Ramsey Resident - 2009 - May/June

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Public Notice Got Buckthorn? Buckthorn is an invasive woody plant that has made its way into Ramsey. It is a very aggressive plant that can tolerate shade, full sun, drought and poor soil conditions. Bucl(thorn has the ability to out-com- pete native vegetation for nutrients, light and water and can negatively impact native ecosystems. Its aggres- sive nature degrades habitat for native wildlife, can result in an impenetrable layer of vegetation, reduces species diversity of plants and song birds in forests, and has seeds that remain viable for up to six years. Due to these traits, Bucl(thorn is considered an invasive species and when found, should be removed. There are two species of Bucl(thorn that are considered inva- sive, Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus). Buckthorn grows as a shrub or small tree up to heights of twenty-five feet and produces black berries that ripen in August and September. Bucl(thorn can often be identified easily in the fall as it typi- cally retains its leaves long after most plants have shed theirs. There are several control options available including pulling by hand (smaller plants up to roughly 3/8 of an inch), using a hand tool, such as a "Weed Wrench", to pull larger plants (up to about two inches in diameter), or cutting and chemi- cally treating the stumps of Bucl(thorn greater than two inches in diameter (always follow product instructions for mixing and applying any type of herbicide) . "Weed Wrenches" are now available for the public to check out to assist with managing and eradicating Buckthorn. The tool can be checked out for a weel( at a time and does re- quire a $25 deposit to ensure that it is returned clean and in worl(ing condi- tion. Further details are available on the city's website at www.ci.ramsey. mn. us/ departments/ Community / envi- ro.asp or by contacting Chris Ander- son, Environmental Coordinator at 763-433-9905. Please help us combat this invasive plant! It's Safety Camp time! ATTENTION all parents of second and third graders! Getting a little tired of the tricks that Mother Nature played this winter? It's time to start thinking about summer fun and mal(ing plans for your kids! The Ramsey Kid's Safety Camp is a great place to start the summer out safely. The 7th annual Ramsey Kids Safety Camp will be held on June 17-18. Camp is limited to 144 children and will be filled on a first come basis. Priority registration is given to Ramsey res- idents and first time attendees. A registration fee of $30 includes activities, supplies, snacks and lunches, bil(e helmet, t-shirt, hat, family barbeque, and awards ceremony. Limited scholarships are available. Registration forms are available at the Ramsey Mu- nicipal Center located at 7550 Sunwood Dr NW, or on the web at: www.ci.ramsey.mn.us/community_events.asp. or by calling Kristin Reider, Ramsey Police Department, at 763-576-4304. 1\8. ppy d ~~.o~.~. ~.~r ~ Of P...!:m:Qry ~ Attention all Ramsey Residents: Water conservation tips are now available at www.ci.ramsey.mn.us on the public works page The energy it takes to recycle IS nothing compared to the energy it saves. () ~ If it seems like too much effort to recycle, consider this: manufacturing new plastic consumes 8% of the world's oil production. And recycling a single plastic bottle conserves enough energy to run a 60 watt light bulb for 6 hours or power a television long enough to see your favorite show. Every RETHINK RECYCLING bottle counts. Recycle more. It matters more than you think. Learn Inore at (~reen(~uardian.coln or contact your local conllnunity recycling progral11 CITY OF RAMSEY () RECYCLES CALL 763-433-9905 www.ci.ramsey.mn.us lOt" Annual Hclppy D l:1.y 5. festivn\ Sep1'ember 13, 2008 Ramsey Town Centel" Thi s Space Reserved for Yo ulr Busi ness[ [k'om~ a Happy Doy$ Sponsor TodtlY Hi::lp U:s Ftgodi Our Goal of $20 I 0001 Call 763- 576 -4.308 or email ha:ppydayS@d.rlltn:sey.mn.us fortnore info, www.ci.ramsey.mn.us 9