Therefore, maintaining a robust plant community in the uplands of
watersheds goes a long way to protecting and maintaining diverse wetland communities and good water
quality in those watersheds. As stated before in this plan, while the shoreline of Alimagnet Lake and the
ravines leading down to it are relatively stable, care should be taken that any restoration and management
activity is done in a manner that does not promote erosion. This concern applies also to other steep slopes
around the park, many of which lead down to depressional wetlands. Regular monitoring of the park's natural
areas will ensure erosion issues are identified and addressed promptly.
In addition, removal of common buckthorn and other non-native shrubs in the woodlands will help improve
water quality, since buckthorn thickets shade out most everything underneath them. This dense shade results
in vast areas of bare soil that is prone to erosion. Thinning of tree and shrub canopies will allow more light to
reach the ground, thus promoting the establishment of grasses and sedges with fine roots that hold onto fine
soil particles, which will reduce soil erosion and sedimentation into basins.
C. WilldlIffe Management
. Priority peciies
While Alimagnet Park provides a variety of habitats for a multitude of species, its extensive oak forests,
woodlands, and savannas provide an important opportunity for birds and other wildlife that are dependent on
this type of habitat. For example, just some of the wildlife species supported by mature upland forests and
oak woodlands are: Acadian flycatcher, cerulean warbler, hooded warbler, prothonotary warbler, wood
thrush, red -shouldered hawk, northern barrens tiger beetle, eastern fox snake, northern long-eared bat, red-
headed woodpecker, whip -poor -will, eastern meadowlark, and many invertebrate pollinators including many
butterfly species. Many of these species are protected or their populations are in decline. For instance, by
removing invasive brush under the canopy of oaks, this should help improve the hunting success for red -
shouldered hawk. Expanding the restoration and management work in the park's forests and woodlands will
continue to increase the acreage and improve the quality of these critical wooded habitats. For example, red -
shouldered hawk prefer open woodlands with scattered small lakes, and will benefit from brush removal
because it improves their hunting success.
In addition to forests and woodlands, the park's many depressional wetlands exhibit a variety of hydrologic
regimes, and hence, a variety of habitats and microhabitats. These wetlands within the park's matrix of
forests and woodlands, creates a rich mosaic of habitats, providing full life -cycle needs to many native wildlife
species, including wood frogs and tiger salamanders, among others.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 56
. PIrobllem Species
The most problematic wildlife species at Alimagnet Park is white-tailed deer. While these charismatic
megafauna are cherished by many residents and park users, they can be detrimental to the restoration and
maintenance of healthy forests and woodlands. Damage to native woody and herbaceous species from deer
grazing, browsing, and rubbing their antlers on trees can harm desirable vegetation, especially delectable
herbaceous plants and young tree plantings.
The City of Apple Valley does not have a program in place to control deer populations.
. 11indicator Species
The following are relatively common bird species that are largely dependent on woodland habitat. Not all
these species would be expected at Alimagnet Park, but many of them would be. Presence/absence can
depend on multiple factors such as the size and shape of the woodland, proximity to prairie or other habitat
types, degree of isolation, and structural and species diversity. There are many additional species that would
also be expected on woodlands but are not considered as woodland -dependent.
Table 4: Woodland Habitat Indicator Bird Species
WOODLAND BIRDS
Cooper's hawk
Eastern wood pewee
Brown creeper
Black -billed cuckoo
Eastern phoebe
Blue -gray gnatcatcher
Great horned owl
Least flycatcher
Ovenbird
Barred owl
Great crested flycatcher
Blue -winged warbler
Red -bellied woodpecker
Yellow -throated vireo
Yellow-rumped warbler
Yellow -bellied sapsucker
Warbling vireo
American redstart
Downy woodpecker
Red -eyed vireo
Scarlet tanager
Hairy woodpecker
Black -capped chickadee
Rose breasted grosbeak
Pileated woodpecker
White breasted nuthatch
Baltimore oriole
Conducting bird surveys is a good way to gauge the habitat status of a natural area. Timing of bird surveys is
important —conducting them during migration periods of spring or fall, versus conducting them in June -July
after spring migration, provides different information. But surveys should include what type of habitat exists
to support a certain suite of bird species, for instance breeding vs. migrating birds. Additionally, the size of the
habitat is important. For instance, even though high -quality savanna might have been restored, if it is too
small an area, or below a critical size, it may not be sufficient to ever attract or support savanna bird species.
. Habitat Enhancements
There are many habitat enhancements that can attract and benefit wildlife species. Brush piles (e.g., cut
buckthorn), nesting boxes (e.g., for bats, wood ducks, bluebirds), and basking logs (e.g., for turtles) are just a
few of the enhancements that can be provided to help wildlife. Consideration should be given to the degree
of labor needed to maintain nesting boxes; however, volunteers may provide such labor. Targeting specific
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 57
wildlife species, such as species of greatest conservation need (SGCN), can provide more guidance regarding
how natural areas should be managed to maximize their benefit for target species. For instance, retaining
snags (standing dead trees) is an effective way to promote habitat for woodpeckers. Specifically for red-
headed woodpecker (an SGCN), it is especially important to retain large snags on the edges of woodlands
adjacent to open grasslands or savanna.
A. Prioritized Tasks
Implementation of restoration and management work requires resources, namely time, labor and money.
Limitations in staffing, volunteers, and funding make it necessary to prioritize projects and tasks. It is wise to
first ensure that all areas where previous restoration/management investments have been made are properly
maintained — otherwise, those efforts may amount to little, if any, conservation value. After ensuring
sufficient funds and attention have been allocated to maintain previous natural areas investments, new
projects can be considered.
Prioritization of new projects can be based on a variety of criteria, including consideration of an area's
location, visibility, current ecological condition, rare natural features, sensitivity to further degradation, etc.
These criteria and others were considered in developing a five-year work plan for Apple Valley's Alimagnet
Park.
B. Five -Year Work Nan
A five-year work plan (see Table 5) was developed to provide guidelines for achieving the recommended
communities shown in Figure 13. This work plan was developed to focus on the natural resource
management and restoration priorities for protecting and improving Apple Valley's Alimagnet Park. The table
includes a list of priorities, activities, schedules, responsibilities, and estimated costs. A general time frame is
described in Table 5, but note that "Year 1" for each Management Unit may be independent of Year 1 in other
Management Units, although they may also coincide. Also note that the costs shown are estimates, based on
similar work at other sites, including City of Burnsville's part of Alimagnet Park. Actual costs may be higher or
lower, depending on multiple factors, including inflation, how many proposals were received, etc. One of the
biggest factors is allowing contractors enough time to provide good proposals and allowing them enough lead
time to implement the work —if a project is a "rush job", prices will be higher. Each Management Unit was
prioritized for restoration need, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the highest.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 58
Table 5: Five -Year Work Plan
Priority One: Unit 3 - Enhance existing forest/woodland
Season/Year
Unit
Activity
Area
Cost Estimate
[acres]
($)
Spring/Summer
3
Mark trees, prepare request for quotes, select contractor and prepare
20.5
$4,000
2024
contracts. Prepare public notices. Manage overall project and yearly
staff/contractor tasks.
Winter 2024-
3
Large-scale woody biomass removal for invasive species and unwanted
20.5
$62,000
2025
woody species. Remove all invasive trees and shrubs; forestry mowing
may be appropriate in areas, recognizing this is "selective" brushing.
Additional canopy thinning may be necessary to achieve target canopy
cover of 70-90%. All saw -cut stumps will be treated, and cut material will
be shredded on site, burned in City -approved locations, or removed from
the site. Where feasible, a finish forestry mow may be warranted after
woody removals in order to shred remaining woody debris and facilitate
future management activities.
2025
3
Controlled burn (wherever fine fuel, including oak leaves, are sufficient to
20.5
$10,300
carry fire).
Annually 2024-
3
Conduct critical cuts and/or fall foliar spraying of invasive shrubs.
20.5
$9,300
2028
Annually 2024-
3
Spot treat invasive herbaceous vegetation.
20.5
$9,300
2028
2025
3
Purchase native seed to overseed post burn.
20.5
$20,500
2025 or 2026
3
Broadcast seed after burn, ensuring good seed -to -soil contact.
20.5
$8,200
2028
3
Controlled burn (wherever fine fuel, including oak leaves, are sufficient to
20.5
$10,300
carry fire)
Annually 2024-
Conduct annual monitoring to assess progress, evaluate achievement of
3
performance standards, and allow for adaptive management. Cost
20.5
$15,000
2028
estimate is for the entire five-year span, not for each year.
$148,900
Sub -total
(assuming
contractor used
for most work)
The table above (for Unit 3) lays out a recommended approach to forest/woodland enhancement that would also be appropriate
for Units 1, 2, and 4. Using the per -acre cost of Unit 3, $7,263.41, and extrapolating for the acres in each of the forest/woodland
units 1, 2, and 4, gives the following:
Unit
Area (acres)
Per -Acre Cost Estimate (based
on Unit 3)
Cost Estimate
1
20.5
$7,263.41
$112,582
2
15.5
$7,263.41
$204,828
4
10.1
$7,263.41
$73,360
Total for all forested/wooded
units, 1, 2, 3 and 4
74.3 Should be 66.6
7,263.41
$ 483,743.41
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 59
Priority Two: Unit 6 - Enhance existing sedge meadow
Season/Year
Unit
Activity
Area
Cost Estimate
[acres]
Annually 2024-
6
Spot treat invasive woody and herbaceous vegetation.
0.3
$2,000
2028
Fall 2024
6
Controlled burn (assume conducted simultaneously with other burn
0.3
$3,000
units in park).
2024
6
Purchase native seed to overseed post burn.
0.3
$300
2024 or 2025
6
Broadcast seed after burn, ensuring good seed -to -soil contact.
0.3
$350
Annually 2024-
6
Conduct annual monitoring to assess progress, evaluate achievement
0.3
$2,000
2028
of performance standards, and allow for adaptive management.
Cost estimate is for the entire five-year span, not for each year.
$ 7,650 (assuming
Sub -total
contractor used for
most work)
Priority Three: Unit 8B — Restore shoreline wetiand (pilot project)
Season/Year
Unit
Activity
Area
Cost Estimate
[acres]
Annually
8B
Spot treat invasive woody and herbaceous vegetation.
0.1
$2,000
2024-2028
Fall 2024
8B
Controlled burn (assume conducted simultaneously with other burn units
0.1
$500
in park).
2024
8B
Purchase native seed to overseed post burn.
0.1
$200
2024 or 2025
8B
Broadcast seed after burn, ensuring good seed -to -soil contact.
0.1
$350
2025
8B
Purchase emergent wetland live plants ("plugs" or potted plants)
0.1
$1,000
2025
8B
Install emergent wetland live plants in shallow water (ideally May/June,
0.1
$2,000
but can be done any time before freezing temps); protect new plantings
from deer browse with fencing or equivalent.
Annually
8B
Conduct annual vegetation monitoring (both of flora and fauna) to assess
0.1
$1,500
2024-2028
progress, evaluate achievement of performance standards, and allow for
adaptive management. Consider conducting breeding bird surveys, and
other wildlife survey, too. Cost estimate is for the entire five-year span,
not for each year.
$ 7,550 (assuming
Sub -total
contractor used
for most work)
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 60
Priority Four: Unit 4A — Convert former pine plantation to savanna.
Season/Year
Unit
Activity
Area
Cost Estimate ($)
[acres]
Spring/Summer
4A
Prepare silvicultural prescription to encourage an uneven -aged
1.4
$500
2024
stand distribution and create a healthier, more resilient pine
stand. Mark trees, prepare request for quotes, select contractor
and prepare contracts. Prepare public notices. Manage overall
project and yearly staff/contractor tasks.
Winter 2024-
4A
Large-scale woody biomass removal for invasive species and
1.4
$20,000
2025
unwanted woody species (including pines removed as part of
prescription). Remove all invasive trees and shrubs; forestry
mowing may be appropriate in areas, recognizing this is
"selective" brushing. All saw -cut stumps will be treated, and cut
material will be shredded on site, burned in City -approved
locations, or removed from the site. Where feasible, a finish
forestry mow may be warranted after woody removals in order to
shred remaining woody debris and facilitate future management
activities.
2025
4A
Controlled burn (wherever fine fuel sufficient to carry fire).
1.4
$8,500
Annually 2024-
4A
Conduct critical cuts and/or fall foliar spraying of invasive shrubs.
1.4
$2,000
2028
Annually 2024-
4A
Spot treat invasive herbaceous vegetation.
1.4
$2,000
2028
2025
4A
Purchase native seed, appropriate for a Central Dry-Mesic Pine
1.4
$1,000
Hardwood Forest (FDc34), to overseed post burn.
2025 or 2026
4A
Broadcast seed after burn, ensuring good seed -to -soil contact.
1.4
$350
Annually 2024-
4A
Conduct annual monitoring to assess progress, evaluate
1.4
$2,000
2028
achievement of performance standards, and allow for adaptive
management. Cost estimate is for the entire five-year span, not
for each year.
$ 36,350 (assuming
Sub -total
contractor used for
most work)
$ 535,293(assuming
TOTAL for 4 Projects (76 acres) should be 68.31
contractor used for
most work)
Other issues for consideration at Alimagnet Park include:
Impervious Surfaces. Parking lots, roadways, buildings, and, to a lesser degree, athletic fields, produce
runoff, which, if not properly managed, can degrade natural areas, especially surface water resources.
While out of the scope of this restoration plan, it may be beneficial to assess runoff from impervious
surfaces in the park to identify and rectify any problem areas. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
"Minnesota Stormwater Manual" provides background information and design recommendations for a
broad range of stormwater best management practices (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 2022).
Recommend limiting impervious surfaces in the park and watersheds of the park to no more than 10% of
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 61.
the total area of the watershed (Schueler 1994; Arnold and Gibbons 1996; Chithra et al 2015). If
watersheds cannot be limited to 10% impervious cover, then they should be limited to no more than 25%
impervious cover. The key resource objective for these watersheds is to mitigate impacts to the greatest
extent possible, using effective best management practices.
• Trails. Apple Valley's Alimagnet Park is beloved
for its extensive trail network (only some of the
park's trails are shown on Figure 13). Most of
these trails appear stable; however, some were
observed to be actively eroding, and erosion
may continue to be a problem, especially along
steep slopes, heavily used areas (e.g., disc golf
areas), and where the public creates their own
trails. Monitoring of trails for their condition
and stability is recommended. The DNR
provides guidelines for sustainable trail design
in their publication "Trail Planning, Design, and
Development Guidelines" (DNR 2007).
Photo 10: Eroded trail in the southern portion of Unit 1
• Pesticide and Herbicide Use. Restoring native species dominance in all vegetation layers of a plant
community often justifies the use of herbicides. If native dominance can be restored without herbicides,
spot -treatment may still be appropriate to eliminate colonies of the most problematic species. Some
invasive plant species can be managed with mowing or hand -pulling, but in most cases targeted herbicide
treatment is the best means of control, or a combination of mechanical and chemical methods. The public
is increasingly concerned about herbicides and other pesticides used on public land. City staff may be
contacted for information in response to restoration and management involving herbicides. A consistent
message should be conveyed to the public by City staff who receive inquiries about herbicides:
o The City minimizes herbicide use by taking an ecosystem approach and following Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) practices. When deemed necessary, the City allows use of herbicides with the
lowest toxicity to achieve restoration goals.
o Herbicide application on City -managed lands is applied at the lowest effective concentration by
licensed applicators following manufacturer's instructions.
o Recommended safety precautions are followed by herbicide applicators, and signage is installed as
appropriate to inform the public of herbicide use and appropriate exclusion intervals following
application.
The amount of herbicide applied for ecological restoration and management is at levels far below that
used in agricultural fields. Moreover, the herbicide is often precisely applied to small areas, such as a cut
stump or individual thistle clump. Preference is given to sponge- or wick -application or low-pressure
nozzle to minimize drift and spillage. Restoration professionals prefer to use broadcast herbicide
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 62
application as a tool of last resort, in order to remove a dominant invasive plant in a vegetation layer that
is resistant to other approaches.
• Community Engagement & Education. Providing opportunities to educate and engage the public in natural
areas management is an important opportunity to advance and expand municipal natural resources
programs. Increasing people's understanding and appreciation for ecological restoration and management
will provide community support for such projects, which can be realized through volunteerism as well as
public support for natural resources projects and increased funding. Just some of the ways the community
could be engaged to advance the restoration and management of Alimagnet Park's natural areas are:
o Volunteer events. Not all restoration and management tasks are appropriate for volunteers, and
volunteer events typically require organization, supplies, training, and oversight. Nonetheless,
volunteering is an effective way for the public to learn, appreciate, and take ownership of natural
areas.
o Bioblitz. Typically a 24-hour period when professionals and volunteers document all living species
within a given area, such as a public park.
o Celebration. Much work goes into managing natural areas, and the process can take many years.
For that reason, it is important to pause and celebrate projects — from ribbon -cutting events, to
achieving milestones, celebrations can bring attention to natural areas management and increase
community support for continued or expanded work.
o Interpretive Signage. Ecological restoration and management is a relatively young science, and
much of the public is unfamiliar with the goals and techniques used in natural resource programs.
Signage is a relatively easy and affordable way to help the public learn and appreciate the park's
natural areas, plant communities, wildlife, etc. Signage can also be useful to explain the restoration
and management process, so park users are aware of what is being done and why, as well as the
benefits that come from actively restoring and managing natural areas.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 63
Adams, R. 2016. Pollution sensitivity of near -surface materials: St. Paul, Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, Minnesota Hydrogeology Atlas Series HG-02, report and plate, accessible at:
htt; : ,,,,, ` d . t_ , ,,,, `,,,,,,,, ,` n ,,,,,,, Accessed
I.... file r�ro . t o rs wat r KOUndwat� r � ctlor� rora :��:�qr� ha h D r port 1�df
January 2024).
Arnold, C.L. Jr. and C.J. Gibbons. 1996. Impervious Surface Coverage The Emergence of a Key Environmental
Indicator. Journal of the American Planning Association 62(2):243-258.
Barr Engineering Co. 2018. Surface Water Management Plan 2018-2027. Report prepared for the City of
Apple Valley. https://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/507/2018-Surface-Water-
Management-Plan?bidld= (Accessed February 2024).
Chithra, S.V., Nair, M.V.H., Amarnath, A. and Anjana, N.S. 2015. Impact of Impervious Surfaces on the
Environment. International Journal of Engineering Science Invention, 4, 27-31.
Foth, Henry D (Michigan State University). 1990 (8th Edition). Fundamentals of Soil Science. John Wiley &
Sons, New York, New York.
Marschner, F.J. 1974. The Original Vegetation of Minnesota (map, scale 1:500,000). USDA Forest Service,
North Central Forest Experiment Station, St. Paul, Minnesota (redraft of the original 1930 edition).
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 2023. Natural Heritage Information System
(NHIS)/Biotics data. Accessed under License Agreement 1025.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 2007. Trail planning, design, and development
guidelines. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources —Trails and Waterways. St. Paul, MN.
l ttlJ a �cdU�2 c a aE't a 2.t.Kd h it_MN I rail P1an1nin _'
Devi., r1 Develo qnc ... g..�jjdehrl s.. df Accessed December 2023).
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 2005. Tomorrow's Habitat for the Wild and Rare: An
Action Plan for Minnesota Wildlife. Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources.
htJ as quar..ce n."Y1.a.n.ir.p.....�d��"o�t t.1
..........��...............................................q..f.q...�.....wtomorrows ha
...............................s ....................................................................................................
l jtat toco1,,2..f (Accessed December 2023).
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 2005. Field Guide to the Native Plant Communities of
Minnesota: The Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province. Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota
County Biological Survey, and Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program.
St. Paul, MN.
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 64
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 2004. Minnesota Land Cover Classification System User
Manual, Version 5.4. DNR Central Region, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 1997. Natural Communities and Rare Species of Dakota
County, Minnesota. Map by the Minnesota County Biological Survey.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 2022. Minnesota Stormwater Manual.
tt, s: storrrrvvatero,:�caosta...... r�ors ire xo,:�I otutle :Maury F'a_ Accessed December2023 .
i......................................................................................................i...................................................................................................................................................Y...............i.............................................................................................................'n......... ( )
Mossler, John H. (2013). M-194 Bedrock Geology of the Twin Cities Ten -County Metropolitan Area,
Minnesota. Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy,
.:.:..I:...........?.......'....':..:::..::.....::...........(Accessed December 2023).
Schueler, T. 1994. The Importance of Imperviousness. Watershed Protection Techniques 1(3): 100-111.
Appendix : PIl int Species Recorded ev of Ahmaginet Park
The following plant species were identified at Alimagnet Park for each land Management Unit on October 16,
2023 by Douglas Mensing and Michael Lopez (RES). Note, "Cover Class" numbers correspond to the following
percentages in the below tables: + (0-1%), 1 (1-5%), 2 (5-25%), 3 (25-50%), 4 (50-75%), 5 (75-100%). These
plant lists are a useful reference to common plant species observed within each unit during the relatively short
assessment visits, but are not a comprehensive list of all plant species present.
UNIT 1(SE forest/woodland unit):
Ground Layer (Zero to four feet above ground level) = 3
nation-
ve (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class (%)
Comments
Forbs
Achillea millefolium
Yarrow
+
Ageratina altissima
White snakeroot
1
x
Alliaria petiolate
Garlic mustard
2
x
Arctium minus
Common burdock
1
x
Cirsium arvense
Canada thistle
+
x
Cirsium vulgare
Bull thistle
+
Desmodium glutinosum
Pointed -leaf tick -trefoil
+
Galium cf asprellum
Rough bedstraw
+
Galium boreale
Northern bedstraw
+
Geum cf aleppicum
Yellow avens
+
x
Glechoma hederacea
Ground ivy
+
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 65
Hackelia virginiana
Virginia stickseed
1
Osmorhiza claytonia
Sweet cicely
+
cf Persicaria sp.
unknown knotweed
+
Solidago gigantea
Giant goldenrod
+
cf Symphyotrichum sp.
unknown aster
+
x
Verbascum thapsus
Common mullein
+
Verbena urticifolia
White vervain
+
Graminoids
Carex blanda
Common woodland
sedge
+
Carex pensylvanica
Pennsylvania sedge
1
Vines and Woody Species
Acer negundo
Box elder
1
Juniperus virginiana
Eastern red cedar
+
x
Lonicera sp.
Invasive honeysuckle
1
Parthenocissus inserta
Woodbine
+
Quercus alba
White oak
+
x
Rhamnus cathartica
Common buckthorn
2
Rubus sp.
unknown raspberry
+
x
Vinca minor
Periwinkle
+
Vitis riparia
Riverbank grape
+
Zanthoxylum americanum
Prickly ash
+
Understory or Shrub Layer: Total Percentage of Cover = 4
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Comments
Acer negundo
Box elder
—Class
1
Celtis occidentalis
Hackberry
1
Cornus racemosa
Gray dogwood
+
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Green ash
1
x
Lonicera sp.
Invasive honeysuckle
1
Ostrya virginiana
Ironwood
+
Populus tremuloides
Quaking aspen
1
Prunus serotina
Black cherry
1
Prunus virginiana
Chokecherry
+
x
Rhamnus cathartica
Common buckthorn
4
Ribes cf missouriense
Wild gooseberry
+
Canopy and Sub -canopy Layer: Total Percentage of Cover = 5
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class (%)
Diameter at Breast Height
(larger specimens, in inches):
Betula papyrifera
Paper birch
+
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 66
Celtis occidentalis
Hackberry
+
Froxinus pennsylvanica
Green ash
2
Populus deltoides
Cottonwood
I
Populus tremuloides
Quaking aspen
I
Prunus serotina
Black cherry
I
Quercus alba
White oak
3
Quercus ellipsoidalis
Northern pin oak
2
Quercus macrocarpa
Buroak
+
Quercus rubra
Northern red oak
2
Sorbus decora
Showy mountain -ash
+
Tilia amerl . cana
Ameri an basswood
+
Ulmus americana
American elm
2
UNIT 2 (NE forest/woodland unit):
Ground Layer (Zero to four feet above ground level) 3
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class
N
Comments
Forbs
Ageratina altissima
White snakeroot
+
x
Alliaria petiolata
Garlic mustard
I
x
Arctium minus
Common burdock
+
Bryales
Unknown moss
+
x
Cirsium vulgare
Bull thistle
+
x
Convallaria majolis
European lily -of -the -valley
+
Euphorbia marginato
Snow -on -the -mountain
+
Eutrochium maculaturn
Spotted Joe-pye weed
+
x
Reynoutriojaponica
Japanese knotweed
+
Isolated patch in NE portion of
unit
x
Forfugiumjoponicum
Leopard plant
+
Galium cf asprellum
Rough bedstraw
+
Geranium maculaturn
Wild geranium
+
x
Glechoma hederacea
Groundivy
+
Hackelia virginiona
Virginia stickseed
I
x
Leonurus cardiaca
Motherwort
+
Monardafistuloso
Wild bergamot
+
Osmorhiza claytonic
Sweet cicely
+
Senna hebecarpa
Wild senna
+
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 67
Solidago conadensis
Canada goldenrod
+
Unknown Fern
Unknown fern
+
Graminoids
Bromus cf pubescens
Hairy woodland brome
+
Carex cf blando
Comon woodland sedge
+
Carex cf pensylvanica
Pennsylvania sedge
I
Elymus virginicus
Virginia wild rye
+
Scirpus cyperinus
Woolgrass
+
Vines and Woody Species
Froxinus pennsylvanica
Green ash
+
Prunus virgini'ano
Chokecherry
+
x
Rhamnus cathartica
Common buckthorn
2
Understory or Shrub Layer: Total Percentage of Cover 4
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class
N
Comments
Acernegundo
Box elder
I
Celtis occidentalis
Hackberry
+
x
Lonicera sp.
Invasive honeysuckle
I
x
Rhamnus cathartica
Common buckthorn
3
Vitis riparl'a
I Wild grape
+
Zonthoxylum americanum
I Prickly ash
+
Canopy and Sub -canopy Layer: Total Percentage
of Cover 5
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class
N
Diameter at Breast Height
(larger specimens, in inches):
Acernegundo
Box elder
I
Betula papyrifera
Paper birch
I
Populus tremuloides
Quaking aspen
I
Prunus serotina
Black cherry
I
Quercus alba
White oak
3
Quercus ellipsoidalis
Northern pin oak
2
Quercus macrocarpo
Buroak
I
Quercus rubra
Northen red oak
I
Ulmus americana
American elm
I
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 68
UNIT 3 (SW forest/woodland unit):
Ground Layer (Zero to four feet above ground level) 3
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class
N
Comments
Forbs
x
Arctium minus
Common burdock
+
Desmodium glutinosum
Pointed -leaf tick -trefoil
+
Gallium cf asprellum
Rough bedstraw
+
x
Glechoma hederacea
Groundivy
+
Mcianthemum racemosum
False Solomon's sea]
+
Osmundo claytoniona
Interrupted fern
+
Solidago conadensis
Canada goldenrod
+
cf Symphyotrichum sp.
Aster species
+
Tholictrum dioicum
Early meadow rue
+
x
Torilisjoponica
Japanese hedge parsley
+
Unknown Fern
Unknown fern
+
Graminoids
Carex cf pensylvanica
Pennsylvania sedge
I
Vines and Woody Species
Parthenocissus inserto
Woodbine
+
x
Lonicera sp.
Invasive honeysuckle
+
Quercus alba
White oak
+
Quercus rubra
Northern red oak
+
I
x
Rhamnus cathartica
Common buckthorn
2
Vitis riparic
Riverbank grape
+
Understory or Shrub
Layer: Total Percentage of Cover 3
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class
N
Comments
Cornus racemosa
Gray dogwood
+
x
Lonicera sp.
Invasive honeysuckle
+
Prunus serotina
Black cherry
+
Prunus virginiona
Chokecherry
+
x
Rhamnus cathartica
Common buckthorn
4
Ribes cf missouriense
Missouri gooseberry
+
Rubus allegheniensis
Common blackberry
+
Rubus occidentalis
Black raspberry
+
Viburnum lentago
Nannyberry
I
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 69
Canopy and Sub -canopy Layer: Total Percentage
of Cover
= 5
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class
N
Diameter at Breast Height
(larger specimens, in inches):
Acernegundo
Boxelder
+
Froxinus pennsylvanica
Green ash
I
Prunus serotina
Black cherry
I
Quercus alba
White oak
4
Quercus ellipsoidalis
Northern pin oak
I
Sorbus decora
Showy mountain -ash
1 +
I
Ulmus americana
American elm
I I
I
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 70
UNIT 4 (NW forest/woodland unit):
Ground Layer (Zero to four feet above ground level) 3
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class
N
Comments
Forbs
Achillea millefolium
Yarrow
+
Agrimonic gryposepolo
Tall hairy agrimony
+
Circcea lutetiona
Enchanter's nightshade
+
Desmodium glutinosum
Pointed -leaf tick -trefoil
+
Fragaric virginiona
Wild strawberry
+
Golium cf asprellum
Rough bedstraw
+
Golium boreale
Northern bedstraw
+
Mcianthemum conadense
Canada mayflower
+
Mcianthemum racemosum
False Solomon's seal
+
Solidago conadensis
Canada goldenrod
+
cf Symphyotrichum sp.
Aster species
+
Tholictrum dioicum
Early meadow rue
+
Graminoids
Carex cf blanda
Common woodland
sedge
+
Carex cf pensylvanica
Pennsylvania sedge
+
Vines and Woody Species
x
Frongula alnus
Glossy buckthorn
+
x
Lonicera sp.
Invasive honeysuckle
+
Parthenocissus inserto
Woodbine
+
Prunus serotina
Black cherry
+
Quercus a I ba
White oak
+
x
Rhamnus cathartica
Common buckthorn
2
Rubusidaeus
Red raspberry
+
Vitis riparic
Riverbank grape
+
Understory or Shrub
Layer: Total Percentage of Cover 3
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class
N
Comments
Acernegundo
Boxelder
+
Celtis occidentalis
Hackberry
+
Cornus racemoso
Gray dogwood
I
x
Frongula alnus
Glossy buckthorn
+
x
Lonicera sp.
Invasive honeysuckle
+
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 71.
Ostrya vJ . rgl . nl . ano
Ironwood
I
Prunus serotina
Black cherry
+
Prunus vJ . rgl . nl . ano
Chokecherry
+
x
Rhamnus cathartica
Common buckthorn
3
Rubus allegheniensis
Common blackberry
+
Solix babylonica
Weeping willow
+
Ulmus americana
American elm
+
Viburnum cf dentatum
Arrowhead viburnum
+
Vitis rl'parl'a
Riverbank grape
+
r—zonthoxylum Amerl . canum-7
Prickly ash
+
Canopy and Sub -canopy Layer: Total Percentage
of Cover
5
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class
N
Diameter at Breast Height
(larger specimens, in inches):
Betula papyrifera
Paper birch
I
Froxinus pennsylvanica
Green ash
+
Pinus resinoso
Red pine
2
Pinus strobus
White pine
+
Populus tremuloides
Quaking aspen
+
Quercus alba
White oak
3
Quercus rubra
Northern red oak
I
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 72
native (x) I Scientific Name I Common Name I C ass Cover I Comments
x
x
Alisma trivale
Alliaria petiolate
Arctium minus
Bidens cernua
Cirsium arvense
Galium sp.
Impatiens capensis
Iris sp.
Laportea canadensis
Lycopus uniflorus
Lysimachia nummularia
Lythrum salicaria
Mentha arvensis
Onoclea sensibilis
Persicaria sp.
Persicaria hydropiper
Pilea pumila
Polygonum sp.
Scutellaria lateriflora
Solanum dulcamara
Sonchus arvensis
Sonchus cf asper
Stachys cf palustris
Stellaria media
Symphyotrichum sp.
Thelypteris palustris
Urtica dioica
Verbena hastata
Unknown fern
Calamagrostis canadensis
Carex lacustris
Carex sp.
Carex stricta
Eleocharis palustris
Forbs
Norther water -plantain
Garlic mustard
Lesser burdock
Nodding bur -marigold
Canada thistle
Bedstraw species
Spotted Touch-me-not
Iris species
Canadian wood nettle
Northern bugleweed
Creeping Jenny
Purple loosestrife
Wild mint
Sensitive fern
Smartweed species
Marsh waterpepper
Dwarf clearweed
Knotweed species
Mad -dog skullcap
Bittersweet nightshade
Perennial sowthistle
Spiny sowthistle
Marsh hedge nettle
Common chickweed
Aster species
Northern marsh fern
Stinging nettle
Blue vervain
Unknown fern
Graminoids
Canada bluejoint
Lake sedge
Sedge species
Tussock sedge
Common spikerush
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 73
Eleochoris sp.
Spikerush species
+
Glycerio cf grondis
American manna grass
+
Glycerio sp.
Manna grass species
+
Leersio oryzoides
Rice cutgrass
+
Lemno minor
Common duckweed
2
x
Pholoris orundinoceo
Reed canary grass
3
Schoenoplectus
tobernoemontani
Soft -stem bulrush
+
Scirpus cyperinus
Woolgrass
+
x
Typho ongustifolic
Narrow -leaved cattail
+
Typho lotifolic
Broad -leaf cattail
+
Wolff io sp.
Columbian watermeal
I
Vines and Woody Species
Ulmus omericono
American elm
+
Viburnum lentogo
Nannyberry
I +
Understory or Shrub Layer: Total Percentage of Cover I
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Comments
Cornus rocemoso
Gray dogwood
—Class
+
x
Rhomnus cothortico
Common buckthorn
+
Viburnum lentago
Nannyberry
+
Canopy and Sub -canopy Layer: Total Percentage of Cover = +
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
I Class
Diameter at Breast Height
(larger specimens, in inches):
r— None documented
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 74
UNIT 6 (sedge meadow):
Ground Layer (Zero to four feet above ground level) 5
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
I Class
Comments
Forbs
Bidens cernuo
Nodding bur -marigold
2
Cicuto bulbifera
Bulblet-bearing water
hemlock
+
Lycopus uniflorus
Northern bugleweed
+
x
Lythrum solicaric
Purple loosestrife
+
Persicaric hydropiper
Marsh waterpepper
+
Persicaric sagittato
Arrow -leaved
tearthumb
+
Pilea pumila
Dwarf clearweed
+
Ranuriculus sp.
Buttercup species
+
Scutellaric lateriflora
Mad -dog skullcap
+
Solarium dulcomara
Bittersweet nightshade
+
Graminoids
Carex locustris
Lake sedge
2
Carex sp.
Sedge species
4
Dulichium crundinaceum
Three-way sedge
+
Glyceria sp.
Manna grass species
+
Scirpus cyperinus
Woolgrass
+
Vines and Woody Species
None documented
Understory or Shrub Layer: Total Percentage of Cover +
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class
Comments
Salix discolor
Pussywillow
+
Canopy and Sub -canopy Layer: Total Percentage of Cover = +
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
I Class
Diameter at Breast Height
(larger specimens, in inches):
rNone documented
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 75
UNIT 7 (invasive cattail marsh):
Ground Layer (Zero to four feet above ground level) 5
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
I Class
Comments
Forbs
Bidens cernua
Nodding bur -marigold
I
Epilobium sp.
Willowherb species
+
Laportea canadensis
Canadian wood nettle
I
x
Lythrum salicaria
Purple loosestrife
I
Pilea pumila
Dwarf clearweed
+
Solanum dulcomara
Bittersweet nightshade
+
Thelypteris palustris
Northern marsh fern
+
Graminoids
Carex sp.
Sedge species
+
x
Phalaris crundinacea
Reed canary grass
1
x
Typho angustifolia
Narrow -leaved cattail
5
Vines and Woody Species
None documented
Understory or Shrub Layer: Total Percentage of Cover I
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Comments
Acer saccharin um
Silver maple
—Class
+
Salix discolor
Pussy Willow
+
Safix cf nigra
Black willow
+
Canopy and Sub
-canopy Layer: Total Percentage of Cover = +
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
I Class
Diameter at Breast Height
(larger specimens, in inches):
rNone documented
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 76
native (x) I Scientific Name I Common Name I C ass Cover I Comments
x
x
x
Apocynum cannabinum
Asclepius incarnate
Bidens cernua
Epilobium sp.
Hydrocotyle ranunculoides
Impatiens capensis
Iris sp.
Laportea canadensis
Lemna minor
Lycopus uniflorus
Lythrum salicaria
Onoclea sensibilis
Persicaria sp.
Persicaria cf hydropiper
Persicaria sagittata
Rudbeckia triloba
Rumex crispus
Solidago gigantea
Sonchus cf asper
Thelypteris palustris
Urtica dioica
Verbena hastata
cf Agrostis stolonifera
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis
Carex stricta
Cyperus sp.
Lemna minor
Phalaris arundinacea
Schoenoplectus
tabernaemontani
Scirpus atrovirens
Scirpus cyperinus
Typha latifolia
Forbs
Indian hemp
Swamp milkweed
Nodding bur -marigold
Willowherb species
Floating pennywort
Spotted Touch-me-not
unknown iris
Canadian wood nettle
Common duckweed
Northern bugleweed
Purple loosestrife
Sensitive fern
unknown smartweed
Marsh waterpepper
Arrow -leaved
tearthumb
Brown -eyed Susan
Curly dock
Giant goldenrod
Spiny sowthistle
Northern marsh fern
Stinging nettle
Blue vervain
Graminoids
Creeping bentgrass
River bulrush
Tussock sedge
Flat/Nut sedge species
Common duckweed
Reed canary grass
5
Soft -stem bulrush I +
Dark green bulrush +
Woolgrass +
Broad -leaf cat -tail +
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 77
Wolffic columbiona
Columbian watermeal
I +
Vines and Woody Species
Understory or Shrub Layer: Total Percentage of Cover I
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class
Comments
Cornus racemoso
Gray dogwood
+
Cornus sericea
Red -osier dogwood
+
Froxinus pennsylvanica
Green ash
+
Populus tremuloides
Quaking aspen
+
x
Rhamnus cathartica
Common buckthorn
+
ambucus conadensis
Common Elderberry
+
Viburnum lentago
Nannyberry
+
Canopy and Sub
-canopy Layer: Total Percentage of Cover = +
Non-
native (x)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cover
Class
Diameter at Breast Height
(larger specimens, in inches):
Solix cf nigra
Black willow
+
City of Apple Valley -- Alimagnet Park Natural Resource Management Plan 78
City of Burnsville
N
2/7/2023 - Aerial Deer Survey
Total Deer Counted - 114
Miles
NRM Department "fl'iis snap is for t.,anarsel rePerenr_e only.
Revised Date: 2/8/2023 f)lais
taiic ota l tgal document: send it is fn�ovided without: warranty.
f rd in this Map i, fR)nl a variety of souices, and is dynamic_.
"fhe user acknowledges and accepts these trrrris.
Apple Valley/Eagan/Lebanon Hills Regional Park Deer Count Area
2023 Deer Count
Deer Sighted 2023 (n = 102)
Dakota County Parks
Deer Count Areas
Labels Near Deer Sighted Represent Number of Deer Counted at that Location
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
Miles
C 0 U N T Y
Scale: 1:50,000
0